News

As part of its commitment to organizing scientific activities that support the research ecosystem and develop researchers’ skills, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute (TBRI), under the patronage of Professor Ahmed Abdel Aziz, Director of the Institute, held a lecture titled “Thriving Under Pressure: Emotional Resilience for the Researcher’s Journey.” The session was delivered by Dr. Shaimaa Shaker, a researcher in the Parasitology Department, psychiatrist, and mental health trainer. In her lecture, she addressed the importance of promoting mental well-being and emotional resilience among researchers in light of the professional challenges they face throughout their scientific careers.
During the session, Dr. Shaimaa presented a range of key topics in an engaging and interactive manner. She highlighted the psychological dimension of a researcher’s journey by posing questions that touch on the daily realities of students and those interested in scientific research. She analyzed and discussed these questions to help the audience reach motivating and supportive answers. The lecture covered how to maintain psychological resilience when facing daily challenges and academic pressures, effective mechanisms for managing stress and burnout without compromising the quality of scientific output, and strategies that enable researchers to persevere, progress, and excel even in the most difficult circumstances. She emphasized that scientific excellence cannot be separated from psychological balance and that success today depends not only on knowledge, but also on the ability to endure and thrive under pressure.
The lecture extended beyond the academic aspect, underscoring that mental health is a fundamental pillar for sustained contribution, achievement, and balance—not only throughout a researcher’s career, but in human life more broadly. Focusing on mental well-being is key to strengthening resilience, adapting to stress, and staying committed to goals despite challenges. Hence, the lecture called for renewed recognition of the psychological dimension as a vital element equal in importance to the scientific and methodological aspects of a researcher’s and an individual’s life alike.
The event witnessed notable attendance and active engagement from researchers, who enriched the discussion with insightful questions and constructive comments. This reflects growing awareness of the importance of mental health within the academic work environment and researchers’ increasing interest in nurturing psychological balance alongside scientific advancement.
In his remarks, Prof. Ahmed Abdel Aziz, Director of the Institute, stressed the importance of organizing such events, particularly given the accelerating pace of scientific research and the mounting psychological and professional pressures researchers face.
He added that the Institute is always keen to foster an environment that motivates researchers by organizing lectures and seminars that broaden knowledge and open new horizons for the research process. Scientific research is not merely an academic path, but an integrated human experience that requires balanced psychological and professional support. Accordingly, research institutions are committed to supporting their researchers psychologically just as they support them academically and scientifically.
This lecture is part of a series of events the Institute aims to organize to strengthen knowledge exchange between researchers and experts across various disciplines, and to develop both the scientific and interpersonal skills of researchers—contributing to the building of a healthy and well-rounded research community.