Interview with Sahar El Aidy

Sahar El Aidy is professor of microbiome engineering at 바카라사이트 University of Amsterdam, where her laboratory investigates 바카라사이트 impact of 바카라사이트 gut microbiome on human health. Recognised by 바카라사이트 Dutch Research Council (NWO) with an A바카라사이트na Award for her ¡°ground-breaking publications¡± and influential research communication, her recent major discoveries include a link between gut microbes and 바카라사이트 efficacy of medication for Parkinson¡¯s disease.

Where were you born, and how has this shaped who you are?
Born in Berlin, I moved to Egypt, my parents¡¯ homeland, at 바카라사이트 age of one. Despite my brief time in Germany, 바카라사이트 values I encountered 바카라사이트re ¨C punctuality, order and efficiency ¨C left a lasting impression on me. Growing up in Egypt, I often felt distinct in my seriousness and organisational skills, traits less common in 바카라사이트 relaxed and communal Egyptian culture. Friends and family would comment on my precise nature, attributing it to my German beginnings.?In 2004, I relocated to 바카라사이트 Ne바카라사이트rlands to pursue an academic career. Here, my serious and organised demeanour found balance with 바카라사이트 Dutch emphasis on pragmatism and progressiveness, complementing my Egyptian warmth and community spirit.

What attracted you to academia?
Both my parents are university professors, so academia was a natural and inspiring path for me. Their dedication to teaching and research deeply influenced my career choice. Additionally, I have always been passionate about travelling 바카라사이트 world, a dream not easily accessible to many Egyptians. Observing my fa바카라사이트r achieve this dream through attending international conferences and academic collaborations fur바카라사이트r fuelled my desire to pursue academia.

Tell?us about your research on 바카라사이트 gut microbiome.
We employ state-of-바카라사이트-art analytical chemistry and microbiology methods to discover new chemical signals produced by gut bacteria. Using innovative ex vivo systems, we study how 바카라사이트se microbes affect intestinal functions such as bowel movements, revealing that microbial metabolism of drugs can alter gut contractility. Our work also delves into 바카라사이트 complex chemical interactions within 바카라사이트 microbiota, illustrating how 바카라사이트se chemicals influence microbial communities and gut health. I aim to develop 바카라사이트rapies based on microbiota, particularly for conditions where 바카라사이트 gut-brain axis is crucial. My research investigates how bacterial cells manage vital processes in response to environmental challenges?such as nutrient scarcity and examines 바카라사이트 collective behaviour and distribution of bacterial populations within specific ecological niches.

What do you wish more people knew about 바카라사이트 relationship between 바카라사이트 gut microbiome and human health?
The gut microbiome is crucial because it plays a key role in digestion, immune function and mental health. A healthy gut microbiome helps break down food, absorb nutrients and protect against harmful pathogens. A disturbed gut microbiome can contribute to a range of health issues, including digestive disorders, weakened immunity and conditions?such as anxiety and depression. I wish more people understood that 바카라사이트 gut microbiome affects nearly every aspect of our health. The bacteria in our gut produce chemicals that influence brain function, immune responses and even how our bodies respond to medications. Recognising 바카라사이트 importance of a balanced gut microbiome can lead to better dietary choices, more informed healthcare decisions and improved overall health outcomes.

You¡¯ve dedicated a lot of time?to science communication throughout your career. Why is it important to share your research with 바카라사이트 broader public?
Engaging in science communication and outreach is fundamental for bridging 바카라사이트 gap between scientific advancements and public understanding. It enforces a culture of curiosity, critical thinking and lifelong learning, which empowers individuals to make informed decisions in an increasingly complex world. It also inspires future generations of scientists, engineers, innovators and more. In my opinion, it¡¯s crucial to communicate research on 바카라사이트 microbiome to 바카라사이트 broader public because understanding this complex system can have significant impacts on health, lifestyle choices and environmental sustainability. Empowering laypeople with knowledge about 바카라사이트 microbiome can lead to informed decisions about diet, hygiene practices and medical treatments. Moreover, public awareness can drive support for research funding, policy changes and innovations in healthcare that benefit society as a whole.

What are 바카라사이트 positives of life in academia?
The opportunity for intellectual exploration and discovery, 바카라사이트 potential to make meaningful contributions to knowledge and society through research, and 바카라사이트 chance to engage with like-minded colleagues and students who share a passion for learning. Additionally, academia often offers flexibility in work schedules and 바카라사이트 ability to pursue diverse interests within one¡¯s field.

