Asif Khaliq | Pharmaceutical Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Asif Khaliq | Pharmaceutical Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Asif Khaliq is a distinguished clinical pharmacist and public health researcher with extensive experience across Pakistan and Australia. With over 15 years of cumulative expertise in pharmacy practice, healthcare management, and academic research, he has played pivotal roles in both hospital settings and global health research initiatives. Dr. Khaliq currently serves as a Clinical Pharmacist at Atherton Hospital, Queensland Health, where he contributes to medication reconciliation, patient consultation, and therapeutic drug monitoring. His broad qualifications in pharmacy, public health, and health management uniquely position him at the intersection of clinical service and evidence-based research. Notably, he has authored around 30 peer-reviewed journal articles and has presented his work at several international conferences. His commitment to improving patient care is reflected in his involvement in projects on antimicrobial stewardship, immunization safety, medication cost optimization, and community health surveillance. A registered pharmacist in both Australia and Pakistan, Dr. Khaliq continues to expand his professional credentials through ongoing training and professional development. His multidisciplinary knowledge and dedication to collaborative, data-driven healthcare improvement make him a leading candidate for honors in research and clinical excellence.

Professional Profile

Education

Dr. Asif Khaliq possesses a diverse and robust academic background that integrates pharmacy, health management, and public health. He earned his Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) from the University of Karachi in 2009, laying a solid foundation in pharmaceutical sciences. He later pursued an MBA in Health Management from the Institute of Business Management (IoBM), Karachi, in 2014, equipping him with managerial and strategic skills essential for healthcare administration. In 2017, he obtained a Master of Public Health (MPH) from Baqai Medical University, further expanding his expertise into population health, disease prevention, and health systems. Most recently, he completed a Ph.D. in Public Health at Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Australia, in 2023. His doctoral research focused on critical issues in public health, integrating practical clinical knowledge with research methodologies. In addition to these core degrees, Dr. Khaliq has cleared the Knowledge Assessment of Pharmaceutical Sciences (KAPS) by the Australian Pharmacy Council and has demonstrated English language proficiency through PTE Academic. His academic trajectory reflects a commitment to lifelong learning and interdisciplinary mastery, qualifying him to address complex healthcare challenges at both clinical and systemic levels.

Professional Experience

Dr. Khaliq’s professional journey spans multiple sectors, including hospital pharmacy, public health research, and academic instruction. Currently, he serves as a Clinical Pharmacist at Atherton Hospital under Queensland Health, where he provides vital services including medication review, drug interaction management, therapeutic optimization, and discharge planning. His responsibilities also involve daily clinical monitoring and interdisciplinary collaboration with physicians and nursing staff. Previously, he held pharmacist roles at Infinity Pharmacy Earlville Upper, Allora Pharmacy, and Boulder Pharmacy across Queensland, Australia. In these roles, he handled immunization services, controlled substance management, MedsChecks, and patient counseling. Notably, Dr. Khaliq served as a Research Coordinator at Aga Khan University Hospital, Pakistan, where he supervised international clinical trials and led efforts in typhoid outbreak investigations. He also worked in various pharmacist roles at Aga Khan University Hospital’s emergency and pediatrics departments, gaining critical experience in medication reconciliation, IV-to-oral drug conversions, and poison management. His early career included logistics and inventory roles with Médecins Sans Frontières, further enriching his understanding of pharmaceutical supply chains. This comprehensive experience makes Dr. Khaliq uniquely capable of blending clinical insights with research acumen and operational excellence.

