Portrait of Samar Issa
Careers, Challenges and New Horizons
Interview with Samar Issa, a teacher-researcher at EBI for 13 years and also Head of Research Project Development and Public and International Funding.
In the world of teaching and research, there are few career paths as rich and diverse as that of our guest. A teacher-researcher at EBI, she has recently undergone a significant career change. We had the opportunity to talk to her about her career path, her passion for research and the challenges that await her in her new role.
A rich and varied academic career
Before joining EBI in 2011, our guest had already built up a solid career in the pharmaceutical and scientific fields. Graduating with a Doctorate of Practice in Pharmacy (PharmD) from the Lebanese University in Beirut, she spent her final year as a 5AHU at the Université Claude Bernard Lyon I, in France. She then continued her studies with a Master 2 in Fine Organic Chemistry and a Doctorate (PhD) in Organic Chemistry, also at Université Claude Bernard Lyon I. But her appetite for knowledge didn’t stop there. At the same time, she acquired three Master’s Certificates in Biological and Medical Sciences (MSBM) covering molecular and cellular biology and the design of therapeutic molecules, as well as a University Diploma in Animal Experimentation. Her career was further strengthened when she obtained her Habilitation to supervise research (HDR) in Pharmaceutical Sciences, a key moment in her career. Thanks to EBI’s support, she was able to free up time to complete this essential step, which opened the door to greater involvement in supervising doctoral students and in national and international collaborative research projects.
A constant commitment to research
Samar Issa has developed a wide-ranging, interdisciplinary field of research. She worked on the synthesis of bioactive molecules for anti-cancer purposes, focusing on the identification of therapeutic targets in the fight against cancer during her thesis at the Faculty of Pharmacy in Lyon. In addition, her experiences at the Mayo Clinic in Arizona and the Dana Farber Cancer Institute–Harvard Medical School enabled her to explore new approaches to the treatment of multiple myeloma. At EBI, she has led a number of cutting-edge research projects, notably taking over the EBISilc project, which focuses on the adsorption and encapsulation properties of sunscreens and antibiotics in collaboration with Pr Marc Le Borgne at the Faculté de Pharmacie de Lyon. His expertise also extends to drug delivery systems, with the POULPE project, which is developing thermosensitive smart polymers for antibiotic encapsulation in collaboration with Pr Emmanuel Richaud of the PIMM laboratory at Arts et Métiers. A new MelanEBIomarK thesis project is emerging with Dr Jad Eid at EBI, Dr HDR Faten Chakchouk and Dr Mano Mathews at EFREI, and will aim to identify new biomarkers for melanoma using AI.
Evolution within EBI
When she joined EBI, she took up the position of Professor of Pharmaco-chemistry. Her role quickly evolved to take on greater responsibilities, notably as Responsable d’Axe de Compétences (RAC) for the last 4 years. “This position has been a fantastic opportunity to develop my skills by supervising a team of teacher-researchers and ensuring that the team’s skills are aligned with EBI’s objectives and pedagogical requirements,” she adds. This experience has enabled her to ensure cross-functional communication between students and teachers, while developing strategic academic partnerships. She has also acquired a global vision in the drafting of accreditation dossiers for bodies such as the CTI and HCERES, as well as in the coordination of pedagogical seminars and course reform.
A New Challenge, a Natural Evolution
Today, Samar Issa is entrusted with a brand-new role within EBI, a development that represents both a challenge and recognition of her expertise. She feels “excitement and pride” at the strategic challenges ahead, but is also aware of the responsibilities this new position entails. It’s a challenge that encourages her to surpass herself and demonstrate her skills in an even more complex and stimulating context. In this new role, her short-term objectives are first and foremost to get to grips with the dynamics of current public and international projects. She will be working closely with the Research Delegate and the Heads of Research Axes to steer existing projects, but also to identify new partners in order to strengthen the collaboration of the EBInnov research unit’s teacher-researchers. Her main mission will be to support them in the development of projects with public, academic and international partners, while ensuring rigorous management of collaborations and compliance with deadlines and quality of deliverables.
Towards New Horizons
This new position will enable her to play a key role in the development of research within the EBInnov research unit. “It’s a real professional enrichment, with a wider impact, to participate in projects that have a significant public and global scope”, she confides. We wish Samar Issa every success in this new professional adventure, which will undoubtedly contribute to the emergence of new scientific advances and the enrichment of the EBI academic community.
