Hayfa Akoubi

Hayfa Akoubi is a visionary entrepreneur putting Quebec on the global map in dermatology clinical research. Her seven transformative years at Concordia shaped her into the rigorous scientist, creative critical thinker and strategic leader she is today, forging the rare blend of analytical depth and entrepreneurial courage that now drives her impact far beyond the laboratory. 

As founder and president of Nexus Médical, a contract research organization, Akoubi has turned Montreal into an international hub for ethical, world-class clinical testing, attracting brands from North America and Europe seeking Health Canada and FDA-compliance. Her work creates high-skilled jobs for Quebecers while elevating Canada's reputation in global dermocosmetics innovation.

Through her company, she is also dedicated to organizing and fully funding a yearly STEM workshop for kids — an inspiring event exploring robotics, skin anatomy and beginner programming. It’s her way of nurturing curiosity, creativity and a love for science in the next generation.

A bilingual leader who embodies Concordia's values of excellence, opportunity and diversity, Akoubi 's influence stretches from local research ecosystems to international regulatory conversations.

She represents a new generation of Quebecois scientists who think globally while rooting their impact locally, bridging science, entrepreneurship, and public health with unwavering determination. She is currently pursuing her EMBA.

Akoubi was awarded the Concordia University Alumni Association’s John Lemieux medal in 2026.