The focus is on proteins and AI

The University of Bayreuth is pleased to welcome Jun.-Prof. Dr. Hadeer Elhabashy as the new Junior Professor for Artificial Intelligence in Protein Science. Her academic path is deeply interdisciplinary, spanning physics, biophysics, and bioinformatics — a combination that enables her to approach biological questions with both a broad perspective and a strong quantitative mindset.

Before joining Bayreuth, Elhabashy spent several years at the Max Planck Institute for Biology in Tübingen, first as an IMPRS doctoral researcher and later as a postdoctoral researcher and tutor. Her PhD work earned her the Wilhelm Schickard Best Dissertation Prize and a nomination for the German Informatics Society Dissertation Award. She also brings extensive international research experience from institutions including the American University in Cairo, the International Centre for Theoretical Physics in Trieste, the Jülich Supercomputing Centre in Jülich, and the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research in Dubna.

Her research focuses on proteins — the molecular workhorses of the cell. “I’m fascinated by how proteins communicate, associate, assemble, and evolve together,” she explains. She particularly enjoys developing AI methods and computational tools that advance our understanding of biological systems at the molecular scale, especially in contexts relevant to biomedicine and human health.

When asked why she chose the University of Bayreuth, her answer is clear: “It was the people and the scientific environment.” She highlights the university’s vibrant research community, the supportive leadership, and Bayreuth’s strong commitment to expanding its focus on artificial intelligence.

Looking ahead, Elhabashy envisions building a diverse and interdisciplinary research group capable of pushing the boundaries of protein science. She is equally excited about teaching and aims to develop courses that equip students with cutting‑edge knowledge in AI and protein science. “Science has a responsibility to society,” she emphasizes. She looks forward to sharing her research with the broader Bayreuth community and inspiring young people to pursue scientific careers.