About us

Leadership

The people directing the Center's science, operations and governance — and the responsibilities that leadership carries.

Governance

Direction and accountability

The Center's leadership is responsible for its scientific direction, the integrity of its research, the stewardship of its funds, and its compliance with the ethical and regulatory requirements that govern biomedical work.

Because we operate on a non-profit basis, leadership carries a specific additional duty: ensuring that resources are directed toward research, facilities and subsidised services in line with our founding objectives, and that this is done transparently.

Who leads the Center

Leadership team

Dr. Madeeha Shahzad Lodhi

Founder & CEO

Dr. Madeeha Shahzad Lodhi is a biochemist and biotechnology researcher with over a decade of experience translating laboratory science into affordable, patentable health innovations. She holds a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the University of the Punjab and currently serves as Associate Professor and Head of the Biochemistry Discipline at the Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Lahore.

Her research spans nanobiotechnology, immunotherapeutics, diagnostics, and targeted drug delivery, with a consistent focus on affordability built in from the start—from cancer nanomedicines to low-cost wound-care and diagnostic formulations. She holds 8 granted patents across China and the United States and has filed more than 20 additional patent applications in Pakistan and China; she has authored over 50 peer-reviewed publications and collaborates internationally with institutions including Shanghai Jiao Tong University and the Global Burden of Disease (IHME) research network.

Dr. Lodhi has supervised more than 90 postgraduate and undergraduate researchers and has received the University of Lahore's Research Productivity Award for four consecutive years (2021–2024). MSL takes its name from her own—she founded the Center to carry the same principle that has defined her research career beyond the lab: science is only complete once it reaches the people it's meant to help.

Quick facts

Ph.D. Biochemistry, University of the Punjab (2020)
Associate Professor & Head, Biochemistry Discipline, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Lahore
8 granted patents (China, USA)
20+ additional patent filings
50+ peer-reviewed publications
90+ researchers mentored
Member, Global Burden of Disease (IHME) network

ORCID Google Scholar ResearchGate

Dr. Sikandar Hayat

Director

Dr. Sikandar Hayat is a zoologist and molecular researcher with a career spanning academia, government fisheries management, and public health research. He holds a Ph.D. in Zoology from the University of the Punjab and is an HEC-approved research supervisor. He currently serves as Assistant Professor of Zoology and Coordinator of the Zoology discipline at the Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Lahore.

Before returning to academia, Dr. Hayat spent nearly a decade with the Punjab Government's Fisheries Department, rising to Deputy Director on fisheries development and biodiversity projects—experience in public-sector research management and government-funded program delivery. His own research includes molecular diagnostics (an HEC-funded study on Hepatitis B and C detection in school-age children), mitochondrial DNA and forensic genetics, and contributions to cancer genomics research published in journals including Scientific Reports and the Chinese Journal of Cancer Research.

He has authored more than 40 peer-reviewed publications, has supervised 33 completed M.Phil. theses with further M.Phil. and Ph.D. candidates in progress, and serves as a reviewer for journals including PLOS ONE, the Brazilian Journal of Biology, and the African Journal of Biotechnology. Dr. Hayat received the University of Lahore's Research Productivity Award in 2023.

Quick facts

Ph.D. Zoology, University of the Punjab
HEC-Approved Supervisor
Assistant Professor & Coordinator, Zoology, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of Lahore
Former Deputy Director, Punjab Fisheries Department
40+ peer-reviewed publications
33+ graduate theses supervised
Reviewer for PLOS ONE and five other journals

Lt. Col. (Retd.) Muhammad Javaid Iqbal

Director

A retired lieutenant colonel with a distinguished career across Pakistan's defense and national security institutions, followed by a decade leading corporate security for one of Pakistan's largest energy companies. He most recently served as Chief Security Officer at the Oil & Gas Development Company Limited (2006–2016), building and leading the security framework protecting company operations and personnel across Pakistan's most demanding operating environments, including direct coordination with federal and provincial law enforcement and government security agencies.

His earlier career included senior command and directorate-level postings within Pakistan's national intelligence services. That background gives him particular depth in institutional security, risk assessment, crisis management, and government and regulatory liaison—capabilities that support MSL-CHIB's laboratory security, international research partnerships, and engagement with government bodies.

Areas of responsibility

How the Center is organised

The functions leadership covers, whatever the eventual titles and appointments.

Scientific direction

Setting research priorities, approving programmes, and maintaining the methodological standard of the Center's work.

Research integrity & ethics

Ensuring studies proceed under appropriate ethical approval and in line with applicable regulatory requirements.

Laboratory operations

Running and maintaining facilities, instrumentation, quality control and laboratory safety.

Training & capacity building

Overseeing fellowships, internships, mentorship and the Center's wider training programmes.

Partnerships & funding

Developing institutional collaborations and securing the grants, donations and endowments that sustain the work.

Community programmes

Directing outreach, subsidised services and the Center's public health engagement.

Independent scientific oversight

Leadership is supported by an advisory board providing independent scientific and ethical guidance on the Center's research direction.

About the Advisory Board

Get in touch with the Center

For enquiries relating to leadership, governance, partnerships or press, please use our contact form and we will route your message to the right person.