Projects per year
Personal profile
Biography
- Ex Director of Innovation (2022-2024)
- Associate Professor in Healthcare Technologies (formerly Reader and Senior Lecturer), School of Pharmacy, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK (08/2020)
- Cambridge Judge Business, University of Cambridge, UK, Ignite (alumni) course. (07/2019)
- Lecturer in Drug Delivery and Tissue Engineering at the University of East Anglia's School of Pharmacy in Norwich, UK.
- Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, School of Pharmacy, University of East Anglia, UK (08/2013). (2017)
- University of Nottingham Postdoctoral Research Associate, EPSRC Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Regenerative Medicine (02/2011)
- Postdoctoral Research Associate at NUI Galway's Network for Excellence in Functional Biomaterials. (11/2009)
- PhD student at Nottingham University's School of Pharmacy working on an advanced modular drug and gene delivery system. (10/2006)
Key Research Interests
Dr. Aram Saeed, PhD
Dr. Aram Saeed is an Associate Professor in Healthcare Technologies at the School of Pharmacy, University of East Anglia (UEA), Norwich, UK. Since joining UEA in August 2013, he has been at the forefront of research in ocular devices, material innovation, and the 3D printing manufacturing and prototyping of intraocular lenses and intraocular drug delivery systems.
With multidisciplinary expertise spanning polymer science (chemistry), pharmaceutical formulation (pharmacy), and tissue engineering and regenerative medicine (biology and medicine), Dr. Saeed specialises in developing advanced materials for ocular applications. Utilising controlled/living polymerisation techniques such as ROP, RAFT, and ATRP, he designs and synthesises biodegradable, stimuli-sensitive (temperature and pH), and functionalised polymers.
His current research interests include:
- Ocular Device Innovation: Pioneering the use of 3D printing technologies to manufacture and prototype intraocular lenses and contact lenses, enhancing their functionality and patient compatibility.
- Intraocular Drug Delivery Systems: Developing advanced platforms for targeted drug delivery within the eye, aiming to improve treatments for ocular diseases.
- Nanotechnology and Biologics Delivery: Creating colloidal nano- and micro-carriers for the controlled and targeted release of biopharmaceuticals, biopolymers, and therapeutic proteins.
- Cell and Gene Therapy: Advancing therapeutic approaches through the development of materials that support cell and gene therapy applications.
- 3D Cell Culture Systems: Engineering complex three-dimensional (3D) in vitro systems to study health and disease, contributing to international efforts in tissue regeneration.
Prior to his current role, Dr. Saeed was a Lecturer in Drug Delivery and Tissue Engineering at UEA's School of Pharmacy. He commenced his academic journey as a PhD student at the University of Nottingham's School of Pharmacy in October 2006, focusing on an advanced modular drug and gene delivery system. Postdoctoral research positions followed at NUI Galway's Network for Excellence in Functional Biomaterials (November 2009) and the EPSRC Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Regenerative Medicine at the University of Nottingham (February 2011).
In recognition of his commitment to excellence in teaching and research, Dr. Saeed became a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy in 2013. He further expanded his professional development by completing the Ignite programme at Cambridge Judge Business School, University of Cambridge, in July 2019.
Dr. Saeed's contributions continue to drive innovation in ocular device technology, nanotechnology, and regenerative medicine, fostering collaboration and advancing healthcare technologies on an international scale.
Administrative Posts
In addition to his research activities, Dr. Saeed holds several key academic and leadership roles:
- Course Director, MPharm Pharmacy with a Preparatory Year: Overseeing curriculum development and student progression for the preparatory programme.
- Course Director, BSc Pharmacology and Drug Discovery with Foundation Year: Leading the foundation programme to equip students with essential skills in pharmacology and drug discovery.
- Tissue Engineering Special Topic Leader: Guiding students through advanced topics in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals
In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):
External positions
Recent Appointee In Polymer Science
1 Oct 2015 → 1 Oct 2018
Projects
- 13 Finished
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Addressing Interdisciplinary challenges through Raman Microscopy - a new facility for UEA
Lettice, F., Alexander, M., Askounis, A., Baker, A., Cammidge, A., Chao, Y., Fabian, L., Fielden, J., Hernaez, M., Hui, O., Kaplani, E., Khimyak, Y., Liss, P., Lord, R., Marin, M. J., Mayes, A., Melendi-Espina, S., Nolte, S., Romanov, A., Saeed, A., Sobolewski, A., Tolhurst, T. & Wright, J.