Research Interests

Dr. Asif Khaliq’s research interests lie at the nexus of clinical pharmacy, public health, and healthcare systems management. He is particularly focused on areas such as antimicrobial stewardship, vaccine safety and immunogenicity, medication adherence, and cost-effective therapeutic strategies. During his Ph.D. studies at Queensland University of Technology, he explored healthcare outcomes linked to pharmacological practices and population-level health interventions. His work frequently integrates health surveillance, epidemiology, and evidence-based medicine to address real-world challenges in both hospital and community settings. He has led or contributed to major research projects including randomized controlled trials on antibiotic use in pediatric diarrhea and typhoid outbreak control. In recent roles, he has also investigated adverse events following immunization (AEFI), resistance patterns in Salmonella species, and systematic reviews on outbreak trends in developing regions. Dr. Khaliq is deeply committed to identifying research gaps in healthcare delivery and prescribing patterns, aiming to improve policy, patient outcomes, and clinical protocols. His interdisciplinary research interests reflect his training in pharmacy, health management, and public health, empowering him to make meaningful contributions to both academic literature and healthcare practice.

Research Skills

Dr. Khaliq possesses a broad and advanced set of research skills that enhance his ability to contribute to multidisciplinary studies and clinical investigations. He is highly proficient in clinical trial management, including participant recruitment, data collection, and adverse event reporting. His expertise extends to secondary data analysis, especially in reviewing hospital records, surveillance data, and immunization outcomes. He is experienced in systematic reviews and meta-analyses, utilizing medical databases and analytical frameworks to synthesize health evidence. Dr. Khaliq also brings strong capabilities in pharmacovigilance, therapeutic drug monitoring, and drug utilization evaluations. In the realm of academic publishing, he has served as a guest editor and peer reviewer, contributing to journal special issues and maintaining scientific rigor. He is adept at grant proposal development, contributing to multiple research applications during his tenure at academic and healthcare institutions. Moreover, his familiarity with health informatics tools—such as Micromedex, MedAdvisor, and clinical guidelines—enables him to integrate real-time data with clinical decision-making. His research skills are complemented by his teaching experience and mentorship, allowing him to train future researchers and practitioners in evidence-based methods.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Asif Khaliq has garnered recognition for his dedication to public health research and pharmaceutical practice through various academic and professional achievements. He was a selected speaker at notable international forums such as the IMPACT MAKER 2020 conference in Brisbane, where he presented novel research on coexisting forms of malnutrition. His earlier work on poisoning case management was also showcased at the 4th FMIC Conference in Kabul. At the 11th International Coalition Against Typhoid Conference in Hanoi, Vietnam, Dr. Khaliq presented two critical posters on typhoid drug resistance and outbreak investigation, underscoring his commitment to infectious disease research. He has published approximately 30 peer-reviewed papers, several of which have appeared in reputable international journals. While formal individual awards may not be listed, his multiple research leadership roles, international conference engagements, and responsibilities as a guest editor reflect his strong reputation in both academic and healthcare sectors. His continuous pursuit of professional certifications, including immunization and UTI management, also highlights a dedication to clinical excellence. These accomplishments collectively underscore his potential as an award-worthy contributor to global health and pharmacy practice.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Dr. Asif Khaliq exemplifies the ideal profile of a clinical researcher who bridges academic insight with frontline healthcare delivery. His academic credentials across pharmacy, health management, and public health are complemented by his extensive experience in clinical pharmacy settings in both Pakistan and Australia. Through his research on antibiotic use, immunization safety, and medication optimization, Dr. Khaliq addresses key healthcare challenges relevant to global and regional populations. He demonstrates not only technical knowledge but also leadership in research coordination, interdisciplinary collaboration, and scientific communication. His professional ethos is defined by evidence-based practice, patient-centered care, and continual improvement. As a registered pharmacist in two countries and an active participant in international academic dialogues, Dr. Khaliq is well-positioned to further influence policy, education, and clinical standards. His consistent pursuit of professional development, publication, and mentorship reflects a commitment to excellence that aligns with the objectives of the Best Researcher Award. Recognizing his contributions would not only honor individual achievement but also highlight the critical role of pharmacist-researchers in shaping modern healthcare systems.

