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

 

Niclas Nikolai Stephanson | Pharmaceutical Science | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Niclas Nikolai Stephanson | Pharmaceutical Science | Best Researcher Award

Scientist from Karolinska University Hospital, Sweden

Niclas Nikolai Stephanson is a seasoned clinical pharmacologist and forensic chemist based at the Karolinska University Hospital in Stockholm, Sweden. With a career spanning over three decades, he has carved out a notable reputation in the scientific community, particularly in the analysis of drugs of abuse. Holding a PhD in Medicine from the prestigious Karolinska Institutet, he combines academic rigor with practical experience. Niclas is a licensed pharmacist, senior chemist, and prolific researcher whose contributions include over 35 peer-reviewed scientific publications. His research focus lies at the intersection of pharmacology and toxicology, with a specialization in mass spectrometry and method development for detecting drugs in biological materials. He plays a pivotal role in improving clinical and forensic diagnostics through enhanced analytical techniques. Niclas’s work has contributed to better accuracy in detecting and quantifying illicit and therapeutic drugs, ultimately supporting public health and justice systems. His long-standing association with one of Europe’s most reputable hospitals is a testament to his dedication, expertise, and continuous contribution to the advancement of clinical pharmacology. Stephanson stands out not only for his technical skills but also for his impactful research that bridges laboratory science with real-world applications in healthcare and law enforcement.

Professional Profile

Education

Niclas Nikolai Stephanson received his academic training at the renowned Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm, Sweden, where he earned his PhD in Medicine in 2007. His doctoral work was rooted in the Department of Medicine and focused on the interdisciplinary field of clinical pharmacology, an area combining pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and toxicology. Prior to his doctoral studies, Niclas qualified as a licensed pharmacist, which provided him with a strong foundation in pharmaceutical sciences, drug interactions, and patient-centered pharmacotherapy. His dual academic background in pharmacy and medicine positions him at the nexus of research and clinical practice. This educational pathway has enabled him to integrate principles of chemistry, biology, and medicine in his professional work. Niclas’s academic experience at Karolinska Institutet—a globally respected institution known for its role in awarding the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine—further highlights the high standards and intellectual rigor of his training. The comprehensive and multidisciplinary nature of his education has empowered him to design and conduct advanced analytical research while maintaining a deep understanding of clinical implications. Overall, his educational background has significantly influenced his ability to carry out complex method development and toxicological investigations with precision and clinical relevance.

Professional Experience

Niclas Nikolai Stephanson has been professionally affiliated with Karolinska University Hospital in Stockholm since August 1992, where he currently holds the position of Senior Chemist in the Department of Clinical Pharmacology. Over the span of more than three decades, he has contributed significantly to the hospital’s mission of delivering cutting-edge clinical diagnostics and therapeutic monitoring. As a licensed pharmacist and senior forensic chemist, Niclas has specialized in the analysis of drugs of abuse, playing a key role in the development and implementation of advanced analytical techniques for routine and investigational use. His daily responsibilities involve overseeing laboratory operations, mentoring junior staff, and collaborating with clinicians to interpret toxicological results. His long tenure reflects not only technical proficiency but also institutional trust in his expertise and leadership. Working within a hospital setting, he has consistently ensured that his research aligns with real-world clinical demands, particularly in the identification and quantification of illicit substances and medications in complex biological matrices. Stephanson’s role at Karolinska University Hospital also supports legal and forensic proceedings, as accurate drug analysis is crucial for both medical and judicial outcomes. His professional experience highlights a unique blend of scientific inquiry, clinical application, and public health impact.

Research Interests

Niclas Nikolai Stephanson’s research interests are centered on clinical pharmacology, forensic toxicology, and analytical chemistry, with a particular focus on the detection and analysis of drugs of abuse. He is especially committed to method development in toxicological screening, applying advanced techniques such as mass spectrometry to improve the precision and sensitivity of drug detection. His work often explores various biological matrices—ranging from blood and urine to less conventional materials like hair or oral fluid—to assess the presence and metabolism of illicit and therapeutic substances. Niclas’s interest in mass spectrometry enables the high-resolution identification of complex compounds, which is critical for timely and accurate diagnoses in both clinical and forensic settings. He is also interested in validating new protocols for routine use in healthcare facilities, aiming to bridge the gap between research and clinical practice. Additionally, his work contributes to public safety by improving methodologies used in legal and judicial drug testing. Through collaborations and internal projects at Karolinska University Hospital, his research continues to evolve in response to emerging substances and new analytical challenges. Overall, his interests reflect a strong alignment with societal needs in healthcare and law enforcement, emphasizing both scientific innovation and practical application.

