Aun Raza

Dr. Aun Raza is a pharmaceutical scientist and nanotechnologist specializing in the development of advanced drug delivery systems and functional biomaterials for applications in oncology, infectious disease, and diagnostic imaging. His research is fundamentally translational, dedicated to engineering innovative solutions to complex medical challenges through the design of nanocarriers and smart biomaterials.

After completing his PhD at The University of Queensland, where his dissertation received the Dean's Award for Outstanding PhD Thesis, he further developed his research program through postdoctoral positions at The University of Queensland, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, and Fudan University. During these appointments, he expanded his work into cancer immunotherapy, siRNA delivery, and imaging probe development.

His interdisciplinary research integrates principles from materials science, pharmaceutical formulation, and molecular imaging to address critical challenges in therapeutic delivery and diagnostics. With 42 peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals and recognition through awards including a State-Funded Postdoctoral Fellowship, Dr. Raza has established a strong record of innovation.

Dr. Raza maintains an active role in the scientific community through editorial responsibilities and peer review activities. He is particularly interested in mentoring emerging scientists and welcomes collaboration opportunities in nanomedicine, targeted therapeutics, and biomaterial development. He welcomes inquiries from fellow researchers and students who are interested in discussing collaborative projects or exploring shared research interests.

Oral and Skin-Based Drug Delivery Systems for Therapeutics

• Designing and optimizing oral and skin-based delivery platforms to improve bioavailability, therapeutic efficacy, and patient compliance.

• Investigating formulation strategies (including silica nanoparticles, silicon nanoparticles, MOFs, polymeric nanoparticles such as PLGA and polycaprolactone, cyclodextrin complexes, microneedle-based systems, and nanofibers) to enhance solubility, penetration, and stability of biopharmaceuticals and small molecules.

Nanomedicine for Cancer Therapy and Immunotherapy

• Developing multifunctional nanomaterials (silica, silicon nanoparticles, MOFs, and polymeric nanoparticles) for targeted cancer therapy and immunotherapy.

• Investigating localized and bioresponsive delivery approaches to modulate the tumor microenvironment and improve therapeutic outcomes.

Microfluidics, 3D Printing, and Imaging Technologies

• Utilizing microfluidic platforms and 3D printing for the fabrication of advanced drug delivery systems.

• Integrating imaging probes (ACQ, FRET, fluorescence) for real-time monitoring of drug delivery, biodistribution, and therapeutic response.

Gene and Extracellular Vesicle–Based Delivery

• Engineering delivery systems for nucleic acids (siRNA, DNA, CRISPR) and extracellular vesicles to achieve precise and safe gene therapy.

• Evaluating their potential in immune modulation, regenerative medicine, and personalized therapies.

Natural Products and Bio-Inspired Therapeutics

• Exploring natural products, phytochemicals, and pharmacognosy-inspired molecules for incorporation into advanced drug delivery systems.

• Investigating synergistic approaches combining natural products with nanotechnology for antimicrobial resistance (AMR), gut health, and chronic disease management.

Teaching Fellow
Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou, China
August 2025 – Present

Postdoctoral Researcher
School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
2023 –2025

Postdoctoral Researcher
Hong Kong Polytechnic University (HK-PolyU)

2022 – 2023

Postdoctoral Researcher
School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland (UQ), Brisbane, Australia
August 2021 – August 2022

Research Assistant
School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland (UQ), Brisbane, Australia
June 2021 – August 2021

Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou, China
Teaching Fellow, September 2025 – Present

• APH207 Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics

The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
Lab Demonstrator, 2020 – 2021

• Dosage Form Design A1 (2020, 2021)

• Dosage Form Design B (2021)

2023-2025

• State-funded Postdoctoral Fellowship for Highly Talented Overseas PhD Graduates (Chinese Govt)

2022

• Young Scientist Award - Controlled Release Society, Oral Delivery Focus Group (CRS-OrD)

• Highly Commended Publication Award - The University of Queensland, School of Pharmacy

2021

• Dean's Award for Outstanding Higher Degree Research Theses - The University of Queensland (https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/higher-degree-research/awards/deans-award-outstanding-hdr-theses)

• Best Publication Award - The University of Queensland, School of Pharmacy

• CRS Oral Delivery Trainee of the Month (April) - Controlled Release Society

2018-2022

• Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship for PhD - Commonwealth of Australia / The University of Queensland

2017

• Excellent Graduate Student Award - Jiangsu University

• Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) - Research Grants Council of Hong Kong

2014-2017

• Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) for Master's Degree - Ministry of Education, China