Roula M. Abdel-Massih is a Community Educator at Central Michigan University (USA) and a GBAC (Global Biorisk Advisory Council) Ambassador. Previously, a former Professor at the University of Balamand, Lebanon (2003-2021), where she also served as Chairperson of the Department of Biology (2008-2011). Roula obtained her BSc and MSc from the American University of Beirut, and PhD in Biological Sciences from the University of Glasgow (UK, 2001). Her primary research focus is on identifying bioactive (antibacterial and anti-proliferative) compounds from natural products. She was elected as a TWAS (The World Academy of Sciences) Young Affiliate (2011-2015) and is a member of various professional societies such as OWSD (Organization for Women in Scientists in the Developing World), Academy Society of Functional Foods and Bioactive Compounds (ASFFBC), among others. Roula has a track record of more than 40 papers in internationally reputed journals, two book chapters, and has conference proceedings in around 50 international conferences. She also received grants from local and international agencies and supervised more than 30 graduate students.
Roula has been recognized for her achievements by various organizations, including The New York Academy of Sciences and the STS (Science, Technology and Society), who selected her to participate in the 2015 Future Leaders program in Japan. She was also elected as an education fellow in the US National Academies in the Life Sciences (2015/2016), obtained a Certificate of Completion for the APLD Program (May 2016) at Harvard, and was granted the TYAN Collaborative Grant Award (Emory, 2019). She is an IFBA Certified Professional in Biorisk Management (September 2019).
Recently, Roula moved to the USA, where she was selected as Editor for the Functional Food Science Journal (June 2021), Co-Chair for the Advocacy Task Team (July 2021) for Science in Exile Initiative, and Co-Chair of the TWAS Young Affiliates Network (TYAN) Executive Committee (November 2021).
Title: TYAN: A world connected by scientific cooperation
Abstract
TYAN, the global scientific network, plays a pivotal role in advancing science diplomacy. Emphasizing the critical importance of providing policymakers with current and reliable information, in line with the Royal Society's 2005 directive, TYAN's members are at the forefront of international committees and local communities, offering essential scientific counsel for informed policy development.
TYAN's multifaceted approach to science diplomacy is embodied in its four core programs: TYAN Collaborative Grant Awards (TCGAs), TYAN International Thematic Workshops (TITOs), TYAN Outreach Program (TOP), and TYAN Educational and Research Program for Sustainable Development (TEACH-4SD). These initiatives align with one of the key pillars of science diplomacy, fostering cooperation and collaboration on global scientific challenges.
Furthermore, TYAN members actively participate in Science Advisory committees, contributing to the creation of impactful policy statements that bridge the gap between science and policymaking. In essence, TYAN stands as a beacon of global scientific cooperation, driving science diplomacy to address pressing global issues.