Publications Top Notes

1. Mission of Polio Eradication in Pakistan – A Review on Challenges and Future Recommendations

  • Year: 2025

  • Source: New Microbes and New Infections (Open Access)

2. Adherence to Complementary Feeding Indicators and Their Associations with Coexisting Forms of Malnutrition in Children Aged Between 6 to 23.9 Months of Age

  • Year: 2023

  • Source: Journal of Public Health

 

Eman Zahran | Pharmaceutical Science | Best Academic Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Eman Zahran | Pharmaceutical Science | Best Academic Researcher Award

Associate Professor of Pharmacognosy from Deraya university, Egypt

Dr. Eman Maher Zahran is a distinguished academic and researcher in the field of pharmacognosy, currently serving as an Associate Professor at Deraya University’s Faculty of Pharmacy. With a career rooted in natural product research, her work spans the morphological study of medicinal plants to the biological activities of phytoconstituents. A Ph.D. graduate from Minia University, she has demonstrated unwavering commitment to academic excellence, scientific innovation, and student mentorship. Her research integrates traditional knowledge with advanced technologies such as metabolomic profiling, ESI-HR-MS analysis, and molecular docking. Dr. Zahran has authored over 25 impactful peer-reviewed articles and delivered talks at key international and national pharmaceutical conferences. In addition to her scholarly contributions, she is actively involved in student-centered initiatives, scientific committees, and governmental outreach programs. Her editorial and peer-review work across several international journals further amplifies her impact within the global scientific community. A strong advocate for female leadership in science, she completed the prestigious “The Woman Leads” program at Egypt’s National Training Academy. Dr. Zahran’s blend of academic excellence, innovative research, leadership in community engagement, and dedication to advancing pharmacognosy education positions her as a leading figure in Egypt’s pharmaceutical sciences landscape.

Professional Profile

Education

Dr. Eman Maher Zahran’s educational journey is deeply rooted in Minia University, where she pursued her undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral degrees in Pharmaceutical Sciences with a specialization in Pharmacognosy. She completed her B.Sc. in Pharmaceutical Sciences in 2006 with a cumulative grade of “Very Good.” Her keen interest in medicinal plants and natural product research led her to undertake pre-master courses in 2007, which served as the foundation for her M.Sc. that spanned from 2007 to 2013. Her master’s research involved the detailed phytochemical investigation of plant constituents and their pharmacological evaluation. From 2016 to 2020, she pursued her Ph.D. at the Faculty of Pharmacy, Minia University, where she delved into advanced areas such as metabolomics, molecular docking, and structure elucidation of phytoconstituents. Her doctoral work not only reflected technical expertise but also interdisciplinary collaboration. During this academic trajectory, she also completed specialized training programs and participated in scientific workshops that refined her methodological capabilities. The strength of her education lies in its comprehensive nature, encompassing foundational knowledge, research techniques, and a critical understanding of the pharmacological potential of natural compounds, all of which have laid the groundwork for her ongoing contributions to pharmaceutical research and academia.

Professional Experience

Dr. Zahran’s professional trajectory reflects a steady and strategic ascent through the academic ranks of pharmacognosy. She began her journey as a community pharmacist, transitioning into academia in 2008 as a postgraduate researcher and then as a teaching assistant. Between 2010 and 2012, she served as a grant teaching assistant for Clinical Pharmacy students. From 2016 to 2020, she was appointed Associate Lecturer at the Faculty of Pharmacy, Minia University. In 2020, she was promoted to Assistant Professor, where she continued to lead educational initiatives, mentor students, and develop curricula. As of March 2025, she holds the rank of Associate Professor at Deraya University. Dr. Zahran has also been deeply involved in co-curricular activities, supervising multiple student-led initiatives such as “Hayah,” a student entity focused on scientific and community outreach. She has contributed to post-graduate course development and served on Deraya’s Quality Assurance and Accreditation Unit. Her participation in national-level training programs like “The Woman Leads” demonstrates her leadership and civic engagement. With over 15 years of diverse experience spanning pharmacy practice, teaching, and research, Dr. Zahran has emerged as a dynamic academic professional, recognized for her commitment to excellence, innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Research Interests

