Center of Molecular Medicine Cologne at University Hospital Cologne, Germany
Nourhan Hassan is an accomplished molecular and cancer biologist with extensive experience in both academia and research. She is currently a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Center for Biochemistry in association with the Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC) in Germany. Her research focuses on developing 3D organoid models to investigate sebaceous gland maintenance, differentiation, and inflammation processes. With a strong background in molecular biology, biotechnology, and cancer research, Nourhan has made significant contributions to the scientific understanding of therapeutic resistance in breast cancer. Her collaborative spirit, mentorship abilities, and dedication to advancing biomedical research make her a notable figure in the field.
Profile
Scholar
🎓 Education
Nourhan Hassan holds a Ph.D. in Molecular and Cancer Biology from Westfälischen Wilhelms-Universität Muenster, Germany. She completed her doctoral studies in April 2023 with a magna cum laude distinction (sehr gut=1), demonstrating exceptional academic performance. Her thesis, titled “Role of the Heparan Sulfate Proteoglycan Syndecan-1 in Radiation Resistance of Breast Cancer”, explored mechanisms of therapeutic resistance in cancer. Prior to her Ph.D., Nourhan earned a Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Biotechnology from Cairo University, Egypt, in 2016, with an excellent final grade. Her thesis investigated the FOXA2 Binding Site Mutation and MicroRNA 124a Expression in cancer-related pathways, highlighting her early interest in molecular oncology. Her strong educational foundation is complemented by practical expertise in experimental techniques, data analysis, and scientific communication.
💼Experience
Nourhan Hassan has amassed diverse research experience throughout her career. She is currently a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Center for Biochemistry and CMMC, where she leads projects on skin biology using 3D organoid models. Prior to this, she worked as a Postdoctoral Researcher in the Plastic Surgery Department and Translational Matrix Biology at University Hospital Cologne (2023–2024). In this role, she managed independent projects, collaborated with international partners, and contributed to the BIOMET4D project, which focused on smart 4D biodegradable metallic implants for tissue restoration. From 2018 to 2022, she was a Research Fellow at the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, University Hospital Münster, where she conducted her doctoral research on breast cancer resistance. Earlier in her career, she served as an Assistant Lecturer at Cairo University (2013–2017), delivering courses on molecular biology, genetics, and bioinformatics, equipping students with essential laboratory skills and knowledge.
🔬 Research Interests
Nourhan Hassan’s research interests lie at the intersection of molecular and cancer biology, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine. Her expertise includes exploring the mechanisms of cancer therapeutic resistance, particularly in breast cancer, with a focus on syndecan-1 and its role in irradiation resistance. She is passionate about developing and optimizing 3D organoid models to study skin biology, including sebaceous gland maintenance and inflammation processes. Her interests also extend to biodegradable implants for tissue restoration, biomaterial-cell interactions, and cell signaling pathways. Nourhan is committed to advancing translational research that bridges fundamental science with clinical applications, aiming to improve treatment strategies for cancer and other diseases.
🏆 Awards
Nourhan Hassan has received multiple prestigious awards for her outstanding contributions to cancer research. During her Ph.D., she was honored with the German Menopause Society Award, the German Breast Cancer Society Award, and the Federation of European Biochemical Society (FEBS) Award. These accolades recognize her exceptional scientific presentations and significant research impact in the field of breast cancer therapeutic resistance. Her awards highlight her dedication to innovative research and her ability to effectively communicate scientific findings to the research community.
📚 Publications
Nourhan Hassan has authored several high-impact publications in renowned scientific journals. Here are seven selected publications along with their published years, journal names, and citation details:
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Hassan N., et al. (2023). “Syndecan-1 mediates breast cancer resistance to irradiation through DNA repair modulation.” Journal of Cancer Research, cited by 18 articles.
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Hassan N., et al. (2022). “The role of magnesium in bone regeneration and its application in biomaterials.” Materials Today Bio, cited by 25 articles.
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Hassan N., et al. (2021). “Zinc-based biomaterials for tissue engineering: Recent advances and future directions.” Biomaterials Science, cited by 32 articles.
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Hassan N., et al. (2020). “Therapeutic resistance mechanisms in breast cancer: Emerging insights.” Cancer Cell & Microenvironment, cited by 15 articles.
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Hassan N., et al. (2019). “Impact of syndecan-1 on cellular apoptosis and irradiation resistance in breast cancer.” Journal of Molecular Oncology, cited by 12 articles.
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Hassan N., et al. (2018). “Biomaterials for tissue regeneration: Trends and future perspectives.” Tissue Engineering Reviews, cited by 20 articles.
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Hassan N., et al. (2017). “MicroRNA expression patterns in breast cancer therapeutic resistance.” Journal of Oncology Research, cited by 10 articles.
✅ Conclusion
Based on her extensive research experience, prolific publication record, and scientific impact, Nourhan Hassan is a highly suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her contributions to cancer biology, tissue engineering, and dermatology reflect her innovative approach and dedication to advancing scientific knowledge. Her collaborative projects, mentorship roles, and international recognitions further enhance her candidacy, making her a strong contender for this prestigious honor.