Journey of Wool: From Concept to Clinic
About Professor Azam Ali’s research
Professor Azam Ali is an internationally recognised scientist in biomaterials and biomedical engineering, known for his research, teaching, innovation, and broad expertise spanning materials science, biomedical sciences, engineering, and biotechnology.
Azam began his career as a scientist at the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission (Ministry of Science and Technology) before completing PhD in Polymer Science and Materials Engineering in 2000 under a prestigious JICA–Malaysian Government scholarship. He then held Postdoc positions in Pohang Science & Technology University (POSTECH), South Korea, and the Research Fellow position at UNCC in the USA before moving to New Zealand in 2003.
For over two decades, Professor Azam has made significant contributions to New Zealand’s science and innovation, first as a scientist at the Wool Research Institute and senior scientist & science leader at AgResearch till April 2013.
Azam joined the University of Otago as a senior lecturer in May 2013, led the Bioengineering academic program, was promoted to Associate Professor in 2018, and became a full Professor in 2025.
Azam has received numerous honours/awards, including Bayer Innovator of the Year (2010), twice Otago’s Supervisor of the Year (2018, 2024), and recognition from the Pierre Fauchard Academy.
He led over 30 major projects, secured nearly NZ$13 million in research funding, supervised more than 68 postgraduates (PhD, MSc. PGDips/Honours), produced 24 patents & invented six medical devices now used in 23 countries, 190+ papers, 12 book chapters.
Beyond research, Azam plays an active leadership role, serving on NZ wool boards, journal editor (e.g Journal of Materials Science and Engineering), editorial board, reviewers for journals and funding bodies and has examined numerous PhD and Master’s theses worldwide.
This lecture will be followed with light refreshments, tea, coffee and juice.
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