Dr. Zahran’s research interests center on pharmacognosy and natural product chemistry, with a strong emphasis on isolating, identifying, and evaluating bioactive phytoconstituents derived from medicinal plants and marine algae. Her work integrates classical botanical techniques with cutting-edge technologies like ESI-HR-MS analysis and molecular docking. A unique aspect of her research involves the application of network pharmacology to uncover the multi-target mechanisms of natural compounds, especially in treating complex disorders like ADHD and osteoarthritis. Her contributions extend to investigating the wound healing, antifungal, antiplasmodial, and anti-inflammatory properties of various natural substances. Recently, she has delved into combining natural phytochemicals with stem cell therapies to enhance regenerative medicine applications. Additionally, Dr. Zahran’s studies examine the environmental and biochemical effects of phytoconstituents using in vitro, in vivo, and in silico models. This holistic and multidisciplinary approach allows her to bridge the gap between traditional herbal medicine and contemporary pharmacological science. Her interest in neuropsychiatric disorders also reflects a forward-thinking orientation, exploring novel therapeutic avenues. Through her robust pipeline of projects and publications, she continues to identify plant-based compounds with the potential to be developed into pharmaceutical agents, contributing significantly to both academic knowledge and practical healthcare innovation.

Research Skills

Dr. Eman Maher Zahran is equipped with an extensive set of research skills that make her a leading expert in pharmacognosy and natural product research. She is proficient in the morphological and micromorphological analysis of medicinal plants and marine algae, with deep expertise in isolation and structure elucidation techniques for phytochemicals. Her methodological proficiency spans thin-layer chromatography (TLC), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and advanced mass spectrometric techniques, including ESI-HR-MS. Furthermore, she demonstrates high competence in molecular docking, network pharmacology, and in silico ADME studies, which she integrates seamlessly into phytochemical investigations. Dr. Zahran is also skilled in conducting both in vitro and in vivo biological activity assessments, exploring pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of bioactive compounds. Her research frequently employs interdisciplinary approaches, such as combining plant extracts with mesenchymal stem cells in regenerative medicine models. Additionally, she is adept in scientific writing and publishing, having authored numerous high-impact papers in Scopus-indexed and Web of Science journals. Her peer-review activities and editorial board membership further reflect her critical appraisal capabilities. Collectively, her skills not only underscore her technical competence but also her innovative spirit and dedication to producing translational research that advances healthcare through natural product pharmacology.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Eman Maher Zahran has garnered significant recognition for her academic achievements, both within her institution and the broader scientific community. She was honored by Deraya University for her outstanding academic contributions from 2020 onward, a period during which she published prolifically and advanced numerous research projects. Her active role in student development and community outreach, particularly through her supervision of the “Hayah” entity and ADHD-focused conferences, highlights her multifaceted impact. In 2023, she was selected to join the second cohort of the Egyptian National Training Academy’s “The Woman Leads” program, which is designed to empower and equip promising female leaders in science and education. She serves as an editorial board member and peer reviewer for multiple prestigious journals, including the Journal of Pharmaceutical Chemistry & Chemical Science, Octahedron Drug Research, and journals by the Royal Society of Chemistry. Furthermore, her selection to the scientific committee of international congresses on nanoscience and pharmacology reflects her expertise and respected standing in the academic community. These honors not only affirm her scientific merit but also her leadership, dedication to knowledge dissemination, and her influential role in shaping the future of pharmacognosy in Egypt and beyond.

