Yousef Najajreh
يوسف نجاجرة
Born: Hebron, Palestine
Domain: Science & Medicine
Recognition: REGIONAL
Biography
Yousef Najajreh is a Palestinian medicinal chemist whose research on anticancer therapeutics has made him one of the most productive pharmaceutical scientists working within the Palestinian territories. He is an associate professor of medicinal chemistry in the Faculty of Pharmacy at Al-Quds University in Abu Dis, on the edge of East Jerusalem. Najajreh's research focuses on the design and synthesis of novel anticancer compounds, with particular emphasis on platinum-based drugs, allosteric enzyme inhibitors, and nanoparticulate drug-delivery systems. His work seeks to develop more effective and less toxic cancer treatments, contributing to a field of pharmaceutical science that requires sophisticated laboratory infrastructure rarely available in the region. Working under the severe constraints that limit Palestinian scientific research, including restrictions on the import of laboratory materials, limited funding, and the difficulties of international collaboration, Najajreh has nonetheless maintained an active research program and a strong publication and citation record. He is repeatedly listed among the more prominent researchers based in Palestine. In addition to his research, he has been a dedicated educator, training pharmacists and graduate students at Al-Quds University and contributing to the development of pharmaceutical sciences capacity in Palestinian higher education. His career illustrates the persistence required to sustain advanced laboratory science under occupation. Najajreh represents the resilience of homegrown Palestinian science, advancing cutting-edge medicinal chemistry from within the West Bank and mentoring a new generation of Palestinian pharmaceutical researchers.
Why This Person Matters
A leading Palestinian medicinal chemist developing anticancer drugs from within the West Bank, sustaining advanced laboratory science under severe constraints.