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About Us

A program built by students,
for student researchers.

ONCORE — Oncology Collaboration for Research & Excellence — is a structured research-matching program designed to bridge motivated Alfaisal medical students with leading oncology specialists at the King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre's Centre of Excellence in Oncology.

4
Core
Disciplines
25%
of KSA cancer
cases at KFSHRC
2nd
in Middle East
(Newsweek)
Our Mission

Bridging students with oncology specialists.

Our program facilitates meaningful, early engagement in oncology research by directly aligning student interests and competencies with ongoing clinical and academic projects at one of the leading cancer centres in the Middle East.

Our Vision

An accessible pathway into research for every student.

We aim to make research feasible and approachable for students at Alfaisal University, while strengthening the institution's academic presence and contribution within the field of oncology — building the next generation of clinician-researchers.

Our Story

Started by students who wanted a way in.

"Getting into oncology research as a medical student shouldn't depend on who you happen to know."

ONCORE began with a simple observation: motivated students often had no clear, structured route into meaningful oncology research — while faculty at KFSHRC had projects in need of dedicated, capable hands. The link between the two was informal, inconsistent, and easy to miss.

So we built the bridge. ONCORE turns that informal scramble into a transparent, merit-based process — faculty post real projects, students apply with a single profile, and a structured matching process pairs the right people together. No cold emails, no guesswork.

Today, ONCORE operates as a student-led initiative in partnership with the King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre's Centre of Excellence in Oncology, with the goal of making research a normal, accessible part of every Alfaisal medical student's journey.

Our Team

Oncology Collaboration for Research & Excellence.

Faculty
Alfaisal University
Dr. Akef Obeidat
Dr. Akef Obeidat
Vice Dean, Quality Assurance & Accreditation
KFSHRC
Alfaisal University
Prof. Khaled AlKattan
Prof. Khaled AlKattan
Dean, College of Medicine · VP Finance & Administration
KFSHRC
Prof. Anders Mellgren
Prof. Anders Mellgren
Executive Director, Cancer Centre of Excellence, KFSHRC
KFSHRC
Dr. Ali Alqahtani
Dr. Ali Alqahtani
Adult Oncology Consultant at KFSH
Advisors
Student Team
Siyaan Qureshi
Siyaan Qureshi
Director of Research Training & Workshops
Farooqa Junaid
Farooqa Junaid
Co-Founder · ONCORE Director
Malek Handoumeh
Malek Handoumeh
Founder
Zainab Ghazi
Zainab Ghazi
Co-Founder · ONCORE Director
Aliaa Abdelmeguid
Aliaa Abdelmeguid
Director of Student Research
What Members Get

Built to grow clinician-researchers.

Joining ONCORE isn't just a project placement — it's a structured experience designed to build real research skills and lasting academic output.

Research workshops

Structured training in methodology, critical appraisal, and scientific writing — led by experienced students and professionals.

Faculty mentorship

Direct guidance from oncology consultants and research teams at KFSHRC throughout the project.

Authorship opportunities

Meaningful contribution toward publications, posters, and conference presentations that strengthen your profile.

A research network

Become part of a growing community of students and clinicians advancing cancer research in the Kingdom.

Our Four Core Disciplines

Operating across oncology's frontline.

ONCORE operates across four core oncology disciplines at KFSHRC. Each placement is tailored to the specific needs of the department.

01 / FOUR

Medical Oncology

Chemotherapy protocols, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and clinical trial outcomes.

02 / FOUR

Radiation Oncology

Treatment planning, outcomes research, advanced techniques like SBRT and IMRT.

03 / FOUR

Hematology-Oncology

Leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, transplant outcomes, and translational research.

04 / FOUR

Palliative Care

Quality of life research, symptom management, advance care planning, and patient outcomes.

A Strategic Partnership

Backed by world-class institutions in Riyadh.

KFSHRC
KFSHRC
Centre of Excellence in Oncology
Alfaisal University
Alfaisal University
College of Medicine, Riyadh

ONCORE operates under a unique partnership between Alfaisal University's College of Medicine and the King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre — ranked 2nd in the Middle East by Newsweek and treating approximately 25% of Saudi Arabia's cancer cases annually.

This collaboration ensures every research placement happens at a Centre of Excellence — with mentorship from leading oncologists and exposure to cutting-edge clinical work.

Want to be part of ONCORE?

Whether as a student member or a research mentor, we're always growing. Apply today or reach out to learn more.

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