Rita Khoueiry, PhD is a scientist in the Epigenomics and Mechanisms Branch at the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). She is a molecular biologist with extensive expertise in epigenetics, cancer epigenomics, and gene–environment interactions. Dr. Khoueiry obtained her PhD in Epigenetics and Molecular Biology from Claude Bernard University Lyon 1, followed by postdoctoral training in France (Centre for Biochemical and Macromolecular Research) and Belgium (KU Leuven), where she investigated epigenetic regulation of early development and cell fate decisions.

Since joining IARC in 2018, her research has focused on unravelling epigenetic drivers of cancers, identifying biomarkers of cancer risks and elucidating how environmental exposures—such as mycotoxins, endocrine disruptors, and infectious agents—interact with the epigenome to influence cancer development and plasticity with an important focus on pediatric cancer. She integrates large-scale (epi)genomic data mining with cutting-edge experimental models, and multi-omics approaches.

Dr. Khoueiry has authored numerous high-impact publications and leads and co-leads several international research projects in cancer epigenetics and prevention. She is actively involved in international scientific collaborations, contributing to the advancement of epigenetics research in oncology.