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Lebanese University graduate Joe Merheb wins Adel Kortas Award for Agricultural Excellence
Dr. Joe Merheb, a graduate of the Faculty of Agronomy, won the late Minister Adel Kortas Award for Agricultural Excellence 2025 for his doctoral thesis entitled:
Ampelographic and Molecular Characterization of the Traditional Lebanese Grapevine Germplasm and Potential for Fermentation
The announcement of the award came during a ceremony organized by the Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture in Zahle and the Bekaa, under the patronage of the Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Nizar Hani, represented by the Director General of the Ministry, Engineer Louis Lahoud, and in the presence of the Dean of the Faculty of Agronomy, Dr. Nadine Nassif, representing the President of the Lebanese University, Dr. Bassam Badran, In addition to representatives from the Faculties of Agronomy at a number of Lebanese universities, industrial, agricultural and commercial figures, and the family of the late Minister Kortas.
Dr. Merheb's thesis deals with the ampelographic and molecular description of the traditional origins of the Lebanese vine, known for its ability to adapt to difficult climatic conditions, and studies its potential for fermentation and its future prospects in light of the challenges of climate change.
The thesis was completed under the joint supervision of Dr. Lamis Shalak from the Faculty of Agronomy and Dr. Patrice This from the University of Montpellier in France, in collaboration with the UMR AGAP Institute in France and with the support of the French-Lebanese CEDRE project, the PRIMA Sustemicrop project, and Château Saint Thomas. It resulted in the publication of five scientific articles in international peer-reviewed journals, reflecting the quality and importance of the research at the national and international levels.
Dr. Joe Merheb graduated from the Faculty of Agronomy with a diploma in Agricultural Engineering/Plant Production. Regarding his studies at the Lebanese University, he says:
" The diploma stage at the Faculty of Agronomy was the foundation for all the research and laboratory studies I conducted later. The confidence I gained from the Lebanese University degree was also a gateway to French universities and institutes. I will never forget the role of my professors at the faculty, who helped open channels of communication for me and my colleagues with French universities."
