Majid Jafar Joins Oxford-Harrington Rare Disease Centre Advisory Council

The Oxford-Harrington Rare Disease Centre (OHC)—a joint initiative between the University of Oxford and the Harrington Discovery Institute at University Hospitals in Cleveland, Ohio—has announced the appointment of Mr. Majid Jafar to its prestigious Advisory Council. The Centre is dedicated to accelerating breakthroughs in the treatment of rare diseases.

Global Leadership Supporting a Bold Mission

Chaired by former UK Prime Minister David Cameron, the OHC Advisory Council brings together influential leaders from around the world. Its mission is to support the development of 40 new treatments for rare diseases over the next decade—offering hope to nearly 500 million patients worldwide. Council members contribute their expertise, networks, and resources across industries and regions to help meet this ambitious goal.

First Middle East Representative Joins the Council

Mr. Majid Jafar, Vice-Chairman of the Crescent Group and CEO of Crescent Petroleum based in the United Arab Emirates, becomes the first Council member representing the GCC and broader Middle East. His appointment is particularly significant given the region’s 30 million individuals affected by rare diseases.

A Champion for Rare Disease Advocacy and Philanthropy

A leading global advocate for healthcare innovation, Mr. Jafar has long championed causes in education and medical research. He and his wife, Lynn, co-founded the Loulou Foundation—a non-profit focused on CDKL5 Deficiency Disorder (CDD), a rare neurological condition that affects their daughter, Alia. The foundation has funded more than 60 scientific projects across 45 institutions worldwide, driving forward much-needed research into rare neurogenetic disorders.

Commitment to Global Health and Scientific Advancement

Mr. Jafar holds several prominent roles in global health and research institutions. He serves on the Board of Fellows of Harvard Medical School, where he co-chairs the Discovery Council. He is also a member of the University of Pennsylvania’s Academy, the Global Precision Medicine Council at the World Economic Forum, and co-chairs the capital campaign for Cambridge Children’s Hospital in the UK.

David Cameron, Chair of the OHC’s Advisory Council, said: “We are delighted to welcome Majid to the OHC Advisory Council. His extensive experience within the business and investment communities and in policy engagement - alongside his philanthropic efforts in education and healthcare - make him an invaluable addition to our team. Furthermore, as a parent of a child with a rare disease, Majid has a deep empathy with families in similar situations as they seek a diagnosis and treatment. We look forward to his contribution to the Council and to his support of the OHC as it continues its groundbreaking work in rare disease research and development of new treatments for patients worldwide.”

Majid Jafar commented: “I am honoured to join the Oxford-Harrington Rare Disease Centre Advisory Council. Supporting the development of innovative treatments for rare diseases is a cause close to my heart with my family’s own experience deeply shaping my commitment to delivering urgently needed treatments to rare disease patients. I look forward to helping advance the OHC’s mission by fostering key partnerships in new regions and sourcing philanthropic investment that can accelerate progress for the many patients in need.”

Matthew Wood, Director and Chief Scientific Officer of the OHC, added: “Majid brings a unique perspective to our Advisory Council, with his strong leadership background and dedication to advancing healthcare. His commitment to social impact, coupled with his ability to expand the OHC’s reach into new regions, will be instrumental as we work towards delivering rare disease drugs in the coming years. We are thrilled to have him on board and look forward to his contributions to our mission.”

Joining a Council of Esteemed Experts

In his new role, Mr. Jafar joins a distinguished group of thought leaders including:

> Lord David Cameron, Chair of the OHC Advisory Council and former UK Prime Minister

> Professor Sir John Bell, President of the Ellison Institute of Technology Oxford

> Baroness Nicola Blackwood, Chair of Genomics England and Oxford University Innovation

> John F. Crowley, President & CEO of the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO)

> Ronald G. Harrington, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and co-founder of the Harrington Discovery Institute

> Dr. Jonathan S. Stamler, President and co-founder of the Harrington Discovery Institute

Together, this global team will guide the OHC in its mission to transform the landscape of rare disease treatment through groundbreaking science and strategic collaboration.