Dr Reem El-Gendy

Profile

I am an Associate Professor specialising in stem cell biology, tissue regeneration, and global health innovation, with a strong focus on translating fundamental science into clinically relevant solutions.

My research centres around understanding how systemic conditions such as diabetes and osteoporosis influence stem cell function and tissue repair, and how this knowledge can be harnessed to develop regenerative therapies in dentistry and orthopaedics. I am particularly interested in clinically relevant human models, including advanced in vitro systems and organ culture models, to bridge the gap between laboratory discovery and patient care.

A key strand of my work focuses on the development of sustainable, alternative antimicrobial materials for regenerative dentistry applications, addressing the growing global challenge of antimicrobial resistance. This includes designing innovative biomaterials that combine regenerative potential with antimicrobial functionality, supporting safer and more effective treatments for dental and orthopaedic conditions.

Alongside my scientific work, I lead and contribute to international research collaborations across the UK, Egypt, Brazil, and South Africa, building sustainable partnerships that support capacity building, knowledge exchange, and the development of future research leaders. I have experience securing and managing international funding, mentoring early-career researchers, and establishing interdisciplinary networks spanning academia, clinical practice, and industry.

At the School of Dentistry, I serve as Co-Lead Director of Postgraduate Research Studies. At Faculty level, I am a member of the Internationalisation Committee, and nationally, I chair the Mineralised Tissue Research Group (MINTIG) within the British Society for Oral and Dental Research (BSODR).

Members of the Research Group:

PGR students

Ms. Dina AbdelFattah: PhD studnet ( Newton- Musharfa full PhD scholarship)

Mr. Manoj Rajankunte Mahadeshwara: PhD student (Bragg center PhD scholarship)

Mr. Abdulrahman Almaliki: Professional Doctorate student in Paediatric Dentistry

Ms. Maryam AlShammar: Professional Doctorate student in Paediatric Dentistry

Ms. Sanaa Alhazaimeh: PhD student

Mr. Ahmed Mahmoud: PhD student

Ms. Xue Du: PhD student

Mr.Harith AlQadwi: PhD student

Early career Post-Doctoral research fellows funded by the British Council:

Dr Fatma Rashid

Dr Dina Amin

Dr Diaa Alimam

Responsibilities

• Director of Post Graduate Studies (Co-lead)| School of Dentistry
• Biomedical and dental Science Module and theme co-lead
• PhD and Professional Doctorates Supervisor and Examiner

Qualifications

• PhD in Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Leeds School of Dentistry
• MDS in Oral Biology and Pathology, Suez Canal University, Egypt
• BDs in Oral and Dental Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt
• Fellow of the Higher Education Academy
• Post Graduate Certificate in Academic Performance , University of Leeds

Professional memberships

• International association of Dental Research (IADR)
• Bristish Society of Oral and Dental Research (BSODR)
• Tissue and Cell Engineering Society (TCES)
• Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine International Society (TERMIS)

Student education

Teaching and Education

I teach across multiple years and modules within the Dental Surgery (BChD) and Dental Hygiene and Therapy (DHT) undergraduate programmes, contributing to the Biomedical and Dental Sciences curriculum.

At postgraduate level, I teach topics including biomaterial biocompatibility, cell–material interactions, oral cancer, and stem cells in health and disease.

I lead an international Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) and Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) project focused on tackling antimicrobial resistance in clinical dentistry and dental education. This initiative brings together collaboration between the University of Leeds and partner dental schools in Egypt and Brazil to provide students with a global, interdisciplinary learning experience.

Leadership roles

• Co-Module Lead and Co-Theme Lead for the Biomedical and Dental Sciences (DBS) module
• Lead for the international MOOC and COIL programme on antimicrobial resistance in dentistry.

Research groups and institutes

• Biomaterials and tissue engineering

Current postgraduate researchers

• Arwa Alghamdi
• Manoj Rajankunte Mahadeshwara