Prof. Dr. M. Maher Kabakibi

Prof. Dr. Mohammad Maher Kabakibi is a prominent academic and administrative figure in Syria, blending scientific expertise in Environmental Sciences and Biodiversity with a long career in leading educational and research institutions. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Biological and Chemical Sciences from Damascus University, followed by a Diploma of Advanced Studies (DEA) in Ecology from France, and a Ph.D. in Environmental Sciences (Ecology). In 1991, he was honored with the UNESCO Young Scientist Award in recognition of his scientific contributions.

Leadership Roles

Dr. Kabakibi has held several high-ranking positions, including:

• President of Damascus University (2017–2020).

• President of Arab International University (AIU) (2013–2017).

• President of Al-Rasheed International University for Science and Technology (2012–2013).

• Deputy Minister of Higher Education (2005–2012).

• Director of the University Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

• Vice Dean for Administrative Affairs at the Faculty of Science, Damascus University.

• Head of the Science Department and Director of Educational Affairs at the Teachers' College in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Scientific and Advisory Contributions

Beyond administration, Dr. Kabakibi maintains a strong scientific presence:

• Member of the National Committee for Man and the Biosphere (MAB) since 1990.

• Chairman of the Environment and Biodiversity Division at the Arab Encyclopedia Authority since 2013.

• Scientific advisor for the Atomic Energy Commission and the General Commission for Biotechnology.

• National Coordinator for the RAC/SPA program for protected areas in Syria (formerly).

Academic Career

• Professor: Faculty of Science, Damascus University (1999–Present).

• Associate Professor: Faculty of Science, Damascus University (1994–1999).

• Lecturer: Faculty of Science, Damascus University (1989–1994).

• Teaching Assistant: Damascus University (1983–1989), during which he completed his specialization in France.

Selected Scientific Publications

Dr. Kabakibi has authored numerous studies in Arabic and French, focusing on biodiversity, Mediterranean ecology, and ecotoxicology:

1. Evolution spatio-temporelle de la composition et de la structure du peuplement frondicole sur chêne-liège dans le massif des Maures (Var), 1987, Ecol., t. 18,3.

2. Effet spécifique immédiat du débroussaillement sur le peuplement du chêne-liège, Ecologia Mediterranea. 118 fasc. ½.

3. Evolution spatio-temporelle de la composition et de la structure du peuplement du chêne vert, 1988, Ecol., t. 20,2.

4. Contribution à l'étude des Collemboles des Maures (France). Med.t. (13)f. (3) 1988.

5. Effet différé du débroussaillement sur le peuplement des Arthropodes du chêne-liège des Maures. 1989, Med.

6. Contribution to the Study of Biodiversity in the Vascular Flora of the Fronlok Forest (Al-Bayer area – North Lattakia). Aleppo University Research Journal, 1997.

7. Toxic Effect of Some Organophosphorus Pesticides on Arctodiaptomus (Rhabdodiaptomus) bacillifer (Calanoidae, Copepoda). Damascus University Journal for Basic Sciences, Vol. 28, No. 2, 2012.

8. Study of the Effect of Nitrite Ions on Esterase Enzyme and Protein Content of Daphnia atkinsoni (Cladocera). Aleppo University Research Journal, Basic Science Series, No. 81, 2012.

9. Production and Characterization of the Dioxin-Binding Domain (LBD) of the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR) as a Recombinant Protein in E. coli. Damascus University Journal for Basic Sciences, 2015.