As international research centers intensify their efforts to explore brain disorders, Professor Mohamed Salama emerges as a pivotal figure in Egypt and the broader Arab world, striving to connect laboratory findings with clinical applications. Serving simultaneously as a professor at the Institute of Global Health and Human Ecology at the American University in Cairo and the Faculty of Medicine at Mansoura University, Salama is spearheading a significant evolution in Egypt”s approach to neurodegenerative diseases.
He established Egypt”s inaugural Translational Neuroscience Unit and played a crucial role in founding the Egyptian Network for Neurodegenerative Disorders (ENND). This national initiative, driven by local leadership, is dedicated to gathering and analyzing patient data to investigate genetics and biomarkers. Additionally, Salama co-leads AL-SEHA, Egypt”s first longitudinal study focused on healthy aging, aimed at addressing vital data deficiencies related to cognition and non-communicable diseases.
As an Atlantic Fellow for Equity in Brain Health at the Global Brain Health Institute, Salama advocates for a holistic perspective that intertwines brain science with societal and health policy considerations. He is also at the helm of the African Brain Health Institute Fellowship Programme, a collaboration between AUC and Aga Khan University in Kenya, set to commence in 2026 as a pioneering effort on the African continent.
In a recent discussion, Salama shared insights about his journey, his vision for translational neuroscience, the hurdles of conducting research in Egypt, and the potential of science to enhance quality of life and foster healthier communities. He explained that his shift from toxicology and clinical medicine to translational neuroscience was largely serendipitous. Initially, while the Faculty of Medicine was establishing the Centre for Experimental Research, he participated in a competition for innovative research proposals that focused on experimental rather than traditional medical research.
Salama”s successful proposal to model Parkinson”s disease using toxins became his entry point into experimental work. After receiving a scholarship from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), he collaborated with Dr. Günter Klingler in Germany, who was known for his work on experimental Parkinson”s models. This collaboration introduced Salama to the concept of translational medicine, which integrates clinical insights into laboratory research and vice versa.
Upon his return to Egypt, Salama recognized the absence of translational neuroscience and decided to create it. He emphasized that this field serves as a bridge between laboratory research and clinical needs, ensuring that experiments directly address patient and physician requirements.
Salama also discussed the ethical dimensions of research, highlighting his commitment to ethical standards in scientific practice. He teaches a course on bioethics and stresses that ethical guidelines are fundamental to research integrity. His approach includes a staged process for translational research that prioritizes safety and ethical considerations.
Establishing Egypt”s first Translational Neuroscience Unit required substantial funding, thorough research questions rooted in real-world issues, and a clear focus on specialization. He advocates for effective team management, recognizing the diverse skills and preferences of team members. Salama prioritizes delegation, enabling individuals to excel in their respective areas of expertise.
The Egyptian Genome Project, which aims to create a genetic reference for precision medicine in Egypt, is another significant milestone in Salama”s work. This project will enhance understanding of genetic factors associated with prevalent diseases in Egypt and contribute to the development of a modern healthcare system.
In discussing the future of research in Africa, Salama envisions a landscape where scientific research meets global standards, supported by the necessary infrastructure and capacity to sustain growth and innovation. He remains optimistic about the potential for transformative change, underlining the importance of persistence and vision in scientific endeavors.
