Dr. Ziad Abi Khattar, Professor of Biomedical Sciences at the Faculty of Medicine and Medical Sciences, successfully obtained the "Habilitation à Diriger des Recherches (HDR)" from University of Montpellier (France) on June 1, 2026. Awarded with the highest distinction, the HDR is the highest academic qualification in the French higher education system and is regarded as one of its most prestigious distinctions, recognizing recipient’s scientific credibility and expertise within a specific field of research, while certifying the capacity to independently lead research programs and mentor future generations of scientists.
Dr. Abi Khattar’s HDR work highlights basic medical research in bacteriology, antimicrobial resistance, host–pathogen interactions, and clinical microbiology, with a particular focus on the molecular mechanisms underlying bacterial adaptation and resistance to antimicrobial compounds in both environmental and infection contexts.

This achievement further strengthens the international research profile of the University of Balamand and reflects its commitment to academic excellence, scientific innovation, high-impact research, and the advancement of biomedical knowledge in areas of major relevance to global public health. ​