Dr Saki Raheem

Dr. Saki Raheem is a Reader (Associate Professor) in Infectious Diseases and Chemical Biology and Co-Leader of the Sustainable Biotechnology Research Group in the School of Life Sciences at the University of Westminster. He received his PhD in Organic Chemistry from the University of St Andrews, funded by the Nestlé Research Center (Switzerland), and an MSc in Medical Microbiology from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, University of London.

Dr. Raheem was a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Medicine and Microbiology at Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University (New York, USA). There, he investigated the metabolism of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and developed novel chemical assays to assess the uptake and activity of compounds against Mtb, in collaboration with GlaxoSmithKline (Spain). He subsequently held a position at University College London before joining the University of Westminster.

Our work is centred on the discovery and development of sustainable solutions for infectious diseases and global health challenges, with a major focus on neglected tropical diseases. In particular, we are engaged in developing molecular diagnostics and eradication strategies for yaws, a bacterial infection closely related to syphilis that remains a pressing challenge in many low-resource settings. Our work addresses both laboratory-based development of diagnostic tools and field-level eradication strategies, carried out in close collaboration with partners in Ghana, Switzerland, and the USA. These efforts contribute directly to international programmes aimed at eliminating yaws as a public health problem. In addition, we are exploring innovative surveillance tools and community-based interventions that integrate genomics, field diagnostics, and public health strategies, strengthening local capacity for disease monitoring and control in endemic regions.

Alongside this, we pursue tuberculosis and malaria drug discovery, advancing novel small-molecule inhibitors, including isocitrate lyase inhibitors. Our malaria research is undertaken in partnership with the Centre Pasteur du Cameroun (CPC), where we combine laboratory science with regional expertise to accelerate translational outcomes.

We are also pioneering sustainable approaches to natural product chemistry, working with Vietnam National University to develop gas-bubble-assisted extraction technologies. This research aims to generate novel antimicrobial agents in an environmentally responsible way.

Our work further extends into translational medicine, where we are co-developing Novostron, a next-generation iodine-based antiseptic, in collaboration with colleagues in Kazakhstan. Beyond human health, we also investigate ecological restoration, assessing sustainable land rehabilitation strategies for mining-impacted environments in Kazakhstan and linking biotechnology with environmental sustainability.

For details of all my research outputs, visit my WestminsterResearch profile.