Taleb Altel

Background

About Taleb Altel

Accomplished scientific leader and medicinal chemist with over 25 years of experience across academia and the pharmaceutical industry, driving innovation in drug design, discovery, and translational research. Recognized for advancing molecules from pre-IND to IND through integrated chemistry, biology, and in silico design strategies that accelerate the path from concept to clinic.Expert in structure-based drug design, PK/ADME modeling, and the design of in vitro and in vivo studies, with a strong record of developing first-in-class lead candidates. My research combines multistep asymmetric and diastereoselective synthesis, total synthesis of natural products, and nature-inspired molecules, employing pDOS and CtD strategies. I have also led programs on novel covalent binders, chemoproteomic profiling, and monovalent molecular glues, leveraging AI and machine learning tools such as AlphaFold3 and KNIME for hit-to-lead optimization and mechanism elucidation.As a collaborative and visionary leader, I have successfully built and guided multidisciplinary teams in medicinal chemistry, molecular biology, proteomics, and chemical genomics, bridging discovery science with translational application.Leadership & Research HighlightsOver 16 years at the University of Sharjah, including a decade of strategic leadership at the College of Pharmacy and the Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences (RIMHS).Spearheaded initiatives that positioned the University of Sharjah as the #1 research university in the UAE.Directed cross-functional research programs in immunology, genomics, proteomics, gene editing, and small-molecule therapeutics.Established international collaborations with top-tier research institutions across the U.S. and Europe.Mentored and developed the next generation of scientists — undergraduates, postgraduates, postdocs, and early-career researchers.Secured multi-million-dollar research funding and managed complex research portfolios from concept to execution.Selected Training & Professional DevelopmentExercising Leadership: Foundational PrinciplesLeaders of LearningResilient LeadershipCS50’s Introduction to Artificial Intelligence with PythonData Science: Machine Learning• Research output includes:o 130+ peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journalso 4 book chapterso 9 U.S. and international patents and patent applicationso 85+ invited talks and global presentations