Algerian Professor Yasmine Belkaid Named ‘Great Arab Minds’ Winner

French-Algerian immunologist Professor Yasmine Belkaid has been awarded the 2024 'Great Arab Minds' award in medicine by the UAE for her significant contributions to immunology. 

Professor Belkaid is the President of the Institut Pasteur in France, and is recognised for her pioneering research on the human microbiome and its interactions with the immune system. Her work has significantly advanced scientific understanding of how microbes, particularly those residing on the skin, play a role in strengthening the immune system and protecting against infections.

With over 220 published scientific papers, Professor Belkaid’s research also explores the connection between imbalances in the microbiome and various chronic diseases, including obesity, diabetes and autoimmune disorders. Her findings have led to the development of preventive and therapeutic strategies aimed at restoring healthy microbiome function to improve overall health.