Mohamed Abid PhD
Board Member
Country: Morocco
Dr. Mohamed Abid stands as a pillar of expertise in microbiology, molecular biology, biosafety, and biosecurity, boasting a distinguished career spanning over three decades. His journey is one of unwavering dedication and impactful contributions to scientific research and public health. Dr. Abid's academic journey commenced with attaining a Ph.D. in Microbiology and Molecular Biology in 1993. Following this milestone, he embarked on a series of postdoctoral research ventures at prestigious institutions, including the Roslin Institute in Edinburgh, Scotland, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, USA. Dr. Abid assumed pivotal leadership roles throughout his career at the Pasteur Institute of Morocco in Tangier. His tenure included serving as Head of Research, Head of the Microbial Genetics Laboratory, and, notably, as Head of the Coronavirus Laboratory during the global COVID-19 crisis. Additionally, he provided crucial guidance as the Biosafety Advisor and chaired the Biosafety and Biosecurity Committee at the Pasteur Institute. Dr. Abid's commitment to ensuring biological research safety and security is underscored by many certifications. He holds distinctions as a Certified Biosafety Professional, Certified Biosecurity Professional, and Certified Risk Assessment Professional accredited by the International Federation of Biosafety Associations (IFBA). Furthermore, he received certification from CDC Africa for "high pathogen laboratory certification," highlighting his expertise in high-containment laboratory operations. Dr. Abid has been at the forefront of managing and conducting research projects with global significance. His portfolio includes projects on HIV, tuberculosis, and emerging infectious diseases, collaborating closely with esteemed institutions such as the CDC and Johns Hopkins University. Noteworthy among his achievements is his pivotal role in developing and marketing a real-time tuberculosis diagnostic kit, contributing significantly to disease detection and control efforts in Morocco. Beyond his research endeavors, Dr. Abid is deeply committed to training and capacity-building initiatives. As a certified trainer in biosafety and biosecurity, he has conducted numerous workshops and training sessions across the MENA region, sharing his expertise with aspiring biosafety professionals. He also serves as the Secretary General of the Biosafety Management Association of Morocco, embodying his dedication to fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange in the field. Dr. Abid's expertise extends to global health security efforts, where he actively engages as a member of the Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN). He serves as a consultant for Health Security Partners and the Moroccan Foundation for Advanced Sciences, contributing his wealth of knowledge to national and international training programs and mentorship initiatives. Dr. Abid's memberships in esteemed professional associations such as the European Biosafety Association (EBSA) and the American Biological Safety Association (ABSA) further solidify his position as a stalwart in biosafety and biosecurity. Dr. Mohamed Abid's tireless dedication to advancing biosafety, biosecurity, and infectious disease research has left an enduring legacy in the scientific community. His leadership, expertise, and unwavering commitment to public health have shaped the landscape of bioscience in Morocco and made significant contributions to global efforts in combating infectious diseases and safeguarding human health.