Speakers

Karim BEN SLAMA

Place of Birth : Tunis, Tunisia
Position : Full Professor of Microbiology, Higher Institute of Applied Biological Sciences of Tunis (ISSBAT), University of Tunis El Manar
Field of study : Microbiology, Antimicrobial Resistance, Innovative Antimicrobial Strategies

Born in Tunis in 1972, Professor Karim Ben Slama is a recognized figure in the field of microbiology, with a distinguished academic and scientific career. He pursued his higher education at the University of Tunis El Manar, earning his Doctorate in Biological Sciences with high distinction in 2002, and his Habilitation to Supervise Research (HDR) in 2013. His academic career began at the Higher Institute of Applied Biological Sciences of Tunis (ISSBAT) in 2002, where he progressed from Assistant to Full Professor in 2020. Professor Ben Slama has held several leadership roles, including Director of ISSBAT from 2017 to 2024 and President of the Commission for the Habilitation to Supervise Research at the Institut Pasteur of Tunis. He has coordinated numerous national and international research projects, including the "AviBiocin" project focused on innovative antimicrobial solutions. His research focuses on microbiology, antimicrobial resistance mechanisms, and innovative alternatives to combat antibiotic resistance, particularly antimicrobial peptides and bacteriophages. His scientific contributions and international collaborations have earned him recognition within both the national and global scientific communities.

• Habilitation to Supervise Research (HDR) in Biological Sciences – Microbiology: University of Tunis El Manar, Tunisia (2013)
• Doctorate in Biological Sciences – Microbiology: University of Tunis El Manar, Tunisia (2002)
• Postgraduate Diploma (DEA) in Microbiology: University of Tunis El Manar, Tunisia (1997)
• Master’s Degree in Natural Sciences: Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, Tunisia (1995)
• University Diploma in Scientific Studies (DUES) in Natural Sciences: Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, Tunisia (1993)
• Baccalaureate in Experimental Sciences: Tunisia (1991)

• Full Professor of Microbiology: ISSBAT, University of Tunis El Manar (July 2020 – Present)
• Associate Professor in Cell and Molecular Biology (Microbiology): ISSBAT (Sept. 2013 – July 2020)
• Assistant Professor: ISSBAT (2007 – 2013)
• Assistant: ISSBAT (2002 – 2007)
• President of the Commission for the Habilitation to Supervise Research of Scientific Staff: Institut Pasteur of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar (2023 – Present)
• Director: Higher Institute of Applied Biological Sciences of Tunis (ISSBAT) (Dec. 2017 – July 2024)
• Head of the Department of Biotechnology: ISSBAT (2011 – 2014)
• Member of the Scientific Council: ISSBAT (2010 – 2024)
• Member of the University Council: University of Tunis El Manar (Dec. 2017 – July 2024)

• Antimicrobial resistance from a One Health perspective: Investigation of resistance mechanisms and gene transfer in bacteria at the human–animal–environment interface.
• Innovative antimicrobial strategies: Development of new antimicrobial agents, including peptides (bacteriocins) and bacteriophages, as alternatives to conventional antibiotics.
• Research Project Coordination: Coordinator of the AviBiocin project, financed by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC).