The Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK) is part of the PsyCoMed project, a collaborative effort spanning across the MENA region, Europe, and beyond. Led by Professor Walid Hleihel, our Neurodevelopmental Disorders Research Group (NDRG) is actively engaged in investigating the impact of pollutants in autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) within this global consortium.

During the PsyCoMed mid-term meeting, Professor Hleihel emphasized the significance of faculty research exchange within the PsyCoMed project, with our researchers slated to spend 19 months in partner research labs. This collaboration fosters knowledge-sharing and accelerates scientific progress toward addressing neurodevelopmental disorders on a global scale.

Dr. Perla Gerges, part-time instructor at the Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS), presented the NDRG’s research findings, focusing on risk and protective factors correlated with ASD. An insightful video conference with Dr. Tania Bitar, full-time faculty member at the FAS, further enriched the discussions on the genetic and metabolic factors in ASD.

USEK’s participation in the PsyCoMed project underscores our commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration and impactful research outcomes that benefit individuals worldwide.