It is with profound sorrow that we mourn the passing of Prof. Dolla Karam Sarkis, Vice-Rector for Research at Saint Joseph University of Beirut (USJ) and Honorary Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy (FP), on October 2, 2023. A specialist in clinical biology, she earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from FP in 1983 and a PhD in Microbiology from Université Paris XI. Throughout her career, she committed herself to teaching and research, contributing to the advancement of knowledge and excellence in Lebanon, the Middle East and internationally. Beyond her impressive professional achievements, Prof. Karam Sarkis was distinguished for her presence, empathy, kindness, gentleness and the contagious smile that illuminated her face and eyes. Her communicative good humor, positivity and vivacity drew everyone to her. Known for her generous spirit, she tirelessly assisted those who sought her guidance, to help them realize their projects. As a devoted mother, her three daughters, husband, parents and siblings were a source of immense pride and joy. As an exceptional teacher, she dedicated herself to her students and colleagues in the pursuit of scientific advancement.

In her extensive professional journey, Prof. Karam Sarkis served as an assistant in clinical microbiology at the Bichât-Claude Bernard Hospital between 1988 and 1993 and, since 1995, Professor of Microbiology at FP. She was Head of the Microbiology Laboratory at the Hôtel-Dieu de France (HDF) University Medical Center in Beirut from 1993 to 2012, and a member of the HDF Board of Directors. From 2001 to 2013, she served as Dean of FP and founded its Nutrition Department. From July 2007 to May 2013, she chaired the Conférence internationale d'expression française (CIDPHARMEF) and the AUF Scientific Council from 2013 to 2016. At the same time, she directed the Doctoral School of Health and Science from 2008 to 2013 and founded and directed the Rodolphe Mérieux Laboratory affiliated to FP from 2012 to 2017. In 2021, she was elected Middle East University Representative on the Administrative Board of the Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie. She was director of the FP Pathogens Laboratory, a member of the Lebanese Advisory Committee for Communicable Diseases and Antibiotic Resistance of the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health since 2014, a member of the CEDRE Committee and the USJ representative on the Lebanese CNRS. Prof. Karam Sarkis has also been a member of the Société française de microbiologie since 1984 and a member of the biology section of the Académie nationale de pharmacie since December 2002. In recognition of her contribution, she was awarded the insignia of Chevalier of the Ordre des Palmes académiques de France in June 2010.

As Vice-rector for Research at USJ since September 2013, she continued to pursue groundbreaking research, particularly in antibiotic resistance in Lebanon and the region in humans, animals and the environment, antibacterial proteins, the links between microbiota and neurological diseases, and the links between microbiota and bone marrow transplantation.

Dolla, we will miss you. May you rest in peace.