Dr. Imed Gallouzi is a Professor of Bioscience and the Chair (Director) of the KAUST (King Abdullah University of Science and Technology) Center of Excellence for Smart-Health in Saudi Arabia. Before his tenure at KAUST, he spent over twenty years at McGill University, where he held the position of Professor of Molecular and Cellular Biology in the Biochemistry Department and at the Goodman Cancer Center, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. He earned his Ph.D. in Molecular Biology in 1998 from University Montpellier II, France, and subsequently completed his postdoctoral training at Yale University from 1998 to 2001. From 2002 to 2012, he held a Tier II Canada Research Chair in Cellular Information Systems and received the FRSQ (Fonds de Recherche Scientifique du Québec) award from 2002 to 2006. Professor Gallouzi is a member of several national and international funding agencies, including CIHR, CCSRI, FRSQ, and NIH.
Professor Gallouzi is a renowned scholar in the field of mRNA biology. His research on posttranscriptional mechanisms in mRNA biology and their impact on cellular adaptation to stressful and pathological conditions has led to significant discoveries. Among these is the co-discovery of stress granules in 2000, which highlighted their role in cellular stress responses and pathogenesis. His pioneering use of cell-permeable peptides has also been instrumental in understanding RNA-binding protein shuttling pathways. Notably, his 2012 discovery that linked stress granule formation to the prevention of cancer-induced muscle wasting was recognized as one of the top 10 discoveries of the year by the Canadian Cancer Society Research Institute.
Professor Gallouzi is passionate about teaching and mentorship. He has played a key role in developing innovative courses and graduate programs worldwide. He co-authored the First Canadian Edition of BIOCHEMISTRY, a textbook for undergraduate and graduate students, published by Nelson Education, Inc in 2013.
The academic career of Professor Gallouzi spans prestigious institutions in Europe, North America, and the Middle East, providing him with a diverse and comprehensive perspective on translating bioscience discoveries into practical health solutions. His leadership roles at institutions such as McGill University, HBKU in Qatar, and KAUST in Saudi Arabia have equipped him with unique insights into integrating advanced biological research with real-world health applications, underscoring his dedication to scientific innovation and collaboration. In 2014, he joined KAUST as a visiting professor, where he established the Molecular and Cellular Biology teaching lab for the MSc program of the BESE Division. He subsequently took a leave of absence to lead the establishment of the Life Science Division and its graduate and research programs at HBKU. This effort resulted in the founding of the College of Health and Life Sciences, which was launched in 2018.
Since joining KAUST in 2021, Professor Gallouzi has not only led a prolific scientific group but also played a crucial role in the expansion and impact of KSHI both nationally and internationally. Under his leadership, KSHI has expanded its research capabilities with the establishment of several successful clinically driven research programs and the KAUST Bioinnovation Platforms, which include viral vector building capabilities, an induced Pluripotent Stem Cell facility, and a Biobank. These initiatives have positioned KSHI as a leader in bioinnovation, enhancing its capacity to tackle complex health issues. Furthermore, he has excelled in fostering partnerships and community engagement, organizing the KSHI Annual Conferences and other events that have facilitated key collaborations and partnerships with national and international institutions. His efforts in community outreach and education are evident in his leadership role in establishing the first MD-PhD program in KSA and the region, in collaboration with Alfaisal University in Riyadh. This program aims to expand educational opportunities and foster a new generation of medical scientists capable of integrating AI and ML into their practices.
