Hafiza Parkar

Biography and Expertise of Hafiza Parkar

Dr. Hafiza Parkar stands at the forefront of a new generation of scientists dedicated to integrating traditional knowledge systems with advanced biomedical research. As a lecturer and researcher at the University of Pretoria, she has cultivated a specialized niche in pharmacology, with a particular focus on wound healing and regenerative medicine. Her work is characterized by a commitment to exploring the therapeutic potential of traditional African medicine through the rigorous lens of proteomics, multi-omics, and 3D bioprinting technologies.

Her contributions are directly relevant to the 3rd WCTCIM’s Thematic Axis, “Contributions of TCIM to Global Public Health (Evidence-Based).” Dr. Parkar’s research into the properties of plants like *Terminalia sericea* provides concrete, evidence-based validation for traditional practices. Therefore, her work exemplifies the principles of the Gujarat Declaration by applying robust scientific methods to ensure the efficacy and safety of traditional remedies, fostering their integration into mainstream healthcare systems.

Beyond her technical expertise, Dr. Hafiza Parkar represents the congress’s emphasis on South-South collaboration. As a leading South African academic, her research not only addresses local health needs but also contributes to a global repository of knowledge, strengthening scientific capacity within the Global South. Her work demonstrates how diverse knowledge systems, when scientifically explored, can lead to innovative solutions for creating well-being societies.

Professional Career

Dr. Hafiza Parkar‘s professional career is centered at the University of Pretoria, a leading academic institution in Africa, where she has established herself as a key figure in the Department of Pharmacology. Since 2017, her role as a lecturer has extended far beyond the classroom, encompassing a multifaceted portfolio of responsibilities that drive both education and research forward. Her position allows her to shape the future of pharmacology in South Africa through teaching, mentorship, and innovative research management.

This appointment reflects a deep commitment to building institutional capacity and fostering scientific inquiry. Consequently, Dr. Parkar plays an integral part in the academic ecosystem, influencing students, managing complex research projects, and building collaborative networks that advance the field of translational medicine.

• Lecturer, University of Pretoria (2017 – Present): In this comprehensive role, Dr. Parkar is responsible for a wide range of academic and research duties. She designs and delivers pharmacology modules for both undergraduate and postgraduate students, developing curricula that reflect the latest scientific advancements. Furthermore, she provides dedicated supervision to postgraduate candidates, guiding their research projects from conception to publication. A significant part of her role involves managing the department’s preclinical research activities, where she oversees laboratory operations, ensures compliance with ethical standards, and coordinates translational studies. Additionally, she is tasked with managing stakeholder relations, which involves liaising with industry partners, funding bodies, and other research institutions to foster collaboration and secure resources for ongoing projects.

Academic Qualifications

The academic journey of Dr. Hafiza Parkar demonstrates a focused and consistent progression within the field of pharmacology, pursued entirely at the prestigious University of Pretoria. This dedicated path has allowed her to build a deep and layered expertise, starting with foundational biomedical sciences and culminating in highly specialized doctoral research. Her academic record is distinguished by excellence, including a cum laude distinction in her undergraduate studies, which set the stage for a successful research career.

Each qualification represents a deliberate step toward her current specialization, blending fundamental biological knowledge with advanced pharmacological techniques. This robust educational foundation is therefore critical to her ability to conduct cutting-edge research in regenerative and traditional medicine.

• PhD in Pharmacology (2025): Her doctoral research delved into the proteomic characterization of extracellular matrix scaffolds, a sophisticated area of regenerative medicine aimed at developing better solutions for wound healing.
• MSc in Pharmacology (2016): This master’s degree marked her initial foray into traditional medicine research, where she investigated the specific wound healing properties of the indigenous plant *Terminalia sericea*.
• BSc (Hons) in Pharmacology (2013): The honours degree provided her with intensive, specialized training in pharmacological principles and research methodologies, preparing her for postgraduate studies.
• BSc in Biomedicine (Cum Laude) (2012): She began her academic career at the Midrand Graduate Institute, where she graduated with distinction, establishing a strong foundation in the biomedical sciences that underpin her later work.

