Lead December 2025
Wednesday, December 17, 2025
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How do you prefer to introduce yourself?
On a professional level, I’m a structural biologist and biochemist fascinated by how nature converts sunlight into usable energy. Since January 2025, I lead a research group at Goethe University Frankfurt, Germany, where we study the molecular mechanisms of energy conversion in photosynthesis and how the related protein complexes function together to power the life on Earth. On the personal level, I am a widow after being married for around 12 years to my late husband, Dr. Mohamed Ibrahim, who passed away in 2024, and I have one son, Aser, who is now 8 years old.
Can you briefly describe your field of research and its importance?
My research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of energy conversion in photosynthesis. Particularly, how photosynthetic protein complexes, such as Photosystem II, Photosystem I, and the other complexes undergo their conformational changes to produce energy. My aim is to understand how proteins capture light, move electrons and protons, and ultimately generate oxygen and energy-rich molecules. Not only does this knowledge explain how life sustains itself, but also it is a source of bioinspiration for synthesizing other systems aimed at producing clean and renewable energy.
What is your favorite thing about your research that keeps you interested?
What fascinates me the most is how such complex macromolecular systems perform their functions with astonishing precision. Each mechanism we understand or resolve reminds us of how elegantly and precisely life is designed at the atomic level.
Have people ever misinterpreted or misunderstood your research?
Sometimes they assume that photosynthesis research is just about plants, and think it is a simple biological process. In reality, it’s one of the most fundamental and sophisticated mechanisms of life itself, the process that sustains our very existence and may hold the key to our planet’s sustainable future.
What is the impact of your research on the general population?
Our findings provide the foundation for designing bio-inspired energy technologies. By understanding how photosynthetic proteins split water and store sunlight energy, we move closer to developing artificial photosynthesis systems that could generate clean fuels like hydrogen and other valuable chemical compounds. |
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Dr. Rana along with her late husband Dr. M. Ibrahim during one of their joint beamline visits in SACLA, Japan (XFEL facility). |
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As a female researcher, how do you make your work-private life balance ?
It’s always a challenge to be a female scientist, but I’ve learned that the real balance doesn’t require doing all the tasks simultaneously to a fascinating level of perfection. However, it’s about defining the priorities and accomplishing them smartly without depleting your energy. We are just humans… For instance, my son is my first priority, especially after the loss of his father. Fortunately, he is fond of science, and I am doing my best as a scientific mother to be his role model in order to teach him that the importance of resilience, hard work, determination, and passion can be achieved. I want him to see that dreams can eventually come true.
What about your late husband? Was he supportive for your scientific career?
My late husband, Dr. Mohamed Ibrahim, was my greatest supporter at all levels and, in my opinion, one of the most brilliant scientists with whom I’ve ever worked. Indeed, I was truly lucky to share with him my private life as well as my scientific career for almost 14 years. In fact, he was the partner of dreams for all female scientists who would provide generously his support at home as well as at work. Even during his illness, while undergoing chemotherapy, neither did he stop supporting his family nor the leadership of his research group; his dedication and strength were extraordinary. He kept encouraging me to move forward and to never give up. We learned together that even in the most difficult moments, we must continue to do our best and support others; that’s what truly lasts. His belief in my capabilities continues to nourish everything I do to date. I really hope in some way to continue his legacy through the Mohamed Ibrahim Scholarship, which we established together with Egypt Scholars, my work, and caring for our son.
Have you ever thought of sacrificing your career ambition? How do you
overcome these feelings?
Rarely, but yes, Science can be very demanding, and personal life often tests our limits. During those moments, having the right support system makes all the difference. I remember during my husband’s illness and after his passing, the support I received from my supervisors and colleagues was truly unbelievable. Their kindness and understanding helped me stay grounded and gave me the strength and motivation to continue. I am truly grateful to my PhD supervisor, Professor Zouni, who is my role model for a successful female scientist.
What were the most important steps you took to get where you are now?
Consistency, curiosity, and courage to step outside my comfort zone are the keywords of my steps in science. I finished my B.Sc. in Biochemistry at Ain Shams University in Cairo, Egypt. While I was appointed as an academic assistant at the University back then, I followed my exploring attitude and accepted a scholarship to pursue my master’s at KAUST University in Jeddah, KSA. Afterwards, I relocated to Berlin, Germany, to conduct my PhD and postdoctoral research, and since January 2025, I have been in Frankfurt. Indeed, every step was challenging, especially those in my early career, because I think they made all the difference in my journey. Building collaborations and learning from mentors have greatly shaped and impacted my career.
What would you recommend to other female researchers?
Find what truly excites you in science, and let it drive you. Seek mentorship, build networks, and never underestimate your work. Science needs diversity of thought.
What is your goal or dream for the future?
My goal is to leave a meaningful impact wherever I go. In science, through maintaining high-level research; in education, by mentoring students and passing on knowledge; and personally, by giving back to my home country and community. I truly believe education is the key to progress and civilization, and I want to exploit my experience to support others and help open doors for the next generation.
What is the positive role of being both a professor and a mother?
It gives me balance and perspective. Motherhood teaches patience and empathy, qualities that enrich leadership in science.
Do you think gender equality is accomplished in your career field?
We’ve made progress, but there’s still a long way to go, especially in leadership roles and long-term career stability for women in science.
What is still challenging for women?
One of the biggest challenges for women is the constant pressure to prove themselves while also managing family responsibilities. Many academic and research structures still lack flexibility, especially for mothers. Traveling for conferences or long experiments can be difficult when school systems or childcare options don’t provide the needed support. These barriers often limit opportunities — not because of a lack of talent, but because the system isn’t designed with women’s realities in mind.
Do you think societies aimed at assisting female workers are really helpful?
Yes, but only when they provide real support, not just symbolic recognition. Programs that offer funding flexibility, mentorship, and visibility can make a real difference for women in science. I recently received the 2025 L’Oréal–UNESCO for Women in Science Award in Germany, which provides meaningful financial and professional support. Earlier in my career, I was also awarded the Goethe University GRADE Financial Support for Early Career Researchers and the Caroline von Humboldt Fellowship. These opportunities gave me the freedom to focus on research and the confidence to grow as a scientist.
Do you think flexibility should be considered on a professional level?
Absolutely. Creativity doesn’t fit into strict office hours. Flexibility helps retain talent and allows researchers, especially women, to thrive without sacrificing personal well-being.
What advice do you have for aspiring female scientists?
Follow your curiosity with courage. Science needs your perspective. Don’t let self-doubt or external expectations silence your potential; every contribution you make adds to humanity’s collective understanding. |
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Dr. Rana and her son Aser during the ceremony of the L’Oréal–UNESCO For Women in Science Award in 2025 |
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Contributed by
Dr. Alaa Adawy
Department of Physics
Faculty of Science
University of Oviedo
33007 OVIEDO, Asturias, Spain
Tel: +34 9 8510 5456
Email: hassanalaa@uniovi.es, adawy@gwis.org |
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About GWIS Founded in 1921, Graduate Women in Science is an inter-disciplinary society of scientists who collectively seek to advance the participation and recognition of women in science and to foster research through grants, awards and fellowships. We comprise over 20 active chapters of more than 800 women who are "United in Friendship through Science" to support and inspire member professional goals and mutual appreciation of science. Learn more at www.gwis.org. |
Contact GWIS 244 Fifth Avenue, Suite #1825
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Brooke Long-Fox
GWIS Editor
Veena Prasad
GWIS Lead Copy Editor
Vivian Usha
GWIS Lead Interviewer
Alaa Adawy |
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