Dr. Nagwa Abdel Meguid stands as a pioneering figure in human genetics, particularly renowned for her groundbreaking work in neurodevelopmental disorders within the Arab world. She currently serves as a Professor of Human Genetics at the National Research Centre (NRC) in Cairo, Egypt, where she previously led the Human Genetics Unit and established the Department of Children with Special Needs. Her academic journey culminated with a PhD in Human Genetics, with some sources indicating it was obtained from the Arabian Gulf University or the National Research Centre, Egypt, establishing the foundation for her impactful career in medical genetics. Beyond her primary affiliation, Dr. Abdel Meguid is described by several sources as a Senior Geneticist or fellow at the Genetics Institute in California, and maintains esteemed international collaborations as a Fellow at Yale University and Uppsala University, Sweden. Her leadership in the field has positioned her as a transformative role model for scientists across the Middle East and Africa.
Dr. Abdel Meguid pioneered research demonstrating the association between consanguineous marriages and increased risk of genetic disorders in Egyptian populations, transforming clinical genetics practice throughout the region. She has successfully identified and described several novel genetic syndromes, significantly expanding medical understanding of neurodevelopmental conditions like autism and contributing multiple discoveries to the global medical literature. Her work has established important genetic variant biomarkers and detection tests, providing critical tools for early diagnosis and clinical management of children with genetic disorders. With over 100 publications and substantial citation impact according to scholarly databases, her research has fundamentally shaped approaches to genetic counseling and healthcare policies in populations with high rates of consanguinity.
As the founder of Egypt's Autistic Research Study Group and the Egyptian Fragile X Association, Dr. Abdel Meguid has been instrumental in raising awareness and establishing specialized care pathways for children with genetic disorders across the country. She has mentored approximately 75 graduate students throughout her career, leaving a lasting impact through her academic progeny who continue her legacy in genetics research and clinical practice. Her leadership extends to prestigious roles including jury president for L'Oréal-UNESCO Egypt awards and service on the Scientific Committee of the Academy for Scientific Excellence Prize. Currently directing advanced research into DNA behavioral disorders, Dr. Abdel Meguid continues to pursue innovative treatments for autism spectrum disorders while advocating for improved genetic healthcare infrastructure in developing nations.
