(Professor of Islam and Biomedical Ethics, Research Center for Islamic Legislation & Ethics (CILE), Qatar)
Dr Mohammed Ghaly
Dr. Mohammed Ghaly is a renowned scholar in the field of Islam and Biomedical Ethics, currently serving as a Professor at the Research Center for Islamic Legislation & Ethics (CILE), part of the College of Islamic Studies at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) in Qatar. His academic journey is rooted in both traditional Islamic studies and Western academic rigor, making him a leading figure in exploring the intersection between Islamic ethics and biomedical sciences.
Dr. Ghaly’s expertise focuses on addressing complex ethical questions that arise in the fields of biomedicine and health sciences, such as genomics, bioethics, and biobanking, all through an Islamic ethical lens. His contributions are helping to shape Islamic discourse on modern biomedical challenges, both in the Gulf region and globally.
Academic Background and Education
Dr. Ghaly’s academic achievements began with his Bachelor’s degree in Islamic Studies in English from Al-Azhar University in Cairo, Egypt, which he completed with cum laude honors in 1999. He continued his education at Leiden University in the Netherlands, where he earned both his M.A. in Islamic Studies (2002) and PhD (2008), also graduating with cum laude honors.
His doctoral research at Leiden University focused on the intricate relationship between Islam and biomedical ethics, a field that continues to be his main area of specialization.
Research and Professional Achievements
Dr. Ghaly has an extensive record of research in Islamic bioethics. In 2012, he was awarded the prestigious VENI grant by the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research (NWO) for his research project, “Islam and Biomedical Ethics: The Interplay of Islam and the West”, which explored the dialogue between Islamic ethical principles and Western biomedical practices. In 2015, he received another significant grant from the Qatar National Research Fund (QNRF) for his project, “Indigenizing Genomics in the Gulf Region (IGGR): The Missing Islamic Bioethical Discourse”. This project aims to integrate Islamic ethical perspectives into discussions on genomics and biomedical innovations in the Gulf.
Dr. Ghaly’s expertise is frequently sought by global academic and research institutions. He serves as a research consultant for numerous international projects and is a member of the editorial board for various academic journals focused on bioethics, Islamic studies, and biomedical sciences.
Teaching and Academic Contributions
Dr. Ghaly has been a faculty member at the Erasmus Mundus Program, teaching in the European Master of Bioethics, a joint initiative organized by several prominent European universities. His lectures cover the ethical dimensions of biomedical practices from an Islamic perspective, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and considerations at the intersection of religion, ethics, and modern science.
His teaching and mentorship have had a profound impact on students, particularly those studying Islamic bioethics and those working in healthcare, helping bridge the gap between traditional Islamic knowledge and modern medical advancements.
Global Lectures and Contributions
Dr. Ghaly is frequently invited to speak at universities and academic forums around the world. Some of the institutions where he has delivered lectures on Islamic bioethics include:
- Imperial College London
- Oxford University
- University of Oslo
- University of Chicago
- Georgetown University
During the academic year 2014-2015, Dr. Ghaly was a Visiting Researcher at the Kennedy Institute of Ethics at Georgetown University, USA. His work continues to contribute to the development of ethical frameworks that address contemporary issues in biomedicine and Islamic law.
Publications and Editorial Work
Dr. Ghaly has authored numerous peer-reviewed articles on a wide range of topics related to Islam and Biomedical Ethics. His research publications have made significant contributions to global discussions on Islamic ethics and their application to modern healthcare challenges.
In addition to his prolific writing, Dr. Ghaly serves on the editorial boards of several academic journals, where he continues to influence and shape the discourse on Islamic bioethics. His role as a research consultant on multiple projects further solidifies his position as a leading voice in the field.
Key Research Interests
- Islamic Bioethics
- Biomedical Ethics
- Genomics in Islamic Discourse
- Islamic Law and Ethics
- Biobanking and Healthcare Ethics