Zeb Hussain | Biology and Life Sciences | Research Hypothesis Excellence Award

Dr. Zeb Hussain | Biology and Life Sciences | Research Hypothesis Excellence Award

Dr. Zeb Hussain | Biology and Life Sciences | Research Hypothesis Excellence Award | Lecture | Dow university of health sciences | Pakistan

Dr. Zeb Hussain is an accomplished microbiologist, medical laboratory scientist, and researcher whose work bridges advanced diagnostic microbiology, infectious disease surveillance, molecular epidemiology, and clinical laboratory quality systems. Dr. Zeb Hussain holds an M.Phil. in Pathology (Microbiology) from Dow University of Health Sciences and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Microbiology at the University of Karachi with a research focus on the molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis of carbapenemase-producing bacteria associated with ventilator-acquired pneumonia. His academic foundation also includes a BS in Medical Laboratory Technology, a BSc in Chemistry and Biology, an Executive MBA in Health Management, and professional certification in ISO-15189:2012 assessor training from the Pakistan National Accreditation Council, equipping him with both scientific depth and managerial competence. Professionally, Dr. Zeb Hussain has extensive experience as a Medical Technologist and Shift Supervisor at the Dow Diagnostic and Research Complex, where he oversees microbiology operations including bacterial and fungal culture interpretation, parasitology, serology, PCR-based molecular diagnostics, biosafety practices, quality assurance, ISO compliance, and laboratory workflow management. His managerial expertise extends to inventory oversight, vendor coordination, LIS operations, staff supervision, and patient-physician issue resolution, ensuring efficient clinical service delivery. As an educator, he has taught medical and health sciences students at Malir University of Science and Technology and conducted MBBS/BDS tutorials at Dow University of Health Sciences, contributing to academic capacity building in laboratory sciences. His research interests include antimicrobial resistance, multidrug-resistant gram-negative pathogens, genotyping of bacterial and viral organisms, clinical-environmental surveillance, and epidemiological modelling of infectious diseases. Dr. Zeb Hussain’s research skills encompass molecular diagnostics, PCR, DNA/RNA extraction, immunoassay evaluation, culture and sensitivity testing, laboratory biosafety, and use of automated biochemical and hematology analyzers. He has presented his research internationally, including at the European Congress of Immunology in Vienna, and has contributed to several peer-reviewed publications in Scopus-indexed journals in areas such as measles sero-surveillance, invasive blood culture pathogens, uropathogens, and antimicrobial resistance patterns. His awards and recognitions include international poster and oral presentation selections, reflecting his active role in global scientific exchange. Dr. Zeb Hussain continues to advance clinical microbiology through his dedication to infectious disease research, laboratory quality enhancement, and academic mentorship, demonstrating strong commitment to improving public health outcomes and clinical microbiological practices within Pakistan and beyond.

Profile:  orcid

Featured Publications

  1. Hussain, Z., Farooqui, F., Ibrahim, A., & Baig, S. (2025). Patients and surfaces: Integrated clinical–environmental surveillance of MDR gram-negative bacteria in critical-care units (Karachi). Microorganisms.

  2. Hussain, Z., Naim, A., Fatima, A., Karim, A., Uddin, F., & Shams, S. (2025). Distribution of MBL and serine-β-lactamase-producing pathogens in ventilator-associated pneumonia: Insights into MDR and XDR strains. Iranian Journal of Microbiology.

  3. Hussain, Z. (2024). Sero-surveillance of measles virus seropositivity amongst vaccinated children of rural areas of Sindh. Microbiological & Immunological Communications.

  4. Fatima, A., Iffat, W., Dawood, K., Sarfaraz, S., Hussain, Z., Siddiqui, H. Z., & Gajdács, M. (2023). Prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of uropathogens in Karachi, Pakistan. Acta Biologica Szegediensis.

  5. Fatima, A., Gohar, H., Dawood, K., Sajjad, M., Fasih, F., & Hussain, Z. (2022). Distribution of invasive pathogenic isolates in blood culture with their antimicrobial susceptibility pattern in a diagnostic lab in Karachi. Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association.

  6. Hussain, Z. (2020). Measles in Sindh, Pakistan. Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association (Submission ID: JPMA-2020-2312).

