AUC to Pioneer Egypt’s First-Ever Specialized Clinical Research Diploma

• Reporter: Sarah Eisa
• Edited by: Sara Fahmy
• Photograph Credits: Communications Office

The American University in Cairo (AUC) and global health solutions provider ClinGroup, are collaborating to launch Egypt’s first Clinical Research Diploma. 

The diploma will be offered through AUC’s Engineering and Science Services (ESS), which is responsible for preparing the scientific material and delivering the lectures through experienced instructors ranging from AUC faculty to outside experts.

According to a joint press release shared with The Caravan, AUC and ClinGroup are working to position Egypt as a centre for medical research, and increase its presence in the global clinical research business.

Hossam Kabbani, executive director of ESS at AUC, explained to The Caravan that the diploma will serve as a solid basis for clinical research in Egypt, making its first of its kind. 

“All parties wanted to achieve and build something different and unique, this is the first clinical research program in Egypt. There are programs like it all around the world and the gulf by big universities such as Harvard but with very high prices,” said Kabbani.

The one-year program will provide an in-depth curriculum that equips students with specialized knowledge in clinical trials, regulatory affairs, and ethical considerations as well as  providing them with the skills needed to coordinate clinical research. 

The diploma will offer modules exploring the fundamentals of clinical research, study design, biostatistics, bioethics, grants, medical writing, and technical methods for carrying out controlled clinical trials according to international standards. 

Mohamed Salama, director of AUC’s Institute of Global Health and Human Ecology, emphasized the diploma’s importance  in promoting medical and pharmaceutical innovation in Egypt.

“The diploma is following the equivalent diplomas provided by international universities, however, adding the potential challenges and unique aspects for the Middle East,” Salama told The Caravan.

Nadia Cheaib, ClinGroup’s founder and Chairwoman, expressed her excitement about the partnership, highlighting that it was a natural choice given the university’s prestige.

“We are all keeping our eyes on this university diploma to be a pilot for our collaboration [with AUC], aiming to develop people in the healthcare sector, engage communities, and promote social responsibility in healthcare,” she said.

Cheaib emphasized the importance of aligning ClinGroup’s expertise with prestigious institutions like AUC, highlighting that “great minds not only think alike but also act alike”. 

“So, whenever you are aligning such a big expertise, it should always be aligned with a very big name and a very big successful story such as The American University in Cairo.”