HRH Princess Dr. Nisreen Bint Prince El-Sharif Mohammed Bin King Faisal (I) Bin ElSharif Hussein El-Hashemite’s origins combine history, religion, politics and education, since she is from the Hashemite Family; the holiest family among the Arab World and a direct descendent of the Prophet of Islam, Mohammed (S).
“I always want to establish my own legacy: a Legacy that is a bit far from my title, my family history and politics, a Legacy that is based on my achievements and serving humanity”.
Princess Nisreen is the granddaughter of King Faisal (I) Bin El-Sharif Hussein, the first King of Iraq and founder of the Modern State of Iraq, where the Iraqi Nation with all of its diversified ethnic origins and religions for the first time, in its history became united under the King’s leadership and his commitment to democratic values, implemented through education, tolerance, mutual respect, and upholding good relations between neighboring and other international countries.
“I want to be a doctor so I will be able to draw a smile on people’s faces”.
Following in the steps of her ancestors, and vowing to preserve the traditions of her family; Princess Dr. Nisreen not only dedicated herself to serving mankind, but also is the first Royal Princess qualified in science and medicine, with a Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences, Master of Science, Medical Doctorate (MD) and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Human Genetics. Dr. Nisreen is an internationally recognized scientist and scholar, a winner of awards in the fields of science, arts, literature, and humanitarian affairs; and an author of several scientific papers, studies and books. Her career started in 1995 at University of London hospitals and Institutes where she developed a preventive technique known as Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnosis of single gene disorders that is now in use as a preventive procedure in more than 100 centers worldwide. She further helped raise public and political awareness of genetic disorders, its causes and socialeconomic value of prevention programs.
She continued her career at Brigham and Women’s Hospital – Harvard Medical School, where conducted research on sex (biological) differences in tuberous sclerosis related cancers, which will lead to new therapeutic strategies and early detection of major types of cancer through accurate blood tests. In 2007, Princess Nisreen left her scientific career at Harvard Medical School, to which she was very committed, to devote herself to serving socio-economic sustainable development in the world, throughout the programs of Royal Academy of Science International Trust (RASIT) as its Executive Director. Princess Nisreen’s experience in Science and Innovation, vision and leadership led to a great development in RAST’s work, partners and affiliates into an international platform for catered socio-economic development programs that would answer the specialized needs of countries and regions.
Since 2009, Princess Nisreen great efforts on Science, technology and innovation (STI) as the key drivers of economic and social development, led to creating international declarations and resolutions, as well as national policies that are well integrated into development strategies, addressing specific features of innovation in developing countries, and creating public-private partnership. Her fingerprints on shaping the future of sustainable economic growth through mobilizing science, technology and innovation is quite visible and recognized worldwide.
Every February 11, we celebrate the achievements of women, known and unknown, remembered and forgotten, who have forged the way for those of us in science today. In addition to many achievements at the International arena, in 2015 The Science Princess, as known worldwide, HRH Dr. Nisreen is the first academic professional and CEO of an NGO credited with creating a UN International Day. From drafting and introducing the resolution to a successful lobbying, the UN has designated February 11 as “International Day of Women and Girls in Science”. Science is the Solution for Sustainable Development.. To bridge the world through peace, prosperity and sustainable development, the World needs Science and Diplomacy. Women Scientist in Diplomacy are the Near Future Leaders of the World Sustainable Development Agenda.
In 2016, Princess Dr El-Hashemite founded an international campaign for “Science in Diplomacy”, followed by a movement of “Women in Science in Diplomacy”, which has led to the appointment of more women in science in diplomatic and senior governmental positions. I always believe that Humanitarian work is not only that kind of giving tangible items in emergencies, but giving knowledge, transfer of technology, developing education and health systems, creating equal opportunities for all regardless of ethnicity, religion or background… Real Humanitarian work is to give unconditionally. Dr. Nisreen’s humanitarian journey began at the age of 14, when her mother asked for her help and support with underprivileged children. Since then, she has worked to support elderly and disabled people, widows and orphanages, and refugees.
As the Founder President of Jeans 4 Genes International, she seeks to improve the life of people with genetic disorders and raising funds to support scientific research. El-Hashemite has also worked closely with the United Nations and its entities on achieving the Millennium Development Goals and the Sustainable Development Goals. She established the World Women’s Health and Development Forum as a Center of Excellence to improve women’s health. Princess El-Hashemite is the founder of the Women in Science International League. Princess El-Hashemite is also co-founded the Culture for Peace Program, which aims to create peace and tolerance between nations, societies and communities through art, music, and lectures. She is the first artist to use Arabic / Turkish coffee for paintings, donating the proceeds from her “Wonders of Coffee” collection to children and women charities. She is founder of the Science Café Program as well as the Children’s Science Café.
Dr. Nisreen also established MUTE International Program, to promote, protect and ensure equal human rights for the deaf and hearing-impaired. In 1998, Princess El-Hashemite organized and chaired the RASIT-UNESCO Conference: The First International Congress of University Students, which led to the United Nations resolution observing August 12 as the International Youth Day. Since 2009, she has created, established and supported several youth programs including: The Generations in Dialogue Program, ENWAN Arab Youth Empowerment Programs, campaigns to renounce sectarianism and radicalization, to create synchronization, harmony and reconciliation in societies and communities.
Dr. El-Hashemite devotes time to mentor and empower youth and girls in science. She always have time to visit schools and uses her titles as a Princess and a doctor to attract the attention of children and encourage them, mainly girls, to choose science as a career. My wings made me fly over mountains and seas, without the need to cross borders and obtain visas, I am flying everywhere, to whomever is in need. The Courage I have is to make a change, to be the heal from wounds. Yes, I am against the norm that others are doing, they have no courage to do anything. I believe that I am courageous enough to accomplish a lot before reaching 50!
