
SIR MAGDI YACOUB - EGYPT
Sir Magdi Yacoub is a renowned Professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Imperial College London and Founder of the Magdi Yacoub Institute at the Harefield Heart Science Centre, where he leads over 60 scientists in research areas such as tissue engineering, heart regeneration, stem cell biology, and transplant immunology. He also founded the Magdi Yacoub Research Network, which established the Qatar Cardiovascular Research Center in partnership with Qatar Foundation and Hamad Medical Corporation. Born in Egypt, Professor Yacoub graduated from Cairo University Medical School in 1957, trained in London, and held an Assistant Professorship at the University of Chicago.
He served as a Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon at Harefield Hospital (1969-2001) and Royal Brompton Hospital (1986-2001), establishing the world’s largest heart and lung transplantation program, with over 2,500 transplants performed. Known for pioneering surgeries, he developed novel techniques for treating complex congenital heart anomalies.
Knighted in 1991 for his contributions to medicine, he received numerous honors, including Fellowships from the Academy of Medical Sciences and the Royal Society, and an outstanding achievement award from the UK Secretary of State for Health. His research includes advancements in tissue-engineered heart valves, myocardial regeneration, and innovative cardiac devices. Sir Magdi is dedicated to global healthcare, especially in Egypt, the Gulf, Mozambique, Ethiopia, and Jamaica. As Founder and President of Chain of Hope, he provides life-saving cardiac care to children in developing and conflict-affected regions and supports training programs for local cardiac units.