Dr Ghina M Halabi is an inspiring astrophysicist and social entrepreneur. With a passion for unravelling the mysteries of the cosmos, her research explored the structure and evolution of stars, probing their life cycles and the physics that governs their behaviour to provide insights about the universe and our place in it.
Demonstrating her adaptability and keen insight, Ghina transitioned from the enigmatic world of astrophysics to the dynamic and disruptive realm of entrepreneurship.
Leveraging her expertise at the intersection of space science and commercialisation, Ghina joined the Education Team at the Entrepreneurship Centre, where she has played a crucial role in the creation and management of transformative programmes that empower academics to commercialise their research and flourish beyond the lab.
As an advocate for gender representation, she designed and leads EnterpriseTECH and EnterpriseWOMEN, an innovative entrepreneurship development programme specifically tailored for early-stage women entrepreneurs, founders and CEOs. Since 2022 she has completed executive education courses on VC, Fund Management, and SME growth at Imperial College London and University of Bath School of Management.
In a remarkable achievement, Ghina became the first individual to earn a PhD in astrophysics from a Lebanese university.
Driven by a commitment to promoting STEM and advocating for women in science, she founded She Speaks Science, a multi-lingual social enterprise dedicated to fostering a positive STEM identity among young people and amplifying the voices of women scientists through storytelling. She Speaks Science has received funding and support from prestigious organisations such as the International Astronomical Union and University of Cambridge.
Prior to her current endeavours, Ghina held positions as a postdoctoral research associate at the Institute of Astronomy at the University of Cambridge, a fellow at Wolfson College, and a lecturer at the American University of Beirut. She has spoken at international conferences and global forums, including UN Women, UNOOSA, and TEDx, and has featured in various media outlets. She currently mentors on UK Space Agency accelerator Entrepreneurial Spark.