From developing a biosensor that identifies plant pathogens to detecting and tracking environmental pollutants, AUC’s Novel Diagnostics and Therapeutics research group is actively engaged in the field of plasmonic sensing, with applications in medical diagnostics, environmental monitoring and food safety.
“Plasmonic sensing is a technique used to detect very small changes in the vicinity of the sensor by shining light on a metal surface, like gold or silver,” said Hassan Azzazy, distinguished University professor of chemistry and head of the AUC research group. “Due to their high sensitivity, plasmonic sensors are favored for the detection of environmental toxins and disease biomarkers.”
Azzazy’s team is currently working on two main projects. The first seeks to develop a biosensor for the detection of plant pathogens, which affect plant productivity as well as threaten food security and global ecosystem sustainability, especially as plant disease outbreaks have become more frequent and widespread due to climate change. The second aims to detect and monitor environmental pollutants, which negatively impact living organisms and socioeconomic development.
“AUC students and researchers who pursue sensing projects will have access to expert knowledge and resources, in addition to training opportunities in sophisticated laboratories using the latest technology developed by partner institutions.”
Through the newly established Arab-German Plasmonic Sensing Network, AUC researchers are collaborating with a specialized group of scientists in the field from universities and research centers across the world, including Egypt, Germany, Lebanon, Tunisia, Morocco, Iraq, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Italy and France. The network’s first meeting was hosted at AUC this fall and featured 14 international speakers.
At the meeting, several cutting-edge strategies based on plasmonic nanostructures were presented and discussed, including applications in bioanalytics; detection of infectious agents in humans, animals and plants; biomarkers of neurodegenerative diseases; photodynamic therapy that combines light and medicine to kill cancer cells; and nanotubes for use as broad-spectrum antibacterials.
Originally established to strengthen collaboration among German and Arab researchers, the network now aims to become an international expert group in the field of plasmonic sensing. Its current cohort of scientists plans to develop technologies to address global challenges in the fields of health, food and environmental monitoring.
One of the network’s goals is to develop a low-cost, universal plasmonic sensing platform for the detection of a variety of targets that can be easily reproduced in many countries, especially those with limited resources. This will serve multiple purposes set by the UN Sustainable Development Goals, including good health, innovation and sustainable communities.
“The network complements research activities at AUC due to its multidisciplinary nature,” said Azzazy, a founding member of the network. “AUC students and researchers who pursue sensing projects will have access to expert knowledge and resources, in addition to training opportunities in sophisticated laboratories using the latest technology developed by partner institutions.”
On December 3, AUC celebrated the International Day of Persons with Disabilities at its Tahrir Square campus through the AccessAUC initiative. The event included a panel discussion, hands-on activities and a bazaar featuring handicrafts made by people with disabilities.
One of the day’s highlights was a panel discussion on “Universities as Catalysts for Inclusion and Access.” Panelists ranged from government officials and alumni heading nonprofits to AUC faculty and Excellence Scholars, and the event included a musical performance by Mariam Mohsen, a sophomore double majoring in political science and integrated marketing communication who was born with a visual impairment, adding an inspiring artistic component to the day’s program. The panelists discussed inclusion, barriers to accessibility in universities, policies, advocacy and more.
The panel commenced with AUC President Ahmad Dallal’s opening remarks, which defined the day as “a call to action to recognize, amplify and support the incredible potential of persons with disabilities.” The president spoke about the AccessAUC initiative, which represents AUC’s commitment and responsibility to create “spaces, practices and awareness to allow all members of the community to fully contribute.” Watch the full panel discussion.
President Dallal believes that AUC is stronger because of its people with disabilities. “Persons with disabilities bring unique talents, perspectives and contributions that enrich our collective experience,” he said. “When we remove barriers to access and create environments where everyone can thrive, we unlock opportunities for all members of the community.”
Though he acknowledged that AUC still has work left to do, Dallal reflected on some of AUC’s wins in the fight for accessibility: The New Cairo campus was designed with accessibility in mind, and the specialized Student Accessibility Services unit works to support students with disabilities. Additionally, the newly launched People with Disabilities Employee Mentorship and Development Program provides job opportunities, upskilling and training, offering candidates the chance to gain professional experience across various functions within AUC and develop their technical and soft skills. The University will assist participants who complete the program in preparing resumes and will provide references to potential employers in Egypt.
The day’s activities were planned with contributions by the organizations Dialogue in the Dark, Helm and the National Council for Persons with Disabilities. Dialogue in the Dark planned an immersive activity in which participants navigated through a completely dark environment with the help of guides with visual impairments, gaining a glimpse of life without sight. Other activities included the one-hand challenge, where participants had to adapt to conducting tasks with one hand, and sign language encoding, where they learned the basics of sign language.
The celebration at AUC’s Tahrir Square campus not only highlighted the achievements and potential of persons with disabilities but also reinforced the University’s commitment to inclusion and accessibility, serving as an inspiring call to action for all institutions to prioritize equity. “At The American University in Cairo, we firmly believe that empowering persons with disabilities is not only the right thing to do; it is a pathway for stronger, more inclusive and more equitable societies,” affirmed Dallal.
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