Zeina Hobaika

I am an Associate Professor and the Head of the Life and Earth Sciences-Biochemistry Department in the Faculty of Sciences at Saint Joseph University of Beirut. I am also Head of the Macromolecules Structure and Interactions Research Team. My main research interests lie in rational drug design for crucial therapeutic protein targets. More specifically, I seek to combine molecular modelling approaches with spectroscopic techniques to contribute to fighting diseases such as AIDS, cancer and Alzheimer’s. Another major project I am working on involves the management and valorisation of agro-industrial by-products and waste, with the aim of promoting a more sustainable future. Project activities include the extraction and characterization of bioactive compounds, as well as waste-to-energy process optimization and public strategies implementation.

AGYA offers an expanded network of excellence in which I can learn about and from others, and we can learn and grow together.

I hope to contribute to the construction of healthy global societies rooted in sustainable approaches to development. Accordingly, I believe our actions and policies should take economic, social, and environmental aspects into account when addressing long-term challenges and should involve various public and private stakeholders. Being an alumna of AGYA allows me to fulfil my objectives in this regard through interdisciplinary work with remarkable fellows from diverse research fields.