Prof. Ali Asy graduated from the Kofi Annan Fellowship in Global Health Leadership Program in May 2024. Prof. Asy is a distinguished figure in the domains of biosafety and biosecurity, recognized for his substantial contributions to global health security and the ethical application of life sciences. His multifaceted career spans academia and international consultancy, where he has been instrumental in formulating policies and practices designed to reduce biological risks worldwide. In his role as a Professor at the Animal Health Research Institute in Egypt, Prof. Asy has committed himself to enhancing research and executing strategies to protect public health.
His scholarly activities are further enriched by his leadership as Chairman of several regional technical committees, where he has played a pivotal role in establishing biosafety regulations and frameworks not only in Egypt but throughout Africa. His impact transcends national borders, as demonstrated by his position as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in the USA, underscoring his international standing in the field. At Africa CDC, he is Vice Chair of the Examination and Certification Committee (ECC) and chaired the North African TWG of the Regional Biosafety and Biosecurity initiative. This is positioning him at the forefront of global health security initiatives. He is an active member of the Technical Advisory Group on the Responsible Use of Life Sciences and Dual-Use Research for the World Health Organization, as well as co-chair of the Emerging Biological Risks Working Group within the Global Health Security Agenda APP3.
He is a member of the International Science Council (ISC) Expert Group for Science-policy synergies for the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC). He serves on the international expert panel for the Global Health Security Index and the Africa Health Security Index. His commitment to leadership in global health has been recognized through esteemed fellowships, including the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) – BWC fellowship. These honors reflect his dedication to fostering a positive impact in the field. Prof. Asy’s career exemplifies the transformative potential of dedicated leadership in global health security.
