Dr. Hosam Zowawi

Dr. Hosam Mamoon Zowawi is a clinical microbiologist and infectious diseases scientist specializing in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and hospital-acquired infections, particularly those caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria, often referred to as superbugs. Zowawi completed his doctorate in clinical microbiology and infectious diseases at the University of Queensland in Brisbane and has held academic and research positions at King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, where he has chaired the Faculty of Medicine Research Board and teaches medical students about infectious disease control.

Zowawi's research has influenced public health policy at both regional and global levels. Alongside collaborators at the Gulf Cooperation Council States, he established the first region-wide surveillance program to monitor the spread and emergence of superbugs in the Gulf States. He has advised the Review on Antimicrobial Resistance, which reported to the former UK Prime Minister David Cameron, and contributed to the GCC Strategic Plan to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance. Zowawi has also served as chairman of the National AMR Awareness Sub-committee and as a member of the Saudi National Committee to Combat AMR. His team's published work on the role of social media in raising awareness of antimicrobial resistance has been referenced by the World Health Organization's Expert Committee on the Selection and Use of Essential Medicines.

A significant aspect of Zowawi's scientific contributions is the development of diagnostic tools for infectious diseases. He led the research and development of the "Rapid Superbugs™" test, designed to identify and characterize more than 250 antibiotic resistance-encoding genes and variants. This test has been validated against whole genome sequencing, demonstrating high sensitivity and specificity. Zowawi's work has reduced the time required to identify bacteria to three to four hours, enabling more rapid and targeted treatment of bacterial infections. His multidisciplinary approach has included expeditions to Venezuelan tepui caves to analyze microbes for novel antimicrobial compounds and to study the evolution of antibiotic resistance.

Zowawi is active in public engagement and science communication, founding the SuperbugsFree and Superbug Slayers Polo Initiative to educate the public about appropriate antibiotic use and the importance of hand hygiene in reducing infectious disease threats. He has used cinematography, including the documentary "The Cave," and has participated in seminars, school visits, and sporting events to promote awareness of infectious diseases. Zowawi has received national and international recognition, including the Rolex Award for Enterprise, Time Magazine's Next Generation Leader, Queensland Science and Innovation Champion, Change Creator from the University of Queensland, and the Junior Researcher Award from King Abdullah International Medical Research Center. He has also been named among Queensland's top 50 Best and Brightest by The Courier Mail and among the 100 Most Powerful Arabs Under 40 by Arabian Business. Zowawi's work integrates scientific research, policy development, and public advocacy in the field of antimicrobial resistance and infectious diseases.