| Rasha Msallam, PhD Founder NextGen of Immunology (NGIg) Consultancy Hello, I’m Rasha, Immunologist and founder of NextGen of Immunology (NGIg) consultancy, based in UAE. I started out as a dentist and had my own practice before deciding to follow my passion for science. This brought me to Paris, where I graduated from Sorbonne University (Paris Descartes) with a master’s and PhD in immunology. Afterwards, I was a scientist at A*STAR in Singapore, where I worked on projects to improve cancer diagnostics and study maternal and fetal immune system in the context of allergies in infants. As of April 2022, I founded my company in Dubai. I manage NextGen of Immunology consulting (NGIg), an advisory firm that helps close the knowledge gap between medical professionals and scientists in order to support the MENA and international innovation ecosystems. My stakeholders are scientists, clinicians, biomedical startups, and pharmaceutical firms to strengthen their R&D research methodologies and speed the scientific discoveries into a deliverable and significant innovation in healthcare. NGIg shown its ability to assist clients in identifying gaps and creating creative solutions in immunology by presenting research, writing papers, and holding interactive workshops for stakeholders including scientists and healthcare entrepreneurs. NGIg is committed as well to fostering cooperation between the scientific and commercial sectors involved in the market to concentrate on significant research that improves healthcare globally. I do this by organizing conferences, hosting networking events for the scientific community, and serving as an advisory board member for a few GCC-based startups. I’m honored to provide adaptability and effectiveness to the scientific environment after COVID-19. |
Can you share the story of how you initially became interested in immunology and
biomedical research, and what steps you took to enter this field professionally?
Dr. Rasha Msallam: As dentists, immunology was not a typical specialization that we would pursue after graduation. However, when I began my internship as a maxillofacial surgeon intern, I learned about immune markers for detecting and diagnosing oral cancers, as well as therapies that are specific to each cancer (such as immunotherapy), which save patients from the toxic side effects of chemotherapy or cancer recurrence. As a result, I wanted to go from the bedside to the bench and understand the fundamentals of immunology and biomedical research. As a result, I received a scholarship through a collaboration between Syria’s Ministry of Higher Education and France’s Ministry of Research, relocated to France, and discovered a new world of research and creativity.
What motivated you to establish NextGen of Immunology (NGIg)?
Dr. Rasha Msallam: NGIg was founded in 2022 to fill a specific gap: the demand for immunologists who can participate in multidisciplinary initiatives in academia and the medical industry in a timely and cost-effective manner. However, after a year in the company, I discovered a thriving environment beyond academia for startups and SMEs in GCC. In this ecosystem, there was a need for advisors with expertise in R&D in biomedical research to assist these startups in their journey to find funding, beyond VC, to design the strategic planning to develop a product in healthcare. Hence, NGIg today has multiple activities to contribute to closing the gap between academia and healthcare startups.
How do you envision NGIg contributing to the field of immunology and biomedical
research?
Dr. Rasha Msallam: NGIg is making significant contributions to the field of immunology and biomedical research. We target niche areas in immunology, ensuring our solutions are grounded in strong scientific principles and provide direct benefit to our customers. My personal involvement in each project guarantees a high-quality, data-driven approach specifically tailored to immunology research. NGIg goes beyond traditional consulting by serving as an education and innovation hub. We equip our clients with the knowledge and cutting-edge techniques needed to excel in immunology research. Furthermore, NGIg fosters collaboration between clients and researchers, accelerating advancements in both
immunology and broader biomedical research. Our unwavering commitment to high-quality
data ensures that our contributions are reliable and can be built upon by the scientific
community.
Can you elaborate on your approach to addressing medical unmet needs through
NGIg?
Dr. Rasha Msallam: I leverage customer diversity to foster collaboration, sparking conversations that identify unmet medical needs. This diverse perspective fuels innovation. Additionally, I advise startups on bridging the gap between research (bench) and practical application (bedside). This ensures their solutions address real needs, are affordable, and contribute to a more efficient healthcare system.
In what ways do you advocate for inclusivity and diversity in STEM within your
consultancy and beyond?
Dr. Rasha Msallam: NGIg believes that excellence in STEM fields is driven by a diversity of perspectives. We champion this ideal through several initiatives. First, we actively seek out talented scientists from underrepresented backgrounds for client-approved projects. Additionally, we provide mentorship and advocacy for all scientists we advise, with a particular focus on those facing challenges or re-entering the field after a break. Furthermore, collaboration is emphasized during consultations, fostering an inclusive environment where we understand and address client struggles. Building long-term relationships with the scientists we advise goes beyond simple consulting, creating a supportive STEM community. Recognizing the demanding nature of STEM, we approach challenges with empathy and a deep understanding of the mental and physical demands placed on scientists. Finally, NGIg is committed to continuous learning, actively seeking best practices to cultivate a more inclusive STEM environment.This dedication stems from a core belief: that inclusivity strengthens STEM as a whole, and NGIg is passionate about making a positive change.
How do you see your experience in dentistry complimenting your work in immunology and biomedical research?
Dr. Rasha Msallam: My dental background gives me a unique edge in immunology research. I understand the oral microbiome’s link to overall health, which is crucial in the gut-oral immune axis. My experience with inflammation in dentistry translates well to chronic inflammatory diseases, a major focus in immunology. Plus, I bring a patient-centric approach and knowledge of clinical trials, valuable for developing new therapies. I’m eager to contribute my expertise to dental research within immunology.
What are your thoughts on the future of immunology research, and where do you see NGIg’s role evolving in that landscape?
Dr. Rasha Msallam: Since the COVID-19 pandemic, it is widely accepted that immunology is now interwoven into all aspects of healthcare, from therapeutic to preventative medicine. For example, today there is an ongoing discussion longevity and lifestyle medicine to combat chronic illnesses. To live longer and better lives, contemporary medicine is racing to identify new biomarkers that might assist, such as inflammatory markers. The immune system and its components may contribute to these inflammatory indicators, and addressing the immune system via exercise and a healthy lifestyle is today’s best chance for creating a healthy population in the future.
In GCC, I am proud to be witnessing the rise of public and private’s entities who are excelling in biomedical research and they are aware of the importance of immunology, by implementing the needed knowledge in their projects whether in cancer, stem cells, or women health. I am hoping NGIg will keep engaging and advocating to include immunology in any projects we will be part of. With the emergence of the importance of offering an adequate strategy and the integration of data analysis pipelines that will benefit all the stakeholders for better diagnostic and therapeutic products in healthcare.