Layla Ibrahim

Egyptian innovator bridging STEM education gaps for Arab girls through virtual labs

Layla Ibrahim pioneered Virtual Science Labs, an Arabic-language platform offering free online STEM experiments for girls in the Middle East. Launched in 2020 during pandemic school closures, the initiative now serves 150,000 students across 18 Arab countries. Its VR modules simulate physics and chemistry experiments, addressing lab shortages in public schools. A 2022 UNESCO report noted a 40% increase in female STEM enrollment in partner schools using the platform.

Ibrahim’s breakthrough came with “Code of the Desert”, a 2023 Netflix documentary following her team’s efforts to build solar-powered labs in Gaza. Despite political tensions, her team trained 500 teachers in conflict zones. In 2024, she partnered with the UAE’s Mars Science City to create space-themed modules, inspiring a new generation of Arab astronomers.

Obstacles include conservative resistance to girls pursuing STEM. Ibrahim’s strategy involves training imams and community leaders through her Quranic STEM program, linking scientific concepts to Islamic teachings. Her TEDx talk “Why Islam Needs Scientists” has become required viewing in religious schools. By 2025, Virtual Science Labs aims to reach 1 million users and partner with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 education reforms.