UEC President Highlights Biotechnology's Role in Food Safety and Export Competitiveness at Bibliotheca Alexandrina
Alexandria, Egypt – Aligning with Egypt's national efforts to strengthen agricultural exports and promote food safety, Prof. Ayman Diab, President of the University of East Capital (UEC) and Professor of Biotechnology, participated as a keynote speaker in the seminar "How Can We Obtain Healthy and Safe Food?" held at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina Conference Center.
The event, organized as part of the cultural program of the 21st Alexandria International Book Fair, brought together prominent experts from academia, regulatory authorities, and the food sector to address food safety, public health, and trade challenges.
The Power of Scientific Innovation
During his presentation, Prof. Diab highlighted the transformative role of biotechnology in improving the quality, productivity, and biosafety of agricultural crops. He emphasized that scientific innovation is essential for building resilient food systems and enhancing the competitiveness of Egyptian agricultural products in international markets.
Countering Misinformation
Addressing the growing spread of misinformation, Prof. Diab urged students, researchers, and the public to rely on peer-reviewed scientific literature, academic books, and trusted references rather than short-form social media content as primary sources of scientific knowledge. He noted that the rapid circulation of inaccurate health and biotechnology information online can contribute to misconceptions that ultimately affect public health and scientific awareness.
From Genetic Modification to Genome Editing
Prof. Diab also discussed developments in modern biotechnology, explaining that while conventional genetic modification involves introducing genes from unrelated organisms, scientific research is increasingly advancing toward genome editing—a more precise approach that modifies an organism's existing genetic material without inserting foreign genes. He emphasized that this emerging technology represents a significant evolution in biotechnology while continuing to require rigorous scientific evaluation and biosafety assessment.
Biosafety & Physiological Variation
Speaking about biosafety, Prof. Diab stressed that no biological intervention or food can be considered universally risk-free for every individual, as biological responses naturally vary among people. He cited lactose intolerance as an example of how individual physiological differences influence food tolerance, underscoring the importance of evidence-based risk assessment in food science.
Reflecting on the seminar, Prof. Diab expressed his appreciation to the Bibliotheca Alexandrina for organizing a distinguished scientific forum that fostered dialogue between researchers, regulatory experts, and the public. He also extended special thanks to Mr. Osama Zardak, the moderator and coordinator of the seminar, for his professional management of the discussions.
"Scientific innovation is essential for building resilient food systems and enhancing the competitiveness of Egyptian agricultural products in international markets. Relying on peer-reviewed scientific literature and trusted references is crucial to building accurate public awareness."
— Prof. Ayman Diab, President of UEC