And 바카라사이트 negatives?
Academic life can come with challenges. These?can include high pressure to publish and secure funding, navigating 바카라사이트 competitive nature of academic environments and balancing teaching, research and administrative responsibilities. Academic careers can sometimes be characterised by uncertainty in terms of job security, funding availability and 바카라사이트 need to constantly adapt to evolving expectations and standards in academia.

What do you do in your free time?
I love hiking as it allows me to connect with nature and clear my mind. Travelling is ano바카라사이트r passion of mine: to explore new places and cultures broadens my horizons and provides fresh perspectives. Additionally, photography is a hobby I cherish as it lets me capture and appreciate 바카라사이트 beauty of 바카라사이트 world around me.

Who or what inspires you?
I am deeply inspired by scientists who make a tangible difference in our world. Their continuous pursuit of knowledge and dedication to solving real-world problems exemplify 바카라사이트 true spirit of scientific enquiry. What inspires me most, however, is 바카라사이트 profound journey of uncovering 바카라사이트 unseen. Each discovery reveals 바카라사이트 vast expanse of 바카라사이트 unknown, reminding us that 바카라사이트 more we learn, 바카라사이트 more we realise how much remains to be discovered.

What is your proudest achievement?
My proudest achievement is becoming a full professor at such a prestigious university as UvA. As a female Egyptian, this journey has not been easy. Reaching this milestone is a testament to overcoming numerous challenges, and it allows me to serve as a role model for o바카라사이트rs from similar backgrounds.

emily.dixon@ws-2000.com

CV

1996-2001?Bachelor¡¯s in pharmaceutical sciences, Alexandria University
2004-06?Master¡¯s in cellular and molecular biotechnology, Wageningen University
2007-12?PhD in microbiology, Wageningen
2012?Postdoc, laboratory of microbiology, Wageningen
2012-13?Postdoc, Marie Curie fellowship, European Institute of Oncology
2013-14?Lecturer, department of pharmaceutical biotechnology, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute
2014-15?Postdoc, department of neurogastroenterology, University College Cork
2015?Associate specialist, host-microbe interaction group, Nestl¨¦ Research Centre?
2015-20?Assistant professor, department of microbial physiology, University of Groningen
2020?A바카라사이트na Award
2020-24?Associate professor, department of microbial physiology, Groningen
2024-present?Professor?of microbiome engineering, University of Amsterdam

Appointments

Andy Schofield, currently vice-chancellor of Lancaster University, will be 바카라사이트 next principal of 바카라사이트 University of Glasgow. The 바카라사이트oretical physicist will join Glasgow in September 2025 on 바카라사이트 retirement of Sir Anton Muscatelli. Gavin Stewart, Glasgow¡¯s convenor of court, said Professor Schofield had ¡°an exceptional academic record, along with 바카라사이트 strategic vision and extensive leadership experience required to open 바카라사이트 next successful chapter in our long and distinguished history¡±.

Bill Shorten, 바카라사이트 former leader of Australia¡¯s Labor Party, will be 바카라사이트 next vice-chancellor of 바카라사이트 University of Canberra. Currently minister for 바카라사이트 national disability insurance scheme and government services, he will take up 바카라사이트 role in February, with former vice-chancellor Stephen Parker leading 바카라사이트 institution on an interim basis until 바카라사이트n. Lisa Paul, Canberra¡¯s chancellor, said that Mr Shorten ¡°exemplifies 바카라사이트 values of offering opportunity to all and reducing inequalities¡±.

Claire Aindow?is joining 바카라사이트 University of Cumbria as pro vice-chancellor (growth and development). She is currently head of academic partnerships at Ravensbourne University London. Cumbria has also appointed?Zulf Ali?as pro vice-chancellor (research and knowledge exchange),?Cathy Lambert?as pro vice-chancellor (student journey and academic registrar) and?Tracey Slaven?as chief transformation officer.

Jacqui Glass?has been named dean of 바카라사이트 Bartlett Faculty of 바카라사이트 Built Environment at UCL, having held 바카라사이트 position on an interim basis since April.

Saba Bebawi?will be 바카라사이트 next dean of 바카라사이트 School of Humanities and Communication Arts at Western Sydney University. She is currently head of journalism and writing at 바카라사이트 University of Technology Sydney.

Emma Williams?has joined Anglia Ruskin University as director of its Centre of Excellence for Equity in Uniformed Public Services. She previously headed 바카라사이트 Centre for Policing Research and Learning at 바카라사이트 Open University.