  7. Hussain, Z. (Year not specified). Sero-surveillance of measles virus amongst vaccinated children of rural areas of Sindh, Pakistan. Unpublished conference research.

 

Ahmed Idris Hassen | Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Ahmed Idris Hassen | Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Research Scientist at Agricultural Research Council, South Africa

Dr. Ahmed Idris Hassen is a Researcher at the Agricultural Research Council, South Africa, and an Adjunct Professor in Applied Microbiology at the University of Venda. He holds a Ph.D. in Microbiology and Plant Pathology from the University of Pretoria and has extensive expertise in soil microbiology, rhizobium-legume symbiosis, plant-microbe interactions, and biofertilizer development. A C-3 rated scientist by the National Research Foundation (NRF), he has led multiple projects on rhizobial inoculants, drought tolerance, and soil health. With over 1,100 citations and a strong Scopus & Google Scholar presence, his research significantly contributes to sustainable agriculture. 🌱📚✨

Publication Profile

Orcid

Educational Background🎓

Dr. Ahmed Idris Hassen holds a Ph.D. in Microbiology and Plant Pathology from the University of Pretoria, South Africa (2003-2007), where his research focused on the efficacy of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria for biocontrol and growth promotion in sorghum. He earned his M.Sc. in Applied Microbiology from Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia (1998-1999), investigating the microbiological and biochemical aspects of traditional food fermentation. His academic journey began with a B.Sc. in Biology from the University of Asmara, Eritrea (1986-1989), followed by secondary education in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (1982-1985). His expertise spans microbial interactions, soil health, and plant pathology. 🌱🔬📚

Professional Background👨‍🏫

Dr. Ahmed Idris Hassen is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Venda, South Africa (2023–Present), contributing to research in Plant and Soil Sciences. Since 2009, he has been a Researcher in Applied and Soil Microbiology at the Agricultural Research Council, focusing on plant health and protection. Previously, he held a postdoctoral fellowship (2008-2009) at the University of Pretoria, working on plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). He also served as a Senior Research Assistant (2007-2008) and Lecturer in Microbiology at Haramaya University (1999-2003). His early career included secondary school biology teaching (1990-1997). 🌱🔬📚

Research Focus 🔬

Dr. Ahmed Idris Hassen specializes in Soil Microbiology and Plant-Microbe Interactions, focusing on rhizosphere health and biological nitrogen fixation. His research explores Rhizobium-legume symbiosis 🌱, microbial community diversity 🦠, and biocontrol mechanisms against phytopathogens 🍄. He applies molecular techniques 🧬, including 16S rRNA sequencing, metagenomics, and whole genome analysis for microbial characterization. His work on plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) enhances sustainable agriculture 🌾 through biofertilizers and microbial inoculants. Dr. Hassen also investigates microbial indicators of soil health and antibiosis mechanisms in plant disease control, contributing to eco-friendly agroecosystems 🌍.

Publication Top Notes

Identification of a biomarker for Bacillus thuringiensis strains with high toxicity against Spodoptera frugiperda 🦟🔬
Year: 2024

Symbiotic Performance and Characterization of Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan) Rhizobia Occurring in South African Soils 
Year: 2022

Efficacy of Peat and Liquid Inoculant Formulations of Bradyrhizobium japonicum Strain WB74 on Growth, Yield and Nitrogen Concentration of Soybean (Glycine max) 🌾🧪
Year: 2021

Conclusion

Dr. Ahmed Idris Hassen is a distinguished researcher in soil microbiology, plant-microbe interactions, and sustainable agriculture, with over 15 years of experience. As a leader in multiple nationally and internationally funded projects, he has made significant contributions to biocontrol, biofertilizers, and rhizobium-legume interactions. Holding a National Research Foundation (NRF) C-3 rating, his research impact extends globally, reflected in his extensive publication record in reputable journals like Microorganisms, Scientific African, and Pest Management Science. With a Google Scholar H-index of 14, i10-index of 19, and 1169 citations (Scopus H-index: 10), his influence in the field is well-established. Additionally, as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Venda, he actively contributes to academia through teaching and mentorship. His innovations, including the development of elite rhizobial inoculants for commercial agriculture, further underscore his impact on scientific and industrial advancements, making him a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. 🚀