Ahmed Shafiq

Dr. Ahmed Shafiq is an Associate Professor in the Department of Pharmacy, Health and Wellbeing within the Faculty of Health Sciences and Wellbeing at the University of Sunderland. His research program focuses on molecular mechanisms of cancer, particularly in glioblastoma and neuroblastoma, with emphasis on DNA damage response, therapeutic resistance, and cancer metabolism.

Dr. Shafiq's research interests center on understanding the molecular basis of treatment resistance in brain cancers. His work investigates how cancer stem cells develop resistance to radiation and chemotherapy through mechanisms including DNA replication stress, altered metabolic pathways (such as vitamin B6 metabolism identified in his 2024 publication), and dysregulation of key signaling pathways. He examines how these mechanisms can be targeted to improve therapeutic outcomes for patients with aggressive brain tumors.

Analysis of his publication record shows consistent research activity with a focus on translational cancer biology. His work spans from fundamental molecular mechanisms to potential therapeutic applications, with recent emphasis on 3D cancer models that better mimic tumor behavior in patients. The research demonstrates expertise in DNA damage response pathways, cancer stem cell biology, and metabolic adaptations in treatment-resistant cancers.

Dr. Shafiq maintains active research collaborations both within the University of Sunderland and internationally, as evidenced by multi-institutional publications. His work has been presented at international conferences including the Advances in Neuroblastoma Research meeting in San Francisco. The consistent publication record in high-impact journals indicates successful grant funding supporting his laboratory's research activities.

Students working with Dr. Shafiq would gain experience in molecular oncology techniques, cancer cell biology, and translational research approaches focused on improving outcomes for patients with brain cancers. His research program offers opportunities to contribute to understanding and overcoming treatment resistance in some of the most challenging cancers to treat.