A S U

Egyptian-Korean Collaboration to Advance Medical Research and Artificial Intelligence in Early Cancer Detection at Ain Shams University Faculty of Medicine

As part of efforts to strengthen research cooperation between Egypt and South Korea in support of innovation in oncology, artificial intelligence, and the development of the Egyptian healthcare system, and under the patronage of Prof. Mohamed Diaa Zain El-Abedeen, President of Ain Shams University, the Research Center of the Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University hosted Dr. Kim Ji-hye, Executive Director of Solim Healthcare (South Korea), to explore opportunities for joint scientific collaboration.

The visit was held under the auspices of Prof. Ali El-Anwar, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, and Prof. Hesham El-Ghazaly, Director of the Ain Shams Medical Research Center, and was supervised by Prof. Mahmoud El-Metiny, Former President of Ain Shams University, along with Prof. Fatma Obeid, Director of the Clinical Research Unit at the center.

In his opening remarks, Prof. Ali El-Anwar, Dean of the Faculty and Chairman of the University Hospitals Board, welcomed Dr. Kim and the accompanying delegation, emphasizing that this visit marks a pivotal step toward strengthening international cooperation and partnerships in the fields of medical research and artificial intelligence. He highlighted Ain Shams University’s commitment to adopting the latest scientific technologies to enhance the healthcare system and advance early cancer detection, in alignment with Egypt Vision 2030.

Participants affirmed that this initiative aligns with Egypt’s national efforts to support scientific research and public health, echoing the goals of pioneering presidential initiatives such as "100 Million Healthy Lives", the Hepatitis C Elimination Campaign, and early cancer detection programs.

The meeting featured discussions on potential collaboration in applying AI technologies for early cancer detection, exchanging expertise, and building research capacities. The agenda also included presentations on the latest scientific innovations in this area.

Prof. Mahmoud El-Meteni gave a presentation on potential collaborations, while Prof. Fatima Obeid, Director of the Clinical Research Unit at the Center, reviewed the Center's research capabilities. Dr. Sarah Ajwa, Director of the Genomics Unit at Masry, spoke about the capabilities of the Genome Unit. Prof. Aya Yassin, Professor of Radiology and Executive Director of the Center of Excellence for Artificial Intelligence in the Medical Sector, spoke about the role of the Center for Artificial Intelligence. Dr. Amani Maher, Executive Director of the Biobank Unit, spoke about the plans to develop the Biobank. Dr. Fatima Abu Zahra, Director of the Tissue Unit, spoke about the Biotissue Unit, and Prof. Abdullah Sami, Director of the One Health Unit, spoke about One Health Unit research in combating infectious diseases and climate change.

Dr. Kim Ji-hye delivered a detailed presentation on Solim Healthcare’s activities, particularly highlighting the role of AI in early pancreatic cancer detection, and plans to expand into liver and breast cancer screening. She emphasized the success of the company’s technology in significantly reducing diagnostic costs.

The visit concluded with a guided tour of the Research Center’s facilities, including the Clinical Research Unit, Genomics Unit, Biobank, Tissue Bank, and Viral Hepatitis Unit, in addition to a field visit to Ain Shams Medical City (Demerdash Hospitals).

At the conclusion of the event, both parties announced their readiness to launch a long-term strategic partnership in medical research, aimed at accelerating scientific discoveries and improving healthcare services for the benefit of Egyptian patients.