Conclusion

Dr. Eman Maher Zahran exemplifies the qualities of a dedicated academic, an innovative researcher, and an inspiring mentor. Her career is marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence, from foundational studies in pharmaceutical sciences to cutting-edge research in natural product pharmacology. Her interdisciplinary focus—combining phytochemistry, molecular modeling, and regenerative medicine—demonstrates her commitment to translating traditional medicinal knowledge into therapeutic breakthroughs. Dr. Zahran’s engagement with students, leadership in research committees, and active role in scientific communication reflect her holistic academic persona. Her prolific publication record, participation in international conferences, and collaborations underscore her relevance on both national and global levels. Equally commendable is her devotion to community-based initiatives, particularly in raising awareness and support for neuropsychiatric conditions like ADHD. Her recognition through institutional awards and national leadership programs stands as a testament to her impact. As she continues to expand her research footprint and inspire the next generation of scientists, Dr. Zahran remains a vital force in the advancement of pharmacognosy and pharmaceutical sciences. Her contributions resonate far beyond the laboratory and classroom, positioning her as a role model and a key influencer in the evolving landscape of academic research and community health promotion.

Publications Top Notes

  • Title: Diversity, phytochemical and medicinal potential of the genus Ocimum L. (Lamiaceae)
    Authors: EM Zahran, UR Abdelmohsen, HE Khalil, SY Desoukey, MA Fouad, …
    Year: 2020
    Citations: 86

  • Title: Bioactivity potential of marine natural products from scleractinia-associated microbes and in silico anti-SARS-COV-2 evaluation
    Authors: EM Zahran, A Albohy, A Khalil, AH Ibrahim, HA Ahmed, EM El-Hossary, …
    Year: 2020
    Citations: 41

  • Title: Antioxidant and wound healing potential of Vitis vinifera seeds supported by phytochemical characterization and docking studies
    Authors: T Al-Warhi, EM Zahran, S Selim, MM Al-Sanea, MM Ghoneim, SA Maher, …
    Year: 2022
    Citations: 36

  • Title: Multitarget in silico studies of Ocimum menthiifolium, family Lamiaceae against SARS-CoV-2 supported by molecular dynamics simulation
    Authors: A Albohy, EM Zahran, UR Abdelmohsen, MA Salem, T Al-Warhi, …
    Year: 2022
    Citations: 29

  • Title: Antiulcer potential and molecular docking of flavonoids from Ocimum forskolei Benth., family Lamiaceae
    Authors: EM Zahran, UR Abdelmohsen, AS Hussein, MA Salem, HE Khalil, …
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 27

  • Title: Scabicidal potential of coconut seed extract in rabbits via downregulating inflammatory/immune cross talk: A comprehensive phytochemical/GC-MS and in silico proof
    Authors: EM Zahran, NMR Abdel-Maqsoud, OY Tammam, IM Abdel-Rahman, …
    Year: 2022
    Citations: 23

  • Title: New Acaciin-loaded self-assembled nanofibers as MPro inhibitors against BCV as a surrogate model for SARS-CoV-2
    Authors: SA Mohamad, EM Zahran, MR Abdel Fadeel, A Albohy, MA Safwat
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 23

  • Title: New halogenated compounds from Halimeda macroloba seaweed with potential inhibitory activity against malaria
    Authors: AH Elmaidomy, EM Zahran, R Soltane, A Alasiri, H Saber, CJ Ngwa, …
    Year: 2022
    Citations: 22

  • Title: Metabolic profiling, histopathological anti-ulcer study, molecular docking and molecular dynamics of ursolic acid isolated from Ocimum forskolei Benth. (family Lamiaceae)
    Authors: EM Zahran, UR Abdelmohsen, AT Ayoub, MA Salem, HE Khalil, …
    Year: 2020
    Citations: 21

  • Title: Cytotoxic and anti-diabetic potential, metabolic profiling and in silico studies of Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels belonging to family Myrtaceae
    Authors: SS Eldin Elhawary, AE Elmotayam, D Alsayed, EM Zahran, MA Fouad, …
    Year: 2022
    Citations: 11