Core Project Team
The UOS-IDRC Project, funded by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), Canada, involves collaboration between the University of Sargodha, Purdue University, and the University of the Punjab, focusing on advanced teaching and research initiatives.
Prof. Dr. Zafar Hayat
Project Leader
[email protected]Prof. Dr. Zafar Hayat is a distinguished academic leader, serving as the Principal of the College of Agriculture at the University of Sargodha (UOS) and the Director of the Interdisciplinary Centre for One Health. He has actively participated in many national and international research projects on sustainable poultry production. As Project Leader of the UOS-IDRC Project, he has been instrumental in advancing research and innovation in the poultry sector. He has published 200+ research papers as well as several conference proceedings and delivered lectures on sustainable poultry production nationally and internationally. His leadership extends beyond academia as he actively engages in interdisciplinary collaborations that address global health challenges. With a deep commitment to education and research, he continues to inspire students and colleagues alike, shaping the future of Animal Sciences and One Health associated disciplines.
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Dr. Paul Ebner
Project Collaborative Partner (Purdue University, USA)
[email protected]Dr. Paul Ebner is an Associate Professor of Animal Sciences at Purdue University, USA. He completed his Ph.D. from the University of Tennessee. In 2016, he was recognized with several awards, including the Outstanding Extension Specialist from the College of Agriculture, the Leadership Award from PUCESA, and the Bravo Award from Purdue University. His research has focused on microbiology, phage therapy, the development of antibacterial therapies for use in food animals, and understanding how different management practices affect foodborne disease transmission. He is a collaborative partner of UOS-IDRC Project, providing his invaluable contributions for development of phage therapy as an alternative to antibiotics for the emerging global issue of AMR. His contributions are vital to the project's success.
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Dr. Shafiq-ur-Rehman
Project Collaborative Partner (University of the Punjab)
[email protected]Dr. Shafiq ur Rehman is an Associate Professor at the University of the Punjab, Pakistan. He completed his PhD at the University of Nottingham, UK, where his research focused on the characterization of Hepatitis C envelope gene variations during chronic infections, exploring viral evasion from the host immune system and interactions with entry receptors. He is also investigating the potential of bacteriophages as novel antibiotics against multidrug-resistant bacterial pathogens. His research is supported by funding from the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan, aimed at discovering bacteriophages for therapeutic use. In addition, he serves as a Project Collaborative Partner in the UOS-IDRC project in Pakistan, where his expertise contributes to advancing research on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and animal health.
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Tuba Riaz
Research Officer
[email protected]Tuba Riaz is a Research Officer in the IDRC-UOS Project, playing an integral role in achieving the project's research objectives through accurate planning, execution, and reporting of experiments as well as conducting poultry research trials. She is a Poultry Nutritionist with expertise in designing antibiotic alternatives based on nutraceuticals for sustainable poultry production. She collaborates with the project team in developing research methodologies, providing training and technical support, and assisting the project leader in monitoring and evaluating project progress against established milestones.
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Hamid Jawad
Research Associate
[email protected]Hamid Jawad is working as a Research Associate at the UOS-IDRC Project, with a strong academic background in nutraceutical product development. He is currently involved in evaluating effective nutraceutical-based alternatives to antibiotics for poultry production. His expertise contributes to the analysis and interpretation of poultry trial data, providing valuable insights for project advancement. He collaborates with the project team in designing research trials, supporting training activities, and assisting the project leader in monitoring and evaluating project progress.
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Marij
Research Associate
[email protected]Marij is a Research Associate in the UOS-IDRC Project with a specialization in Management Sciences (Finance). She plays a pivotal role in supporting the achievement of project objectives through her expertise in data analytics, research methodologies, and evidence-based decision-making. She is actively engaged in designing and implementing research frameworks, including COM-B model-based survey instruments, data collection strategies, and analytical approaches to understand behavioural, organizational, and market dynamics. She also leads key project responsibilities related to the GESI (Gender Equality and Social Inclusion) matrix, ensuring the diversity integration throughout project activities. She is responsible for mapping and documenting regulatory landscapes for project-related products across different countries, providing insights into international regulatory pathways, compliance requirements, and market readiness. Her research contributions include developing high-impact academic outputs such as Q1-indexed systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and bibliometric studies to strengthen the scientific foundation of the project. Her multidisciplinary expertise in finance, analytics, policy research, and academic writing makes her a valuable member of the UOS-IDRC Project team, supporting both academic excellence and practical outcomes for sustainable innovation and policy advancement.
