Prof. Idrees obtained his Ph. D. in Molecular Biology/Virology and then worked for his post-doctoral research at Division of Viral Hepatitis, Coordinating Centre for Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta USA. As recognition of tremendous contribution in the field of Molecular Biology/Virology, The Royal College of Pathologists London-UK awarded him with Fellowship of the College in 2015 upon the recommendation of Exam Committee and College Council. Dr. Idrees currently holds a senior faculty position of Meritorious Professor (BPS-22) at the Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology (CEMB). Prof. Idrees has been affiliated with CEMB and the Centre for Applied Molecular Biology (CAMB), University of the Punjab, for over 25 years. During this time, he has held positions ranging from Research Officer to Professor and Director. He also served as Vice Chancellor of Hazara University from July 28, 2016, to July 28, 2019, and most recently led the University of Peshawar as its 24th Vice Chancellor from December 12, 2020, to December 11, 2023.
Dr. Idrees has over 25 years of extensive experience in academics, research, administration, and financial management. Early in his career, Prof. Idrees established a cutting-edge PCR-based diagnostic laboratory at CAMB, providing accessible and accurate diagnostics for infectious and genetic diseases. This initiative not only generated over Rs. 500 million in revenue but also spearheaded the development of indigenous molecular diagnostic kits for diseases such as HBV, HCV, M. tuberculosis, dengue, and SARS-CoV-2. His team performed more than 40,000 free PCR tests for hepatitis patients under the PM’s Hepatitis Prevention Program, delivering services valued at over Rs. 113 million. Additionally, he founded a state-of-the-art Molecular Virology Division at CEMB, significantly advancing scientific and clinical research through modern molecular techniques. He has been a member of various university Senates, Syndicates, Academic Councils, and other academic bodies, serving in leadership roles such as Chairman and Convener. His contributions extend to the development of molecular diagnostics facilities, research programs, and modern academic disciplines, making significant impacts in virology and public health. His scientific interests lie in basic and applied research using advanced molecular techniques. He established a state-of-the-art Molecular Virology Division at a public university and has authored more than 260 research papers in national and international journals, with an overall impact factor exceeding 1018 and citations surpassing 8,000. He also serves as an editor for several international scientific journals and has successfully mobilized funding worth over Rs. 3 billion from national and international agencies.
Prof. Idrees has been instrumental in restructuring organizations and launching academic programs. In 2015, he played a pivotal role in developing internationally acclaimed teaching and research initiatives in Applied Molecular Biology and Forensic Sciences. At Hazara University, he spearheaded the approval and launch of ten market-oriented academic disciplines. His contributions have been recognized with numerous accolades, including the TWAS "Best Young Scientist of the Year Award in Biology" (2009), the PAS Gold Medal in Emerging Technologies (2017), and the PCST Research Productivity Awards (2011–2017). Most recently, he received the Academic Excellence Awards from the APSUP in 2022 and 2023 for his exceptional contributions to academia and higher education in Pakistan. He has contributed to the development of guidelines for managing viral diseases and has played key roles in national quality assurance and accreditation processes. Dr. Idrees’s international engagements include collaboration with leading researchers and institutions, participation in global scientific events, and extensive training in leadership and governance. His achievements in institutional financial management and developmental projects have set benchmarks in the higher education sector. Through his tireless efforts, he continues to advance the fields of molecular biology and virology while contributing to the broader landscape of higher education and research in Pakistan.