Member Spotlight: Dr. Mustapha Najimi (Morocco/Belgium) WANA Honorary Scientific Board
Dr. Najimi represents a critical bridge between high-level academic research in hepatology and the practical, clinical application of cell therapy. His work, particularly in identifying mesenchymal stem/progenitor cells from human liver tissue, has been pivotal in advancing treatments for liver disease. His dual role—as a Senior Research Associate at the Université catholique de Louvain and as a key figure in the success of Promethera Biosciences—highlights his ability to translate laboratory “bench” discoveries into tangible pharmaceutical and clinical outcomes.
Key Takeaways from Dr. Najimi’s Perspective:
- Translational Excellence: His career trajectory—from his PhD in 1999 to his current role supervising hepatic stem cell banks—is a masterclass in long-term commitment to a specific medical field. His involvement in the GMP-compliant isolation of liver cells underscores the importance of regulatory standards in regenerative medicine.
- The Power of Collaboration: His comments at the 4th International WANA Congress reflect a pragmatic and strategic approach to international scientific cooperation. He emphasizes:
- Strategic Incrementalism: The advice to “get the tree first… and then we can branch” is a vital lesson in institutional capacity building. He advocates for establishing solid local foundations within each country before attempting large-scale international expansion.
- Value-Add Partnerships: He correctly identifies that for a scientific network to be sustainable, it must be based on mutual value and the sharing of positive, validated results.
- Collaborative Philosophy: His closing sentiment— “alone, you will go fast, and together, you will go far”—encapsulates the necessity of global scientific solidarity, especially within the context of the Islamic world, to elevate the impact of regional research on the global stage.
Dr. Najimi is clearly positioning himself not just as a researcher but as a mentor and institutional architect for the next generation of WANA scientists. By advocating for a structured, results-oriented network, he is aiming to ensure that the region’s scientific output is recognized for its quality and clinical utility rather than just its volume.