Professor of biomedical sciences and director of Centre for genomics
Email: melhadidy@zewailcity.edu.eg
Office Room Number: F46 HB
Programs: Biomedical Sciences
Prof. Mohamed Elhadidy
Biography
Dr. Mohamed Elhadidy is a Professor of Biomedical Sciences at Zewail City of Science and Technology in Egypt, directing the Center for Genomics and serving as Vice Director of the Teaching Effectiveness Office. He earned a DVM and an MSc in microbiology (2006) from Mansoura University, and a PhD in Microbiology (2010) from Virginia Tech. From 2011–2017 he held research scientist roles in Canada, the UK, and Belgium, and was a visiting professor at the University of Bath in 2018.
His research investigates bacterial zoonotic diseases to understand their pathogenesis, ecology, evolution, and transmission using population genetics and comparative genomics. Applying high-throughput sequencing and genomic epidemiology, his group studies genetic drivers of virulence and antimicrobial resistance, including resistance determinants and their genomic signatures in human infections. He also promotes resistome mapping and genomic surveillance to track resistance dynamics.
Another focus is developing new anti-resistance strategies by screening antivirulence compounds and quorum-sensing inhibitors. These agents are encapsulated in organic nanoparticles to improve targeted delivery and bioavailability, boost synergy with antibiotics, and help restore effectiveness against multidrug-resistant pathogens. Overall, his interdisciplinary program combines microbiology, genomics, nanodelivery systems, and bioinformatics to support innovative antimicrobial approaches for both research translation and public health impact.
Research Areas
- Microbial Genomics,
- Microbial evolution,
- One Health,
- Antimicrobial resistance
Funded Projects
Strengthening Faculty Capacity in Microbial Genomics and One Health: A UK–Egypt Partnership
Duration: One year (Starting August 2024)
Project ID: TNE2025-2432
Sponsored by British Council, TNE Exploratory Grants.
Fund: 25,000 GBP (Pound sterling)
Role: CO-PI
Synergizing comparative and functional genomics with machine learning to tackle antimicrobial resistance
Duration: 2 Years (Starting August 2025)
Sponsored by The Academy of Scientific Research and Technology (ASRT)
Fund: 4,993,476 LE
Role: PI
Unveiling promising vaccine targets in Staphylococcus aureus: A reverse vaccinology perspective
Duration: 8 months (Starting August 2024)
Project ID: BVNCP8-10
Sponsored by Bactivac Catalyst Pump-Priming Projects, University of Birmingham, UK
Fund: 50,000 GBP (Pound sterling)
Role: PI
Sequencing-based antimicrobial resistance surveillance and therapeutics: A One Health approach
Duration: Two years (Starting January 2024)
Project ID: 48072
Sponsored by Science, Technology and Innovation Funding Authority (STDF): One Health Research and Innovation Grant (OHRIG) Grant
Fund: 2,906,900 LE
Role: PI
One-Health approach to investigating the transmission of Staphylococcus aureus and antimicrobial resistance genes between livestock and humans in non-intensive livestock settings
Duration: One year (Starting January 2024)
Sponsored by Cambridge-Africa ALBORADA Research Fund
Fund: 19,900 GBP (Pound sterling)
Role: PI
Implementing pathogen genomics and nanobiotics to combat antimicrobial resistance
Duration: Three years (Starting March 2023)
Project ID: CRP/EGY Y22-03
Sponsored by International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB)
Fund: 33,500 Euros
Role: PI
Unraveling the black box of Staphylococcus aureus epidemiology using microbial genomics tools
Duration: One year (Starting January 2020)
Sponsored by TIBA (Tackling Infections to Benefit Africa), University of Edinburgh, UK
Fund: 15,700 GBP (Pound sterling)
Role: PI
A source attribution analysis of Campylobacter emergence and transmission in rural Egypt to inform intervention strategies
Duration: Two years (Starting November 2019)
Project ID: ZC 004-2019
Sponsored by Zewail City
Fund: 500,000 LE
Role: PI
Genomics tools reveal hidden complexity in the epidemiology of Campylobacter infection in Egypt
Duration: Two years (Starting March 2020)
Project ID: 1110
Sponsored by Joint ASRT/BA Research Grants Program
Fund: 250,000 LE
Role: PI
Correlating calculated and experimental riboswitch RNA-regulated gene expression in bacteria
Duration: Two years (Starting November 2019)
Sponsored by Zewail City
Fund: 710,000 LE
Role: Co-PI
Developing a Train the Trainer curriculum (TTTC) in biorisk management
Agreement number: GT13-19-65892-0
Sponsored by CRDF Global
Fund: 15000 US dollars
Role: PI
Molecular risk assessment of clinical Brucella melitensis infection
Agreement number GTR4-17-63138-0
Duration: One year (Starting June 2017)
Sponsored by CRDF Global
Fund: 45000 US dollars
Role: PI
Molecular epidemiology of potential source and risk attribution of clinical Campylobacter jejuni infection in Egypt
Duration: 2 years (starting March 2016)
Sponsored by Mansoura University
Fund: 175000 LE
Role: PI
Teaching biorisk management in Mansoura University by active learning
Agreement number GTR3-16-62685-0
Sponsored by CRDF Global
Fund: 10000 US dollars
Role: PI
Initiative on Education about Dual Use issues in Science, Second Region at the Faculty Development Institute in Egypt
Duration: 2 years (starting January 2014)
Sponsored by U.S. National Academy of Sciences
Role: project member
Awards & Honors
- 2024 Zewail City Inventive Award in Scientific Research.
- 2019 Zewail City Excellence in Teaching Award for the outstanding and innovative full-time faculty member across the Institute, for the remarkable educational achievements and commitment.
- Global young academy membership (2018-2023) for scientists with distinguished qualifications, outstanding track record, cord and commitment to society service.
- African Science Leadership fellow (University of Pretoria, South Africa, 2018).
- International Committee on Food Microbiology and Hygiene (ICFMH) 2016 award for the outstanding contribution by a young investigator to the profession of food microbiology and hygiene.
- International Committee on Food Microbiology and Hygiene (ICFMH) 2016 award for the outstanding contribution by a young investigator to the profession of food microbiology and hygiene.
Professional Membership
- Scientific advisory board of the One Health Antimicrobial Resistance (OHAMR)
- Global Health Network MENA (TGHN MENA), Founding member.
- Global Young Academy, Executive Committee Member (2020-2022), Chair of Selection Committee (2019-2020), Elected Member (2018-2023)
- National Microbiology Council committee member (2019-present)
- African Academy of Sciences (AAS) Affiliate Member (2019-2023).
- Member of the national health and medicine committee emanating from the office of technical support, follow-up, and performance evaluation of the Academy of Scientific Research and Technology (ASRT) (2019-2023)
- Member of committee, National Academy of Sciences, USA (2015-2017)