The 14^th Research Days on “Research at the Service of Society in Crisis-Hit Lebanon” were held by the Vice-Rectorate for Research at Saint Joseph University of Beirut (USJ) on June 22 and 23, 2023.

The gathering brought together researchers, professors, doctors, and PhD candidates and instructors to discuss and propose innovative clinical and translational research solutions for the industry, given the ever-changing socio-economic landscape. Additionally, the event marked the launch of “USJ Lebanon One Health: One Sustainable Health for All.”

At the opening session, USJ Rector, Prof. Salim Daccache S.J., introduced the concept of “USJ Lebanon One Health: One Sustainable Health for All,” emphasizing its collaborative approach that aims to enhance human well-being through cooperation between different societal sectors. He also touched upon the significance of artificial intelligence, which holds vital importance for researchers and educators, raising numerous scientific, ethical, societal, and epistemological questions.

Prof. Dolla Karam Sarkis, the Vice-Rector for Research, shed light on the origins of the “USJ Lebanon - One Health” project. It evolved from research conducted at USJ on antibiotic resistance in pathogens and resistant bacteria transmitted from animals to humans through meat consumption, air and river pollution, Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), toxins, and more. This research eventually led to the proposal of the “USJ Lebanon One Health” project by a group of 30 researchers from different faculties. The chosen themes align with the global efforts towards achieving sustainable development objectives and overall global health.

Prof. Sarkis highlighted a significant shift in research themes at USJ to align with the urgent requirements of a country grappling with an economic and societal health crisis.

During the event, Mr. Benoit Miribel, the Secretary General of the “One Sustainable Health for All” Foundation, emphasized the importance of recognizing that we all face similar health and environmental challenges. He called for a reevaluation of our priorities and work methodologies in response to these challenges. In this context, Lebanon demonstrated its commitment through the collaboration between USJ, the Aamel NGO, and other participating organizations like Arcenciel and the Fondation Diane.

Dominique Dunon-Bluteau, the Director of Scientific Operations at the Agence nationale de la recherche (ANR), provided an overview of the various scientific cooperation projects with Lebanon. On the other hand, Jean-Noël Baléo, the Regional Director of the Agence universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF), urged USJ to retain the human capital possessing both existing expertise and the structures that support the national research system. He emphasized the importance of replenishing this capital through the training of students equipped with the socio-professional skills necessary for Lebanon’s recovery.

As the reference university at the national level, USJ holds a crucial role, particularly amid a generalized collapse. Baléo stressed that USJ bears the heavy responsibility of elevating the educational system and preserving the quality of teaching and the French-speaking world in Lebanon.

Sabine Sciortino, the Advisor for Cultural Action and Cooperation and Director of the French Institute in Lebanon, emphasized that in a country severely affected by a profound, multi-faceted, and enduring crisis, research plays a pivotal role in envisioning and preparing for the future. It is not an isolated realm detached from reality but rather serves society as a whole. Sciortino further stated that France remains committed to supporting research in Lebanon through various programs, recognizing its importance in these challenging times.

Dr. Tamara el-Zein, Secretary General of CNRS-L, highlights the significance of the “One Health for All” theme in challenging the commodification of science and the division of knowledge based on an industrial approach. These trends have had an impact on schools and universities, where disciplinary compartmentalization remains prevalent. While disciplinary research remains crucial for deepening knowledge, Dr. El-Zein emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary research to harness the cross-fertilization of ideas and knowledge.

Furthermore, Dr. El-Zein affirms CNRS-L’s support for this essential and innovative project, recognizing its vitality in addressing the current challenges.

“In these challenging times, amidst a profound crisis, we witness numerous courageous initiatives, such as yours,” stated Dr. Firas Abiad, the Minister of Public Health, as conveyed in a speech delivered by his advisor, Prof. Pierre Amouri. The determination demonstrated by initiatives like yours has inspired the Ministry to take significant steps, including the launch of the National Health Strategy 2030, the digitization of various aspects of the Lebanese healthcare system, and the implementation of the National Cancer Plan.

After the second day, awards were presented to the recipients of the best research posters. The distinguished awardees were Maya Mahfouz from the Department of Nutrition in the Faculty of Pharmacy, Helga Francis from the Faculty of Science, Megan Khoury from the Faculty of Education, Wajih El-Hage from the Faculty of Dental Medicine, and Emile Whaibeh from the Higher Institute of Public Health.

Read also: 14e Journées de la recherche à l’USJ

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Click here  to view the plenary lecture by Pr Bruno Falissard
Click here to view the plenary lecture by Pr Stéphane Hatem