Research and Publications by Hafiza Parkar

Dr. Hafiza Parkar‘s research program is a dynamic engine for innovation in translational medicine. Her work is centered on the intersection of regenerative medicine, 3D bioprinting, and traditional medicine, aiming to develop novel therapeutic strategies for complex health issues like chronic wounds. By employing multi-omics approaches, she seeks to understand the molecular mechanisms behind the healing properties of both natural compounds and bioengineered tissues. This approach transforms traditional knowledge into scientifically verifiable data, a key objective of the WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy.

Her prolific publication record, with over 15 articles in respected journals such as Planta Medica and Therapeutic Drug Monitoring, underscores the impact and quality of her research. Beyond journal articles, Dr. Hafiza Parkar has contributed her expertise to a book chapter on 3D bioprinting for Springer Nature, a leading academic publisher. This contribution solidifies her status as an authority in this cutting-edge field.

Furthermore, her active participation in national and international conferences ensures that her findings are disseminated widely among the global scientific community. This not only enhances her own work through peer feedback but also promotes the kind of cross-continental dialogue that the 3rd WCTCIM champions. Consequently, her research activities are pivotal in building the evidence base needed to integrate traditional and complementary medicine into global public health frameworks.

Awards and Recognitions

The scientific contributions and academic excellence of Dr. Hafiza Parkar have been consistently recognized through a variety of prestigious awards and honors. These accolades, received from both national and international bodies, highlight the high caliber of her research, her skill in scientific communication, and her potential as a future leader in the field of pharmacology. Such recognition validates the importance and innovation of her work in bridging traditional medicine and modern science.

These awards are not merely personal achievements; they also bring visibility to the critical research being conducted at the University of Pretoria and in South Africa. Therefore, they serve to inspire other emerging academics and reinforce the value of rigorous, evidence-based inquiry into traditional healing practices.

• First Place for Oral and Poster Presentations: Dr. Parkar has received multiple first-place awards at scientific conferences, demonstrating her exceptional ability to communicate complex research findings clearly and persuasively to her peers.
• Emerging Academics Award (UP Faculty Day): This award from the University of Pretoria’s Faculty of Health Sciences acknowledges her as a rising star within the institution, recognizing her significant early-career contributions to research and teaching.
• International Travel Awards: Receipt of these competitive grants has enabled her to present her research on global platforms, fostering international collaboration and knowledge exchange.
• Golden Key International Honour Society Membership: Induction into this society is reserved for top-performing university students, underscoring her consistent academic excellence throughout her educational journey.

Board and Committee Activities

Dr. Hafiza Parkar extends her impact beyond her own research through active leadership and participation in key professional societies. Her involvement in these organizations demonstrates a strong commitment to advancing the field of pharmacology, promoting ethical standards, and fostering a collaborative scientific community both within South Africa and internationally. These roles are essential for shaping policy, guiding research directions, and mentoring the next generation of scientists.

Her leadership position and memberships place her at the center of important scientific discourse. Consequently, she helps to amplify the voice of African researchers on the global stage and advocates for the continued scientific exploration of the continent’s rich biodiversity and traditional knowledge.

• Secretary General, South African Society for Basic and Clinical Pharmacology (SASBCP): In this significant leadership role, she is responsible for key administrative and strategic functions of the society, helping to guide its mission of promoting pharmacological research and education in South Africa.
• Member, American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics (ASPET): Her membership in this prominent international society connects her with a global network of leading researchers and keeps her at the forefront of pharmacological innovation.
• Member, South African Mass Spectrometry Society (SAAMS): This affiliation reflects her technical expertise in proteomics and multi-omics, connecting her with specialists in analytical techniques crucial to her research.
• Member, PharfA: Participation in this society further integrates her within the broader pharmaceutical and pharmacological community in her region.

Connect with Dr. Parkar

For more detailed information about Dr. Hafiza Parkar‘s research, publications, and academic activities, you can visit her official university profile and professional networking pages. These platforms offer further insight into her work and contributions to the field of pharmacology and regenerative medicine.

Official University of Pretoria Profile: View Academic Profile

LinkedIn Profile: Connect on LinkedIn

ResearchGate Profile: Explore Publications on ResearchGate