Advancing microbial frontiers in the MENA region
Est. 17 May 2024, NYU Abu Dhabi
The Middle East Society for Microbial Ecology and Biotechnology is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering scientific collaboration, innovation, and sustainable solutions for global challenges.
Official launch of MEsME, Muscat
11–15 October 2026
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About the society
The regional hub for microbial ecology & biotechnology
MEsME serves as the premier hub for microbial ecology and biotechnology research across the Middle East and North Africa. By bridging the gap between researchers and stakeholders, we explore the region’s unique ecosystems to address critical issues in water, food, energy, and health.
Microbes for global challenges
Water
Microbial processes that treat, recycle and safeguard scarce water.
Food
Soil and plant microbiomes for resilient agriculture in arid lands.
Energy
Microbial routes to bioenergy and cleaner industrial processes.
Health
Microbiomes and their links to human and environmental health.
What we do
Our pillars of impact
Everything the society does serves one aim: to make the MENA region a leading hub of microbial ecology and biotechnology.
Vision & missionScientific collaboration & networking
We unite scientists through international conferences, specialized workshops, and symposia to spark regional innovation.
- Conferences
- Workshops
- Symposia
Research support & excellence
MEsME facilitates grants and fellowships, empowering researchers to push the boundaries of biotechnology research in the Middle East.
- Grants
- Fellowships
- Training
Knowledge & public awareness
From publishing scientific newsletters to public outreach, we promote the vital role of microbial sciences in achieving global sustainability.
- Newsletters
- Outreach
- Education
Field sites
Ecosystems found nowhere else
From sand seas to salt-saturated lakes, the region’s extreme environments are a living library of microbial adaptation, and much of it is still unexplored.
Ecosystem spotlights
20°N 50°E
Rub’ al Khali
Hyper-arid deserts
Microbes that endure extreme heat, drought and UV in one of Earth’s largest sand deserts.
22°N 38°E
Red Sea
Coral reefs
One of the warmest, saltiest seas, and a natural laboratory for coral–microbe partnerships.
24.4°N 54.4°E
Arabian Gulf coast
Mangrove forests
Grey mangrove stands whose sediment microbes cycle carbon and nutrients at the sea’s edge.
31.5°N 35.5°E
Dead Sea basin
Hypersaline waters & sabkhas
Salt-saturated waters and coastal salt flats that host specialist halophiles and microbial mats.
- Rub’ al Khali20°N 50°E
- Red Sea22°N 38°E
- Arabian Gulf coast24.4°N 54.4°E
- Dead Sea basin31.5°N 35.5°E
- Founding members
- 14
- Executive Board officers
- 5
- Founded at NYU Abu Dhabi
- 2024
- Official launch in Muscat
- 2026
Founding Committee
Guided by our founding members
The society was founded on 17 May 2024 at NYU Abu Dhabi, where its bylaws were drafted and approved unanimously by the Founding Committee.
Meet the founders- Rehab Z. AbdallahRehab Z. Abdallah
- Raeid AbedRaeid Abed
- Mohammad Al-NajjarMohammad Al-Najjar
- Shady A. AminShady A. Amin
- Peiying HongPeiying Hong
- Souhaila Al KhodorSouhaila Al Khodor
- Huda MahmoudHuda Mahmoud
- Amin R. MohamedAmin R. Mohamed
- Wael Ahmed ElmoslimanyWael Ahmed Elmoslimany
- Walaa MousaWalaa Mousa
- Sunil MundraSunil Mundra
- Alexandre RosadoAlexandre Rosado
- Ahmed A. ShiblAhmed A. Shibl
- Meinhard SimonMeinhard Simon
Membership
Membership is open
Join a network of scientists, educators and industry professionals across the region. Applications are reviewed by the Executive Board.
Apply for membershipRegular
For professionals, scientists, and educators in microbial sciences.
Apply online
Student
For the next generation of researchers currently in training.
Apply online
Corporate
For organizations and industry stakeholders supporting regional R&D.
Apply online
Honorary
Awarded by the Board for exceptional contributions to the field.
By invitation