M. Khalid Ijaz | Environmental Science | Visionary Research Award

Dr M. Khalid Ijaz, Reckitt, United States

Dr. M. Khalid Ijaz is a distinguished virologist and immunologist specializing in aerovirology, infectious diseases, and microbiology. With decades of expertise, he has made groundbreaking contributions to understanding airborne viral transmission, bioaerosols, and antimicrobial technologies. He has held leadership roles in renowned organizations like Reckitt Benckiser and Clorox, pioneering research in air decontamination and respiratory virus survival. His extensive publication record, including studies on coronavirus, rhinoviruses, and biofilms, highlights his impactful scientific contributions. Honored with prestigious awards like the 2024 R&D 100 Award, his innovative research continues to shape global public health policies.

Publication Profile

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Education

Dr. M. Khalid Ijaz is a distinguished microbiologist and immunologist with a strong academic foundation in veterinary and medical sciences. He earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) in 1976 and an MSc (Honors) in Microbiology in 1979 from the University of Agriculture, Pakistan. He became a Registered Microbiologist (RM) in Microbiology, Virology, and Immunology from the Canadian College of Microbiologists in 1984. He obtained his PhD in Microbiology & Immunology (Virology) from the University of Ottawa, School of Medicine, in 1985. He further honed his expertise with a Post-Doctorate Fellowship in Immunobiology/Vaccinology at the University of Saskatchewan, VIDO, in 1987. 🎓🧪🏅

Experience

With a distinguished career in scientific research and product development, he has been serving as the Director of Scientific Affairs at Reckitt Benckiser since 2020 🌍. Prior to this role, he was a Senior Research Fellow (2018-2020) 🔬 and a Research Fellow (2007-2018) at the same company, contributing to groundbreaking innovations. His expertise extends to his tenure as Research Manager at Clorox Services Company (2005-2007) 🧴, where he played a key role in product safety and efficacy. Earlier, he held leadership positions at Microbiotest, Inc., serving as Vice President and Director (1998-2005), driving advancements in microbiological testing 🏭.

Awards and Honors

Renowned for groundbreaking contributions, this distinguished researcher earned the prestigious 2024 R&D 100 Award 🏅, often called the “Oscars of Innovation.” Their journey of excellence began with the Medical Research Council Fellowship Award 🎖️ in 1987, recognizing outstanding scientific achievements. In 1982, they received the WHO Research Trainee Award 🌍, highlighting their impact on global health research. That same year, their academic promise was acknowledged with the Graduate Student Entrance Scholarship 🏛️. Their early dedication to excellence was evident in 1976 when they received a Certificate of Merit 🎖️, marking the start of an illustrious career in research and innovation.

Presentation

Dr. M. Khalid Ijaz actively contributed to the 18th ISAIQ INDOOR AIR 2024 in Honolulu, Hawaii 🌴, exploring virus aerosolization and resuspension 🦠💨. As a co-chair, he led discussions on airborne virus dynamics. His research covered toilet flushing and cleaning effects on viral contamination 🚽🔬, the efficacy of air sanitizers in reducing airborne pathogens 🌬️🛡️, and virus dispersal from floor surfaces during indoor activities 🏠🦠. Collaborating with renowned scientists, Dr. Ijaz’s work enhances understanding of airborne disease transmission and effective mitigation strategies, crucial for public health and indoor air quality 🌎🏥.

Research Focus

Aerovirology explores the airborne transmission of viruses, focusing on aerosolization and resuspension. 💨🦠 This field examines how viruses travel through the air, their stability, and potential risks to public health. Infectious diseases research delves into microbiology, virology, and immunology, uncovering mechanisms of disease spread and immune responses. 🏥🧬 Understanding pathogens at a microscopic level aids in developing treatments and preventive strategies. Microbiology further extends to antimicrobial technologies, biofilms, and microbiological techniques, enhancing infection control and medical advancements. 🧫🔬 These interconnected fields contribute to safeguarding public health by improving detection, prevention, and management of infectious agents.

Publication Top Notes

1. “Survival characteristics of airborne human coronavirus 229E” 🦠 (1985)
2. “The global war against intestinal parasites—should we use a holistic approach?” 🤢 (2010)
3. “An outbreak of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever in the United Arab Emirates, 1994-1995” 🌎 (1997)
4. “Assessment of a respiratory face mask for capturing air pollutants and pathogens including human influenza and rhinoviruses” 🎭 (2018)
5. “Spread of viral infections by aerosols” 💨 (1987)
6. “Generic aspects of the airborne spread of human pathogens indoors and emerging air decontamination technologies” 🌆 (2016)
7. “Effect of relative humidity on the airborne survival of rhinovirus-14” 💧 (1985)