Profile
Virologist, Molecular Diagnostician and Academic Leader
Prof. Dr. Muhammad Idrees completed his PhD in Molecular Biology/Virology and undertook postdoctoral research at the Division of Viral Hepatitis, CDC, Atlanta, USA. In recognition of his contribution to molecular biology and virology, the Royal College of Pathologists, London, awarded him Fellowship of the College in 2015. He has been affiliated with CEMB and CAMB, University of the Punjab, for over 25 years, rising from Research Officer to Professor and Director, and served as Vice-Chancellor of Hazara University (2016-2019) and as the 24th Vice-Chancellor of the University of Peshawar (2020-2023).
Early in his career he established a PCR-based diagnostic laboratory at CAMB that generated over Rs 500 million in revenue and led development of indigenous molecular diagnostic kits for HBV, HCV, M. tuberculosis, dengue and SARS-CoV-2. His team performed more than 40,000 free PCR tests for hepatitis patients under the Prime Minister's Hepatitis Prevention Program. He also founded the Molecular Virology Division at CEMB.
He has authored more than 270 research papers with a cumulative impact factor exceeding 1,070 and citations surpassing 8,000, and has mobilised funding worth over Rs 3 billion from national and international agencies. His awards include the TWAS Best Young Scientist of the Year Award in Biology (2009), the PAS Gold Medal in Emerging Technologies (2017), PCST Research Productivity Awards (2011-2017), and APSUP Academic Excellence Awards (2022, 2023).
Selected contributions
Science translated into capability
Institutional leadership
Served as Vice-Chancellor of Hazara University (2016-2019) and the University of Peshawar (2020-2023).
Royal College of Pathologists Fellowship
Awarded Fellowship of the Royal College of Pathologists, London, in 2015.
National diagnostics infrastructure
Established a PCR diagnostic laboratory generating over Rs 500 million in revenue and delivered 40,000+ free hepatitis PCR tests under the PM's Hepatitis Prevention Program.
Research funding mobilisation
Mobilised over Rs 3 billion in national and international research funding.
Major awards
TWAS Best Young Scientist Award (2009), PAS Gold Medal in Emerging Technologies (2017), APSUP Academic Excellence Awards (2022, 2023).