Centre for Research in Sustainability
December 26, 2023 2024-11-24 15:04Centre for Research in Sustainability
Centre for Research in Sustainability
About the Centre
Mission
Vision
Core Values
CRS Staff
Research Focus
Collaboration and Partnerships
Driven for Sustainability and Social Impact in Upper Egypt
Centre for Research and Sustainability (CRS) is an applied research entity and think-tank dedicated to tackling social and sustainability challenges and advancing knowledge production in Upper Egypt.
Mission-Driven Research: The CRS prioritizes applied research that addresses real-world issues. Its mission outlines its dedication to supporting Egypt’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, analyzing educational curricula to align with market needs, and overcoming entry-to-labor market obstacles faced by graduates and professionals. Additionally, the Centre aims to provide underserved areas with vital healthcare and social services and establish a multidisciplinary medical research group to tackle regional healthcare challenges.
Vision for a Sustainable Future: The CRS envisions leveraging the socio-scientific environment of Upper Egypt to contribute to national and global sustainability efforts. This vision emphasizes empowering women and serving the aspirations of other vulnerable groups within the region.
High-Quality Research for Social Transformation: The CRS prioritizes conducting high-quality research that drives positive change within the social and scientific landscape of Upper Egypt. Upholding rigorous research standards ensures the Centre’s findings have a tangible impact.
Collaborative Research Focus: The CRS fosters a collaborative research environment where students and researchers can engage in problem-solving and knowledge sharing. Currently, the Centre focuses its research efforts on three key axes:
- Sustainable Healthcare Awareness: Promoting awareness and accessibility of sustainable healthcare practices within Upper Egyptian communities.
- Transformation into a Green Society: Encouraging and facilitating the transition towards a more environmentally sustainable society in the region.
- Shifting Mindsets Towards Sustainability: Cultivating a culture of sustainability within Upper Egypt through education and outreach programs.
Strengthening Research Through Collaboration: The CRS actively collaborates with various organizations, including universities, financial institutions, and foundations. Partnerships with entities like the Supreme Council of Universities, the Egyptian Banking Institute, the Arab Academy for Banking and Financial Sciences, Nahdat Misr Foundation, and The American University in Cairo (through professional training programs) strengthen the Centre’s research efforts and broaden its outreach.
- Dr. Irene Atef Fawzy
Vice President for Societal and Environmental Affairs.
Professor of Forensic Medicine & Clinical Toxicology at the Faculty of Medicine, Minya University, Dr. Irene is currently serving as the Vice President for Societal and International Affairs at Deraya University. She is a member of the Scientific Committee (fourteenth rotation, 2022-2025) at the Supreme Council of Universities, Ministry of Higher Education, Egypt, responsible for promoting university staff members to the positions of professors and assistant professors in Forensic Medicine & Toxicology. Additionally, she is the head of the Safe Woman Unit at Deraya University.
Dr. Irene obtained her MBBCH degree in December 1993 from Minya University, followed by a master’s degree in Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology in June 1998, and an MD degree in December 2002. She was appointed as an assistant professor in 2007 and became a full professor in 2012. She has published numerous articles in Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology. Her work and research interests include identifying, and estimating the time since death, and preventing and treating various poisoning substances. Dr. Irene has also supervised and discussed numerous forensic science and toxicology theses.
- Dr. Marco ZAKI
Chairperson and Senior Advisor of the Centre for Research and Sustainability (CRS).
He concurrently holds an appointment as Assistant Professor of Biochemistry, specializing in liver cancer biology. Dr. Zaki boasts a distinguished academic background. He obtained a Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences from Minia University, Egypt (2009). Subsequently, he embarked on a Master of Science degree in Biochemistry, which included intensive laboratory training at the esteemed School of Medicine at Bonn University, Germany. He successfully conferred his Master’s degree from Minia University in 2014. Dr. Zaki further pursued his academic endeavors at Newcastle University, England, where he earned his Doctor of Philosophy degree. Dr. Zaki’s primary research interest lies within the burgeoning field of personalized medicine for Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most prevalent form of liver cancer.
His research thrust centers on elucidating the biological dissimilarities between HCC subtypes to pave the way for the development of targeted therapeutic interventions tailored to specific patient groups. Notably, his research delves into the tumor stroma, the supportive tissue encompassing cancer cells. Dr. Zaki’s research group endeavors to identify and target specific drivers within the stroma that contribute to HCC initiation and progression. This innovative approach has the potential to significantly improve the efficacy of existing HCC therapies and open doors for the development of more personalized treatment options. Dr. Zaki’s collaborative efforts with Newcastle University experts, Cancer Research UK, and MedImmune Alliance yielded a promising diagnostic/therapeutic antibody for liver cancer. This breakthrough has the potential to significantly improve life expectancy for a substantial portion of liver cancer patients. Notably, Dr. Zaki’s achievements in liver cancer research earned him the distinction of being the first Egyptian recipient of the Newton Prize in 2020.
