PhD at Institut Pasteur De Tunis, Tunisia
Dr. Jihenne Ben Aissa-Haj is a distinguished molecular biologist specializing in biomarker discovery and clinical application in oncology and precision medicine. With a PhD in Genomics and Oncogenetics awarded Summa Cum Laude, her research has significantly advanced understanding of hereditary gastric cancers and Lynch Syndrome II in Tunisia. As a scientific project manager and associate at the Institut Pasteur de Tunis, she has led regional initiatives like PerMediNA, fostering collaboration across North Africa and Europe. Dr. Ben Aissa-Haj has authored high-impact publications, developed over 25 training programs, and played a pivotal role in implementing genomic tools for personalized cancer care. Her expertise spans molecular diagnostics, bioinformatics, and translational research, with a strong commitment to healthcare capacity building. Recognized for her leadership and scientific contributions, she exemplifies innovation and collaboration in biomedical research and is a compelling candidate for the Best Researcher Award.
Professional Profile
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ORCID Profile
Education
Dr. Jihenne Ben Aissa-Haj holds a PhD in Genomics and Oncogenetics from the Faculty of Sciences, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, awarded with the highest distinction—Summa Cum Laude and special jury recognition—for her groundbreaking thesis on the mutational profiles associated with Diffuse Gastric Cancer and Lynch Syndrome II in Tunisia. Prior to her doctorate, she earned a Master of Research in Biochemistry, also with Summa Cum Laude, focusing on the anti-biofilm activity of essential oils against Candida albicans. She completed her undergraduate studies in Biology at the Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, where she built a strong foundation in experimental and molecular sciences. Her academic journey reflects a continuous trajectory of excellence and dedication to biomedical research, with a strong emphasis on innovation, molecular biology, and translational medicine, making her well-equipped to address complex challenges in genomics and oncology.
Professional Experience
Dr. Jihenne Ben Aissa-Haj has cultivated a rich professional background in molecular oncology and precision medicine. From 2023 to 2024, she served as a Scientific Associate on the Tumor Molecular Board at Institut Pasteur de Tunis, where she worked alongside a multidisciplinary team to interpret molecular profiles in lung, breast, and ovarian cancers. Her efforts contributed to improved personalized treatment outcomes and streamlined cancer care pathways. Between 2021 and 2024, she led the PerMediNA project as a Scientific Project Manager, coordinating over 400 professionals across North Africa and France. She has designed and implemented over 25 advanced training programs, organized international internships, and overseen large-scale research initiatives. Dr. Ben Aissa-Haj’s ability to combine scientific rigor with strategic leadership has positioned her as a central figure in regional genomic medicine, effectively bridging the gap between research and clinical application.
Research Interest
Dr. Ben Aissa-Haj’s research interests lie at the intersection of molecular biology, genomics, oncology, and precision medicine. She is deeply invested in identifying, validating, and applying biomarkers for the early detection, diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic monitoring of hereditary cancers. Her doctoral research focused on mutational signatures in Diffuse Gastric Cancer and Lynch Syndrome II, contributing valuable insights into genetic susceptibility within the Tunisian population. She is particularly passionate about translational research that connects molecular findings to clinical solutions, aiming to improve cancer care through data-driven, personalized approaches. Her work within the PerMediNA consortium has also expanded her focus to regional implementation of genomic tools for lung cancer management. Additionally, she integrates bioinformatics, in silico analysis, and experimental methods such as NGS, digital PCR, and immunohistochemistry to advance her investigations. Her multidisciplinary perspective fosters innovation at the frontier of personalized oncology.
Award and Honor
Dr. Jihenne Ben Aissa-Haj is a molecular biologist specializing in biomarker discovery and precision oncology, with a strong focus on translational research. She earned her PhD in Genomics and Oncogenetics from the Institut Pasteur de Tunis with the highest honors, investigating mutation profiles linked to gastric cancer and Lynch Syndrome II. With extensive experience in leading multidisciplinary research projects, including the regionally impactful PerMediNA consortium, she has fostered collaboration across North Africa and Europe. Dr. Ben Aissa-Haj has contributed to over 10 high-impact publications and organized numerous training programs and internships to advance genomic medicine in clinical settings. Her expertise spans molecular diagnostics, bioinformatics, and project management, supported by her roles in tumor molecular boards and international research networks. Fluent in Arabic, French, and English, she is a dedicated advocate for data-driven healthcare innovation and capacity building in genomic research across diverse healthcare systems.
