Being a molecular biologist, Maged Saad has developed a deep interest in the adaption of microbes to their hosts. In particular, he is fascinated by the dual lifestyle of different bacteria and their mechanisms to interact with plants and modulate the plant immune system. He believes that microbe research in basic as well applied context exhibits great potential to benefit humanity in resolving upcoming challenges in fields such as medicine and agriculture, and his work is guided by this goal.
Doing state-of-the-art fundamental research on microbes in context with agriculture, Saad aims to generate and communicate highly novel knowledge that will in the ideal case allow immediate translation into successful practical applications.
Selected Publications
Tailoring Plant-Associated Microbial Inoculants in Agriculture - A Roadmap for Successful Application, Saad MM, Eida AA, Hirt H., Journal of Experimental Botany, 2020, eraa111.
Complete Genome Sequence of Paenibacillus sp. JZ16, a Plant Growth Promoting Root Endophytic Bacterium of the Desert Halophyte Zygophyllum Simplex, Eida AA, Bougouffa S, Alam I, Hirt H, Saad MM., Current Microbiology, 2020, 10.1007/s00284-00020-01908-00285.
Complete genome sequence of the endophytic bacterium Cellulosimicrobium sp. JZ28 isolated from the root endosphere of the perennial desert tussock grass Panicum turgidum, Eida AA, Bougouffa S, Alam I, Saad MM, Hirt H., Archives of Microbiology, 2020.
Genome Insights of the Plant-Growth Promoting Bacterium Cronobacter muytjensii JZ38 With Volatile-Mediated Antagonistic Activity Against Phytophthora infestans, Eida AA, Bougouffa S, L’Haridon F, Alam I, Weisskopf L, Bajic VB, Saad MM, Hirt H., Frontiers in Microbiology, 2020, 11.
Metaorganisms in extreme environments: do microbes play a role in organismal adaptation?, Bang C, Dagan T, Deines P, Dubilier N, Duschl WJ, Fraune S, Hentschel U, Hirt H, Hülter N, Lachnit T, Picazo D, Pita L, Pogoreutz C, Rädecker N, Saad MM, Schmitz RA, Schulenburg H, Voolstra CR, Weiland-Bräuer N, Ziegler M, Bosch TCG., Zoology, 2018, (Jena) 127, 1-19.
Boosting Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) Production With Rhizobacteria From Various Plants in Saudi Arabia, Daur I, Saad MM, Eida AA, Ahmad S, Shah ZH, Ihsan MZ, Muhammad Y, Sohrab SS, Hirt H., Frontiers in Microbiology, 2018, 9, 477-477.
Education
PhD, Molecular biology, University of Geneva , Geneva, Switzerland, 2004
MSc, Biochemistry, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt, 1998
BSc, Biochemistry, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt, 1993
Professional Profile
2020-present: Senior Research Scientist, KAUST, Saudi Arabia
2014-2020: Research Scientist, KAUST, Saudi Arabia
2008-2013: Maître Assistant, Unite of Microbiology, University of Geneva, Switzerland
2005-2007: Postdoctoral Fellow, French National Institute for Agricultural Research (INRA), Toulouse, France
2004-2005: Postdoctoral Fellow, Faculty of Sciences, University of Geneva, Switzerland
1999-2004: PhD Candidate, Faculty of Sciences, University of Geneva, Switzerland
1994-2004: Researcher, Agriculture Research Center, Giza, Egypt
Scientific and Professional Membership
KSA National coordinator for “The Fascination of Plants Day“