- Dr. Nourhan SHADY
Deputy Chairperson of the Centre for Research and Sustainability (CRS).
Dr. Shady serves as the Deputy Director of the Centre for Research and Sustainability (CRS). She is also an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pharmacognosy at Deraya University in Egypt DUE. She has been appointed as the Director of the Safe Women Unit at DUE due to her strong advocacy for women’s rights and her proven track record in addressing women’s issues. Dr. Shady boasts a distinguished academic background, earning her Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, and Doctor of Philosophy degrees from Minia University. Her research focuses on natural products and their potential applications in healthcare. Dr. Shady has published an impressive total of 30 publications in esteemed journals, covering the areas of Microbiology and Natural Products Chemistry, with research interests ranging from investigating the antimicrobial properties of various plants against antibiotic-resistant bacteria to exploring the anti-viral potential of natural compounds for treating HPV and plantar warts.
Additionally, her research delves into the cytotoxic effects of plants, marine sponges-derived metabolites, and the potential of natural extracts for treating epilepsy and infections. Dr. Shady’s dedication to community service and her commitment to achieving sustainable development goals in the healthcare sector are evident in her role as the Senior Supervisor of the Fighters of Cancer (FOC) student club at DUE. This student activity works to raise awareness within the community about the importance of early detection of lung and breast cancer. Dr. Shady leads initiatives for early detection and awareness campaigns in Upper Egypt, targeting schools, social clubs, and areas most in need. She also encourages teamwork among young people to volunteer for social services to help combat poverty and disease in their communities. All of Dr. Shady’s efforts align with Egypt’s Vision 2030 for sustainable development. Dr. Shady’s expertise in natural product research and her commitment to women’s health make her an asset to the CRS leadership team.
- Dr. Sally MOHSEN
Executive Director at the Centre for Research and Sustainability (CRS).
Dr. Mohsen is a scholar with a background in economics, sustainability, and project management. Her current appointment is at the Deraya University Executive Education Sector as the Executive Director and a Scholar at the Centre for Research and Sustainability (CRS) where she focuses on social and economic development challenges in Upper Egypt. Dr. Mohsen holds a Ph.D. in Economics (Project Management) from Cairo University. She also has a Master’s degree in Economics from the National Institute of Planning in Egypt and a Bachelor’s degree in Tourism from the Faculty of Tourism-Minia in Egypt.
Dr. Mohsen’s prior experience includes working as the Founding Director of the Deraya Academy for Continuing Education and as a Human Resources Senior Officer. In her role at the Deraya Academy, she was responsible for all aspects of the academy, including curriculum development, instructor recruitment, marketing, and financial management. Dr. Mohsen’s research experience includes working as a Teaching Assistant at the School of Business Administration at Deraya University. Dr. Mohsen’s research focus aligns with the mission of the CRS to support Egypt’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. Her areas of interest include poverty alleviation, job creation, and environmental sustainability.
- Mazhar ELSHORBAGI, PhD
Advisor at the Centre for Research and Sustainability (CRS).
Dr. Elshorbagi is an Assistant Professor of Philosophical and Critical Thinking and Humanities at Deraya University in Egypt DUE and a dedicated Advisor at the Centre for Research and Sustainability (CRS). He serves as the University’s International Cooperation Office Focal Point and is the current Chairholder of the Boutros Boutros-Ghali Chair for Sustainable Peace. Previously, he was a visiting scholar of the American Politics Development Program at the University of Massachusetts, USA. Beyond his academic roles, Dr. Elshorbagi is committed to fostering personal and intellectual growth within the university community. He offers invaluable counseling to students and faculty, empowering them to expand their perspectives and embrace new possibilities.
Recognized for his exceptional contributions, he has been honored with the Best Faculty Member Award for two consecutive years. A recent highlight in Dr. Elshorbagi’s career was serving on the interview panel for the U.S. Department of State’s cultural exchange program. Selecting the most promising candidates for this life-changing opportunity ignited a profound sense of hope for Egypt’s future. Inspired by the words of William Arthur Ward, “If you can imagine it, you can achieve it. If you can dream it, you can become it,” Dr. Elshorbagi firmly believes in the boundless potential of the Egyptian people. He is a passionate advocate for turning aspirations into reality and dreams into accomplishments.
- Dr. Yasmin HAMDY
Scholar at the Centre for Research and Sustainability (CRS).
Dr. Hamdy obtained a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy with distinction from Deraya University in Egypt DUE. She pursued her postgraduate studies in Medicines Development at King’s College London. She works as a Peace and SDGs Scholar at the Boutros-Ghali Chair for Sustainable Peace and as a non-resident Fellow at the Arms Control Negotiation Academy (ACONA). Also, she is the Founder of the first-ever Women/Youth Friendly Clinic for Human Trafficking Victims (Mend Clinic) that provides medical, psychological, and legal counseling to refugees in Upper Egypt. Previously, she served as a Reviewer at the Oxford COVID-19 Government Response Tracker at the University of Oxford. She is the Co-Author of the Child-Friendly Text of the Child-Friendly Text of the UN Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women, and Children (Palermo Protocol) and the Child-Friendly Text of the Paris Agreement.
She delivered various consultations as a Youth Representative for IOM’s Continental Youth Consultation and Strengthening African Youth Voices on Human Mobility in the Context of Climate Change and contributed to the IOM’s Youth Key Messages to the Technical Conference of States for the Continental Expansion of KDMECC-AFRICA. She was involved as a Delegate for the Global Centre for Climate Mobility at COP28 and as a UNFCCC Secretariat at COP27. She is a Young Women Peacebuilder at UN Women and a Trainee at the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs and the Government of Japan’s Youth Leader Fund for a World without Nuclear Weapons Programme. She was awarded as a UNHCR Young Champion for Refugees by The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR).
- Dr. Aliaa GAMAL
Scholar at the Centre for Research and Sustainability (CRS).
Dr. Gamal is a registered pharmacist and a Teaching Assistant in the Department of Clinical Pharmacy at Deraya University in Egypt DUE. Dr. Gamal exemplifies a commitment to lifelong learning and academic excellence. Her journey of community engagement began as an undergraduate student at DUE, where she was an active member of a student club known as Happiness Makers. Demonstrating exceptional leadership skills, she rose to become the HR Supervisor for the largest community initiative spearheaded by Happiness Makers. Today, Dr. Gamal co-leads Happiness Makers alongside Dr. Hesham Abdel Nasser. Under their guidance, the club has grown into one of the largest community organizations in Upper Egypt. Dr. Gamal’s leadership acumen, coupled with her expertise in recruitment, training, and staff development, has been instrumental in fostering a motivated and cohesive team. In addition to her role in Happiness Makers, Dr. Gamal coordinates the Enactus Chapter at DUE, a student organization focused on entrepreneurial action for social good, preparing the team for the Enactus World Competition. Her contributions to DUE extend beyond community organization.
She played a pivotal role in hosting the first HULT Prize event at the university and served as Chairperson of the Egyptian Pharmaceutical Students’ Federation (EPSF). As a medical writer at Marvel, an AACME-accredited entity, Dr. Gamal is recognized for her exceptional writing skills and contributions to medical literature. Her involvement with the MARS research hub further underscores her commitment to advancing scientific knowledge. She has hosted several medical conferences, including the first international Physiotherapy Lymphedema Conference in Egypt in April 2024. Dr. Gamal’s dedication to volunteerism and non-profit organizations highlights her desire to make a meaningful impact. Her leadership, educational expertise, and unwavering commitment to helping others reach their full potential make her a remarkable role model for aspiring scholars and community leaders. Through her multifaceted contributions to pharmacy, education, and community service, Dr. Aliaa Gamal embodies the spirit of the Deraya University Centre for Research and Sustainability.
CRS creates a setting where students and researchers would always look forward to attending and always want to bring challenges to share, resolve, and learn from. Currently, CRS is working on the following axes:
- Sustainable Health Care Awareness.
Transformation into a Green Society.
Upturning the mindsets in the area of Upper Egypt towards sustainability.
- The supreme council of universities.
- The Egyptian Banking Institute.
- Arab Academy for Banking and Financial Sciences.
- Nahdat Misr Foundation.
- The American University in Cairo (through implementing some professional training programs).
The university is committed to actively participating in the formulation and implementation of policies aimed at eradicating poverty in all its dimensions. This includes collaboration with local, regional, national, and international entities. The university should adopt programs focusing on community education and vocational training for the most vulnerable groups, encourage social entrepreneurship, enhance food security, and launch community awareness initiatives.
Deraya University, New Minia
Hotline: 16283
Fax: 086-2110032
sustainability.center@deraya.edu.eg
