UKABCS Highlights Ms. Israa M. Shamkh as a Leading Researcher and Innovator
Spotlight one of its most distinguished members and trustees: Ms. Israa M. Shamkh. As a researcher, scientific entrepreneur, and educator, she embodies the Association’s mission of combining excellence, inclusivity, and innovation to build global research capacity and empower the next generation of scientists.
A Vision for Supporting Women Scientists
As a mother to a young child, Salim, Ms. Shamkh has experienced firsthand the challenges faced by women in science—particularly mothers—when attending conferences and academic events. From this experience, she pioneered the idea of KidCamp, a supportive initiative that allows mothers to participate fully in events while their children are cared for in a safe, dedicated environment. This initiative reflects her commitment to breaking down barriers and ensuring that family responsibilities never prevent women from advancing in their scientific careers.
Academic and International Research Journey
Ms. Shamkh began her research journey in Egypt, working at the Research Laboratories Complex, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University. She then expanded her expertise internationally, conducting advanced research in the Biochemophysics Laboratory at Universidade Federal de Alfenas (Brazil). Her career also took her to the United States, where she worked with Keystone for Personalized Medicine, contributing to pioneering projects in personalized medicine.
Currently, she is pursuing her Master’s degree at the Faculty of Science, Cairo University, under a joint Egyptian–Brazilian supervision, further strengthening her academic contributions while bridging international scientific collaborations.
Leadership in Computational Chemistry
Today, Ms. Shamkh serves as Head of the Computational Chemistry Department at EBO Bio Solution (UK), where she leads research teams applying molecular modelling, simulations, and AI-driven pipelines to accelerate drug discovery. Her scientific focus spans critical areas such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease, nanotechnology, and drug design, reflecting her ability to translate theoretical research into solutions with real-world impact.
Research Achievements and Recognition
Ms. Shamkh’s academic impact is reflected in her strong research record. With an h-index of 9 and multiple publications in high-impact international journals, her work contributes significantly to advancing computational chemistry and bioinformatics. Her publications cover diverse topics, from nanostructures to pharmacokinetics, and are recognized for their originality and practical significance.
Role within UKABCS
As a Trustee and active member of the Board, Ms. Shamkh plays a vital role in shaping the strategy and governance of UKABCS. She has been instrumental in launching educational programmes, supporting publishing initiatives, and building partnerships across the UK, Egypt, Brazil, and the United States. Her efforts highlight UKABCS’s commitment to transparency, diversity, and global collaboration.
An Inspiration for the Future
Beyond her scientific and administrative achievements, Dr. Shamkh stands as a role model for young researchers and women in STEM. She combines academic rigor with empathy and vision, inspiring others to overcome challenges and transform personal struggles into collective solutions that benefit the entire scientific community.
By celebrating Ms. Israa M. Shamkh, UKABCS also celebrates the values of excellence, equity, transparency, and global impact that define its mission. Her story is not only one of personal achievement but also of leadership and humanity, proving that science can—and must—be a bridge between cultures and a path toward a brighter, more inclusive future.