Research Skills

Niclas Nikolai Stephanson possesses a robust set of research skills that underscore his success as a senior clinical chemist and academic contributor. One of his core strengths lies in advanced method development, particularly in the field of forensic toxicology, where he designs, tests, and refines techniques for detecting drugs of abuse in biological matrices. His proficiency in mass spectrometry—including LC-MS/MS and GC-MS systems—is central to his work, enabling precise identification and quantification of substances even in trace amounts. Niclas is also skilled in biological sample preparation, including extraction and purification techniques that are critical for ensuring reliable analytical results. He demonstrates strong data analysis and validation abilities, ensuring that his methods meet rigorous standards for reproducibility, sensitivity, and specificity. In addition, he has experience in regulatory compliance and quality assurance, ensuring that laboratory practices align with healthcare and forensic standards. His skill set extends to scientific writing and publication, as evidenced by his record of more than 35 peer-reviewed articles. These competencies, combined with his practical knowledge of clinical workflows, empower him to translate complex research into diagnostic and therapeutic tools. His research skills are not only technical but also strategic, aiming to meet real-world challenges with innovative scientific solutions.

Awards and Honors

Although specific awards or honors for Niclas Nikolai Stephanson are not explicitly listed, his sustained position at Karolinska University Hospital and the volume of his peer-reviewed publications are indicative of high professional recognition and esteem. Holding a senior chemist position at one of Europe’s leading medical institutions is a reflection of both his expertise and institutional trust in his abilities. His role in the department of Clinical Pharmacology implies consistent recognition through internal appointments, research responsibilities, and possibly departmental accolades for contributions to method development and toxicological analysis. Publishing over 35 scientific articles in peer-reviewed journals also suggests peer recognition and validation of his work within the scientific community. It is not uncommon in the medical sciences for researchers with such a track record to be involved in national and international working groups or to serve as peer reviewers or advisors in forensic and clinical pharmacology. His continued association with the Karolinska Institutet—home to Nobel-level research—implies a professional standing that exceeds routine recognition. While specific honors may not be documented publicly, his contributions and career longevity highlight a professional trajectory marked by consistent achievement and expert-level contribution to clinical science.

Conclusion

Niclas Nikolai Stephanson stands as a highly accomplished clinical pharmacologist and forensic chemist whose contributions span research, diagnostics, and public health. His work at Karolinska University Hospital since 1992, combined with a PhD from Karolinska Institutet, demonstrates a career dedicated to scientific excellence and societal impact. He has specialized in the development of analytical methods using mass spectrometry to detect drugs of abuse, contributing to over 35 peer-reviewed publications. His research not only enhances clinical decision-making but also supports forensic and legal systems by ensuring accurate and timely drug testing. While his achievements are impressive, expanding his international collaborations and diversifying his research themes could further amplify his academic influence. Nonetheless, his sustained excellence and deep specialization in clinical pharmacology make him a valuable asset to the scientific and medical community. Stephanson’s profile exemplifies the rare blend of research depth, clinical utility, and long-term dedication, positioning him as a strong candidate for prestigious honors such as the Best Researcher Award. His work bridges the gap between bench science and bedside application, marking him as a leader in toxicological innovation and a model for aspiring researchers in the field.

Publications Top Notes

  1. Title: Application of liquid chromatography combined with high resolution mass spectrometry for urine drug testing
    Authors: O.M.L. Beck (Olof M.L.), A. Rylski (Alexia), N.N. Stephanson (Nikolai N.)
    Citations: 4

  2. Title: Use of LC–HRMS in full scan-XIC mode for multi-analyte urine drug testing – a step towards a ‘black-box’ solution?
    Authors: N.N. Stephanson (Nikolai N.), P. Signell (Patrick), A. Helander (Anders), O.M.L. Beck (Olof M.L.)
    Year: 2017
    Citations: 19