Government launches implementation phase of Egyptian Genome Project by handover of athletes' data

CAIRO – 26 May 2025: Egypt launched the implementation phase of the Egyptian Genome Project on Sunday with the handover of athletes' genome data ( aka Gene-Next) .

The athletes' genome handover ceremony was attended by Dr. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, Deputy Prime Minister for Human Development and Minister of Health and Population; Dr. Ashraf Sobhi, Minister of Youth and Sports; and Dr. Awad Tag El-Din, Advisor to the President for Health and Prevention Affairs, besides other officials.

Dr. Khaled Abdel Ghaffar emphasized the crucial role of the Egyptian Genome Project in advancing both athletic excellence and public health. He noted that the more extensively Egyptian genomes are analyzed, the greater the potential to design targeted health programs and reduce disease prevalence.

Highlighting the government's commitment, Abdel Ghaffar stated that President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi’s directives and the broader state vision prioritize science as the cornerstone of national progress and people as the core of development. He affirmed full state support for this national scientific endeavor, which reflects a firm belief that true human development begins with a comprehensive understanding of individuals—genetically, physically, and mentally—to unlock their full potential.

In his remarks, Dr. Ayman Ashour expressed pride in the project, describing it as the first of its kind in Africa and the Middle East, with an investment of EGP 2 billion. He characterized it as a major leap forward for scientific and medical research in Egypt.

The project, which began in 2021, is overseen by the Ministry of Higher Education and the Academy of Scientific Research and Technology. It brings together a coalition of 15 universities, research institutions, NGOs, and four ministries, with implementation led by the Center for Medical Research and Regenerative Medicine.