Karolin Hijazi

I graduated from the University of Siena in 2004 with cum laude distinction. During my dental undergraduate programme I trained in molecular microbiology and developed a special interest for host-microbe interactions. After completing a PhD in Pathology at King’s College London in 2008, I worked as post-doctoral research associate and continued my involvement in 3 European Commission-funded projects (Research Programs FP6 and FP7) aimed at developing anti-HIV-1 microbicides. During this time I was also trained in management of patients with Oral Medicine-related conditions at the King’s College London Dental Institute.

Since my appointment to Clinical Lecturer at the University of Aberdeen Dental School in 2011, I have secured research funds in excess of £ 750,000 for projects in which I am the principal investigator. I am also involved in a number of external and internal collaborations. Collaborators here at the University of Aberdeen include Professor Neil Gow, Dr Ian M Gould. I currently supervise 3 PhD students. My research covers both basic and translational aspects. It includes investigation of molecular mechanisms of HIV infection and drug transport at mucosal surfaces, studies on oral microbiota together with development of inhibitors of infection as well as approaches to manipulate mucosal microbiota. I was promoted to in 2016 and currently hold the joint post of Senior Clinical Lecturer/Honorary StR in Oral Medicine.

I have been invited to give research seminars at a number prestigious institutions including Imperial College London, University College London and Glasgow University. I have acted as external examiner for UK and European institutions.

Members of my team have received awards for our research at both national (British Society for Oral Medicine) and international (HIV Research 4 Prevention) scientific conferences.