Prof. Ahmed Ghoneim, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at Tanta University and Chairman of the University Hospitals Board, inaugurated the Central Research Laboratory after its rehabilitation, along with the first Virus Cultivation Unit at Tanta University, located in the Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology at the faculty. The event was attended by Prof. Mohamed Hantira, Vice Dean for Postgraduate Studies and Research; Prof. Louay Al-Ahwal, Vice Dean for Community Service and Environmental Development; Prof. Iman Issa, Director of the Central Laboratory and Acting Head of the Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology; Prof. Mona Qattit, Director of the Public Service Center at the faculty; and a large number of faculty members, teaching assistants, and staff from the department.

Prof. Ahmed Ghoneim expressed his delight at being present in the Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, surrounded by an outstanding group of department professors and young doctors. He also expressed pride in inaugurating the rehabilitated Central Research Laboratory and the university's first Virus Cultivation Unit, which aims to maximize the benefits of scientific research in line with the state’s strategic plan and Egypt’s Vision 2030.

Prof. Ghoneim noted that the Central Research Laboratory, affiliated with the Public Service Center and technically supervised by the Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, was established in 2014. Today, it has been reopened after refurbishing its equipment, thanks to fruitful collaboration between the faculty administration, the department, and the engineering department. Specialists with master’s degrees in science were trained on various laboratory techniques under the supervision of a distinguished group of department members. These experts, who acquired extensive experience from Egypt and international scholarships in the USA, UK, and Italy, will oversee the laboratory operations on a rotational basis.

This laboratory supports research purposes, including master's and doctoral theses, post-doctoral research, workshops, and training courses for various practical faculties such as Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, Veterinary Medicine, and Dentistry. It is equipped with the following devices:

• Horizontal Electrophoresis Device

• PCR Machine

• Gel Documentation System

• Fluorescent Microscope

• Real-Time PCR Machine

• Triocular Microscope with a Camera

• Vertical Electrophoresis Device

• Western Blotting Device

• Two Spectrophotometers

• ELISA Reader.

Regarding the Virus Cultivation Unit, Prof. Ghoneim explained that it is the first of its kind at Tanta University. The unit was separated from the Central Research Laboratory, and its equipment was prepared for operation and training during a workshop held on October 30–31, 2024, organized by the Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology in cooperation with the Public Service Center. The unit includes a Biosafety Cabinet, a CO2 Incubator, an Inverted Microscope, and a High-Speed Refrigerated Centrifuge. This unit serves scientific research and training courses in virus cultivation for the faculties of Medicine, Science, Pharmacy, Dentistry, Veterinary Medicine, and Agriculture.

At the end of his visit, the Dean praised the efforts of the department’s administration, represented by Prof. Iman Issa, the department’s professors, and the high-quality, distinguished training provided to the faculty's laboratory specialists.

1/7/2025