With less than 1,400 cases of supercentenarians in history, the exceedingly rare occurrence of living past 110 is a sought-after phenomenon in the research on human longevity. However, Sungsoo Chun, professor at AUC’s Institute of Global Health and Human Ecology, points out that the experimental methods used to research each case differs, with each country’s experts typically studying their supercentenarians independently. This creates problems when comparing results, making it difficult to generalize or draw scientific conclusions that apply beyond each individual case. “We need to collectivize existing and future studies to find the secret behind extreme longevity,” Chun says.

To do this, Chun started a cohort study network composed of international subject matter experts. This method pools together existing data on supercentenarians while the network designs a protocol to standardize future research in this area of study. 

The protocol, which will determine the specific cohort design and data points to be collected in future studies, will connect all research on supercentenarians, allowing longevity researchers to work together. “Without the collaboration of global experts, it’s impossible,” says Chun. 

The Global Supercentenarian Cohort Network Study conference, which was hosted at AUC in May 2025, brought researchers one step closer to finalizing a protocol. “Two years ago, we set up the network with 42 study panel members from around the world, and they all shared their insights. Accordingly, we developed a draft of the protocol,” he says. “This conference was one of the final stages to global experts reaching a consensus.”

Former Minister of Planning and Economic Development Hala Elsaid, who is currently the economic adviser to Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, is stepping into the role of University counselor with excitement, looking to build tomorrow’s leaders out of the promising youth at AUC.

“I’m passionate about young people,” she affirmed. “I believe in the power of youth; they can move mountains. You just need to give them the proper ecosystem and show them the support and guidance they need.”

As University counselor, Elsaid will help advance AUC’s relationships with national universities, the Supreme Council of Universities and the Egyptian government. “My short-term goal is to enhance the linkage between AUC, the different Egyptian academic institutions and governmental bodies,” she said. “My long-term vision is to see AUC leading this reform of academic excellence across Egypt.” 

Elsaid has a robust background, having served as minister of planning and economic development from 2019 to 2024 and as minister of planning, monitoring and administrative reform from 2017 to 2019. She oversaw the development and update of Egypt’s Vision 2030. She was also previously chair of The Sovereign Fund of Egypt, the first elected dean of the Faculty of Economics and Political Science at Cairo University, and a board member of the Central Bank of Egypt. In addition, she was executive director of the Egyptian Banking Institute, which became the first internationally accredited financial training body in the Middle East and North Africa under her tenure.

“All these mixed leadership roles have given me a diversified perspective,” Elsaid explained. “I believe that education is crucial in addressing the government’s national priorities. We need partnerships between academia, the government and the private sector to serve the community and help in the national transformation of the country.”

Elsaid expressed her interest in working with the young minds present at AUC, including meeting with the Student Union and engaging in student activities. “By working closely with the AUC community, I can see how we can best serve students and therefore how we can best serve Egypt.”

Get to Know University Counselor Hala Elsaid

Outside of her role as counselor, Elsaid is excited to get to know the AUC community. She shared with News@AUC the things she enjoys outside of the office.

What’s your favorite film?

Gary el-Wuhoosh and Forest Gump.

Who are your favorite authors?

Reem Bassioueny because I love how she mixes history and drama. And Ian Bremmer because I’m very interested in political economy.

What’s your favorite food?

Molokhiya. And taameya; I cannot resist it.

What music do you listen to?

I love Arabic classics, such as Abdel Halim Hafez and Mohammed Abdel Wahab. But I also enjoy the new light Arabic songs. 

What do you like doing in your free time?

Reading, swimming and watching old movies.

What’s something not everyone knows about you?

I love and appreciate art. There are so many great opportunities around Cairo, including all the museums and the Cairo Opera House. I also love painting, though I don’t paint myself.  

What’s your proudest achievement?

My children and grandchildren. Whatever professional achievements I make, my true success is seeing my children and grandchildren.