Conclusion
Dr. Jihenne Ben Aissa-Haj is an exceptional biomedical scientist whose career reflects a deep commitment to advancing molecular oncology and precision medicine in North Africa and beyond. With an academic background marked by honors and a professional path that combines research excellence with leadership, she bridges the gap between laboratory discoveries and clinical application. Her expertise in biomarker research, project management, and training has had tangible impacts on patient care and healthcare professional development. Through collaborative projects like PerMediNA and her work on the Tumor Molecular Board, she has helped implement personalized treatment strategies that are reshaping cancer management in the region. Recognized through prestigious publications, awards, and professional achievements, Dr. Ben Aissa-Haj stands as a leader in translational research. Her scientific acumen, organizational capability, and commitment to innovation make her a compelling and deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award.
Publications Top Notes
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Title: The Ethical Imperative of Inclusivity in CBPR: Shared Experience of Science Shop Projects of InSPIRES Consortium
Authors: Maria Kabbage, Jacqueline Tilley, Jihenne Ben Aissa‐Haj, Hicham Ben Hassine, Anne-Sophie Gresle, Irene Jimeno Maroto, Sonia Maatoug, Sonia Abdelhak, María-Jesus Pinazo
Year: 2025
Citation: Kabbage, M., et al. (2025). The Ethical Imperative of Inclusivity in CBPR: Shared Experience of Science Shop Projects of InSPIRES Consortium. Preprints. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202503.1499.v1
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Title: A Regionally Based Precision Medicine Implementation Initiative in North Africa: The PerMediNA Consortium
Authors: Yosr Hamdi, Maroua Boujemaa, Jihenne Ben Aissa-Haj, Fouzia Radouani, Meriem Khyatti, Najah Mighri, Mariem Hannachi, Kais Ghedira, Oussema Souiai, Chaima Hkimi, et al.
Year: 2024
Citation: Hamdi, Y., et al. (2024). A Regionally Based Precision Medicine Implementation Initiative in North Africa: The PerMediNA Consortium. Translational Oncology, 101940. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tranon.2024.101940
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Title: The Identification of Large Rearrangements Involving Intron 2 of the CDH1 Gene in BRCA1/2 Negative and Breast Cancer Susceptibility
Authors: Jihenne Ben Aissa-Haj, Hugo Pinheiro, François Cornelis, Molka Sebai, Didier Meseure, Adrien Briaux, Philippe Berteaux, Cedric Lefol, Gaëtan Des Guetz, Martine Trassard, et al.
Year: 2022
Citation: Ben Aissa-Haj, J., et al. (2022). The Identification of Large Rearrangements Involving Intron 2 of the CDH1 Gene in BRCA1/2 Negative and Breast Cancer Susceptibility. Genes, 13(12), 2213. https://doi.org/10.3390/genes13122213
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Title: A Rare MSH2 Variant as a Candidate Marker for Lynch Syndrome II Screening in Tunisia: A Case of Diffuse Gastric Carcinoma
Authors: Maria Kabbage, Jihenne Ben Aissa-Haj, Houcemeddine Othman, Amira Jaballah-Gabteni, Sarra Laarayedh, Sahar Elouej, Mouna Medhioub, Haifa Kettiti, Amal Khsiba, Moufida Mahmoudi, et al.
Year: 2022
Citation: Kabbage, M., et al. (2022). A Rare MSH2 Variant as a Candidate Marker for Lynch Syndrome II Screening in Tunisia: A Case of Diffuse Gastric Carcinoma. Genes, 13(8), 1355. https://doi.org/10.3390/genes13081355
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Title: CDH1 Germline Variants in a Tunisian Cohort with Hereditary Diffuse Gastric Carcinoma
Authors: Jihenne Ben Aissa-Haj, Maria Kabbage, Houcemeddine Othmen, Patrick Saulnier, Haifa Tounsi Kettiti, Amira Jaballah-Gabteni, Azer Ferah, Mouna Medhioub, Amal Khsiba, Moufida Mahmoudi, et al.
Year: 2022
Citation: Ben Aissa-Haj, J., et al. (2022). CDH1 Germline Variants in a Tunisian Cohort with Hereditary Diffuse Gastric Carcinoma. Genes, 13(3), 400. https://doi.org/10.3390/genes13030400