A S U

As part of Ain Shams University’s ongoing efforts to advance medical scientific research and keep pace with rapid developments in biomedical sciences, the Ain Shams Medical Research Center (MASRI) organized a series of specialized training programs and hands-on activities in biobanking, stem cells, tissue culture, and regenerative medicine. These activities aimed to enhance researchers’ laboratory skills, strengthen collaboration among the Center’s research units, and promote the application of advanced technologies in medical research.

The activities were held under the patronage of Prof. Mohamed Diaa Zain El-Abedeen, President of Ain Shams University, and Prof. Ali El-Anwar, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Ain Shams University Hospitals, under the supervision of Prof. Hesham El-Ghazaly, Director of the Ain Shams Medical Research Center; Prof. Fatma Obeid, Deputy Director of the Center; Prof. Fatma Abdel Karim, Founder of the Tissue Culture and Stem Cell Laboratory; Associate Prof. Amany Maher, Executive Director of the Biobank; and Dr. Marwa Mohamed Hussein, Head of the Tissue Culture and Stem Cell Unit.

In this context, the MASRI Biobank organized a specialized hands-on workshop on biospecimen management, covering the various stages of specimen handling, from collection and processing to quality assurance, documentation, traceability, and storage and preservation methods in accordance with established scientific standards.

The workshop highlighted the pivotal role of biobanks in providing reliable biospecimen resources for medical research, supporting future studies, and strengthening research infrastructure. It also emphasized the importance of standardizing operating procedures, adhering to ethical guidelines governing biospecimen handling, and implementing quality standards throughout all stages of specimen management to ensure their integrity and enhance the reliability of research findings.

Meanwhile, the Stem Cell and Tissue Culture Unit, in collaboration with the Biobank, organized a specialized hands-on workshop on stem cells and regenerative medicine, focusing on developing researchers’ practical skills and equipping them with essential knowledge of advanced laboratory techniques in these fields.

The workshop introduced the fundamentals of stem cell biology and sample preparation and provided practical training in the isolation and cultivation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), alongside cryopreservation techniques. It also explored promising research applications of regenerative medicine and its future potential to contribute to the development of therapeutic approaches.

The activities further underscored the importance of integrating biospecimen preservation techniques with cell and tissue culture applications to improve laboratory efficiency, optimize the utilization of research resources, and create broader opportunities for interdisciplinary scientific collaboration.

These activities reflect the Ain Shams Medical Research Center’s commitment to advancing research training, strengthening collaboration among its specialized units, facilitating scientific knowledge exchange, and building researchers’ capacities in advanced biomedical sciences. They also contribute to preparing highly qualified researchers capable of keeping pace with technological advancements and harnessing them to advance scientific research.