Contact information

Email: waqas.niaz@uvas.edu.pk
Phone: +92-42-99211449-50
Ext. 296
Dr. Waqas Ahmed

Associate Professor

PhD (Food Technology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan)

Biography

Dr. Waqas Ahmed is an Associate Professor in the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Faculty of Bio-Sciences, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS), Lahore, with almost a decade of academic, research, and professional experience in the fields of food fortification, functional foods, nutraceuticals, and public health nutrition. During his doctoral studies, he conducted pioneering research on the development and bioefficacy evaluation of iron-folate fortified rice using edible coating technology as a sustainable strategy to combat hidden hunger and micronutrient deficiencies. His doctoral research was complemented by advanced research training as a Visiting Scholar at the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Michigan State University, East Lansing, USA, where he gained extensive experience in food processing, nutritional evaluation, and functional food research.

At the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS), Lahore, Dr. Waqas Ahmed has played a significant role in teaching, research, and academic administration. He has successfully supervised 05 PhD and 42 MPhil scholars as Major Supervisor and has been actively involved in teaching undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Human Nutrition, Food Science, Food Safety, Functional Foods, Nutraceuticals, Cereal Technology, Energy Metabolism, and Postharvest Technology. He has also designed and conducted hands-on laboratory and field training modules, supervised the Food Analysis Laboratory, and served in various administrative capacities, including Internship Coordinator, Undergraduate Program Coordinator, Advisor for BS Food Science and Technology, and Focal Person of the Quality Enhancement Cell (QEC).

He has been amongst the global top 2% leading scientists for the year 2025-26 according to Elsevier/Stanford University. The Stanford/Elsevier Top 2% Scientists List is a prestigious annual database that identifies the world's most influential researchers based on standardized citation indicators. Additionally, he is the incharge of Artistry Hub, a student society at UVAS aimed at promoting art and soft skills among students

Area of Interest

Dr. Waqas Ahmed is primarily interested in exploring innovative strategies to address micronutrient deficiencies through food fortification and dietary interventions. His research focuses on the development of functional foods, nutraceuticals, biofortified food products, and edible coating technologies aimed at improving nutritional quality, food safety, and shelf life of perishable commodities. He has extensive experience in designing nutrition-based interventions for combating iron deficiency anemia, obesity, metabolic disorders, and protein-energy malnutrition.

His current research interests also include food safety and quality assurance, cereal science and technology, postharvest technology, food preservation, gut health, food analysis, antioxidant and bioactive compounds, public health nutrition, food processing, and experimental nutrition using animal models. He is actively collaborating with national and international organizations to promote evidence-based food fortification strategies and improve nutritional security in vulnerable populations.

Publications

Research Projects

Sr. No.
Research Project
Funding Agency
1
Comparative Assessment of Various Edible Films and Coatings and Evaluation for Overall Nutritional Quality and Product Safety in Perishable Foods
Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan
2
Development of Multiple Fortified Noodles as a Dietary Intervention against Micronutrient Deficiencies
Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan
3
Optimizing Zinc Bioavailability, Reducing Phytate Content and Enhancing Protein Quality in Biofortified Wheat through Germination
HarvestPlus (International Food Policy Research Institute)
4
Nutritional Profiling and Adequacy Assessment of Commercial Milk Available in Pakistan
Nestlé Pakistan Ltd.
5
Effect of Lysine and Phosphorous Fortified White Bread on Glycemic Index and Postprandial Glycemia
Ajmair Foods (Cakes & Bakes)
6
Development and Characterization of Date Seed Powder-Based Biodegradable Films for Sustainable Food Packaging
National Centre for Cleaner Production [NCPC]

Conferences/Workshops Attended

  • Attended the 26th Annual GM Trout Lecture at the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA.
  • Attended a Symposium on Nutritional Behaviors at Michigan State University, East Lansing, USA.
  • Successfully completed Food Safety and HACCP Training at Pennsylvania State University, USA.
  • Participated in the 1st International Conference on Safe Food and Human Health, Government College University, Faisalabad (2012).
  • Participated in the International Conference on Emerging Issues in Food Safety, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (2011).
  • Served as Trainer in a two-day training course on Edible Coatings organized by the National Institute of Food Science and Technology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (2011).
  • Participated in the One-Day Seminar on Functional and Nutraceutical Foods (Let Food be the Medicine), University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (2011).
  • Participated in the 21st All Pakistan Food Science Conference, PCSIR Laboratories, Lahore (2010).
  • Participated in the 2nd Youth in Governance Workshop, Faisalabad (2010).
  • Participated in the International Conference on Emerging Trends in Human Nutrition, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (2010).
  • Participated in the International Workshop on Food Grains, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (2009).
  • Participated in the International Conference on Human Nutrition, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (2009).
  • Participated in the 5th Youth in Governance Workshop, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan.
  • Participated in a Three-Day Workshop on Performing Arts organized by the Arts Club, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad.
  • Participated in a Two-Day Workshop on Communication Skills and Leadership Development organized by the Quiz Club, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad.