Theodor Bilharz Research Institute
Theodor Bilharz Research Institute is a research, medical and service institute, one of the scientific institutions affiliated with the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, and is considered the first national research institute of its kind in the Middle East specialized in schistosomiasis, gastroenterology, liver, kidney and urinary tract diseases and their complications, in order to meet the health, social, economic and technological needs of Egypt and other developing countries. Theodor Bilharz Research Institute was established under an agreement between the Federal Republic of Germany and the Egyptian government in 1964 and was officially inaugurated in 1978. The institute was named after the German physician Theodor Bilharz (1825-1862), who discovered schistosomiasis worms while working at the Egyptian Medical School in Cairo in 1853. The institute includes 20 research departments and a hospital with a 307 beds, outpatient clinics and specialized research units to serve both research and clinical divisions of the institute, in addition to centers of excellence.
Key Facts and Figures
5000
Research Papers
6000
Staff
12
Hospital Units
6
Specialized Units
Guiding Principles and Core Values
Mission
Theodor Bilharz Institute adopts an integrated approach involving all disciplines to develop advanced research in the diagnosis, treatment and control of endemic diseases and their complications affecting the liver, gastrointestinal tract and urinary tract, to meet social, economic and technological needs locally and regionally. The Institute's research strategy is based on an integrated plan that includes two main points, namely the research point and the service point, to achieve better control and management of endemic diseases and their complications, especially those affecting the liver, gastrointestinal tract and urinary tract, as well as driving innovation and providing the appropriate environment for the production and commercialization of knowledge to increase the growth rate of the national economy and achieve sustainable development that improves society and meets its needs.
Vision
To be a leading and reference center for research and training in the diagnosis, treatment and control of endemic diseases affecting the liver, gastrointestinal tract and urinary tract, providing high-quality health care products and tools in addition to providing the necessary research and consulting services at the local and regional levels.
Human Resources
The institute boasts a well-established scientific and technological infrastructure supported by highly qualified manpower. It includes a total of 441 research staff members, and 1054 technicians, nurses and employees.
Our Strategy
The research strategy of TBRI for better management of endemic diseases is based on an integrated plan comprising six research programs:
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Control
- Development of new modalities for the prevention and control of parasitic, microbial, and viral endemic diseases, along with their complications.
- Implementation of public health tools to combat endemic diseases.
- Formulation of control strategies for medically important snails using modern technology.
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Diagnosis
- Development and introduction of new medical, surgical, radiological, and laboratory diagnostic techniques.
- Creation of diagnostic tests suitable for field applications.
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Morbidity
- Assessment of the impact of environmental and behavioral risk factors on disease morbidity.
- Investigation of pathogenic and pathological changes in endemic diseases to enable early diagnosis and effective management.
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Treatment
- Exploration and introduction of new therapeutic modalities, including medical, surgical, gene therapy, and cell-based regenerative therapy.
- Evaluation of existing and new therapeutic protocols to enhance efficacy and minimize side effects.
- Conducting drug bioavailability studies to optimize drug administration.
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Biotechnology and Innovations in Applied Medical Sciences
- Application of biotechnology, genetics, and molecular biology for the production and use of diagnostic reagents, biotherapy, and vaccines.
- Utilization of biotechnology for molecular characterization at both cellular and pathogen levels.
- Encouragement and support for innovations or patents in relevant research fields at TBRI.
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Quality Management
- Development of new strategies for performance appraisal in hospitals, outpatient clinics, and laboratories.
- Establishment of quality-based documentation, database, and communication systems for technical and administrative units at TBRI.
- Implementation of quality-based safety systems for patients, personnel, and tools used at TBRI.
- Enhancement of human resource capacity.