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council
6/11/20 → 31/08/22
Project: Research
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Development of a 3D printed implantable device for tendon regeneration and rupture repair.
Riley, G., Donnell, S. & Saeed, A.
1/01/17 → 31/12/19
Project: Research
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The design and in vitro validation of scaffolds for tendon regeneration and repair.
Riley, G. & Saeed, A.
Action Arthritis (Norwich Hip Trust)
1/01/17 → 31/12/19
Project: Research
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Thermoresponsive hyperbranched copolymer with multi acrylate functionality for in situ cross-linkable hyaluronic acid composite semi-IPN hydrogel
Dong, Y., Hassan, W., Zheng, Y., Saeed, A. O., Cao, H., Tai, H., Pandit, A. & Wang, W., 1 Jan 2012, In: Journal of Materials Science-Materials in Medicine. 23, 1, p. 25-35 11 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
41 Citations (Scopus) -
Evaluation of a thermoresponsive polycaprolactone scaffold for in vitro three-dimensional stem cell differentiation
Hruschka, V., Saeed, A., Slezak, P., Cheikh Al Ghanami, R., Feichtinger, G. A., Alexander, C., Redl, H., Shakesheff, K. & Wolbank, S., 14 Jan 2015, In: Tissue Engineering: Part A. 21, 1-2, p. 310-319 10 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
12 Citations (Scopus) -
The reverse of polymer degradation: in situ crosslinked gel formation through disulfide cleavage
Saeed, A. O., Newland, B., Pandit, A. & Wang, W., 1 Jan 2012, In: Chemical Communications. 48, 4, p. 585-587 3 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
19 Citations (Scopus) -
Gelatin embedding for the preparation of thermoreversible or delicate scaffolds for histological analysis
Hruschka, V., Meinl, A., Saeed, A., Cheikh Al Ghanami, R., Redl, H., Shakesheff, K. & Wolbank, S., Aug 2013, In: Biomedical Materials. 8, 4, p. 041001Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
5 Citations (Scopus) -
“One-step” preparation of thiol-ene clickable PEG-based thermoresponsive hyperbranched copolymer for in situ crosslinking hybrid hydrogel
Dong, Y., Saeed, A. O., Hassan, W., Keigher, C., Zheng, Y., Tai, H., Pandit, A. & Wang, W., 27 Jan 2012, In: Macromolecular Rapid Communications. 33, 2, p. 120-126 7 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
82 Citations (Scopus)
Prizes
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Innovation and Impact Award 2020
Saeed, Aram (Recipient), 7 Feb 2020
Prize: Prize (including medals and awards)
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Innovation and Impact Award 2021
Saeed, Aram (Recipient), 22 Jun 2021
Prize: Prize (including medals and awards)
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PhD Supervisor of the Year
Saeed, Aram (Recipient), 1 May 2018
Prize: Prize (including medals and awards)
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Finalist (Shortlisted) – Innovation Day, ESCRS: European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons
Aram Saeed (Presenter)
6 Sept 2024Activity: Other activity types › Other
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Granted Patent: US11958927B2 Intraocular devices
Aram Saeed (Presenter)
16 Apr 2024Activity: Other activity types › Other
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Current Eye Research (Journal)
Aram Saeed (Peer reviewer)
11 Apr 2024Activity: Editorial work › Publication peer-review
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Pending Patent: US2024092969A1 FUNCTIONALISED BIODEGRADABLE POLYESTER POLYMERS
Aram Saeed (Presenter)
21 Mar 2024Activity: Other activity types › Other
Press/Media
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Invited Speaker at Kurdistan Medical and Scientific Federation (KMSF) Seminar
8/02/25
1 Media contribution
Press/Media: Media Coverage or Contribution
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UK: Episode 110: Transforming Ophthalmology through 3D Printing
24/10/24
1 Media contribution
Press/Media: Media Coverage or Contribution
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US: 'How 3D printing is revolutionising cataract treatment'
19/09/24
1 Media contribution
Press/Media: Media Coverage or Contribution
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US: 3D Printed Intraocular Lenses Proof-of-concept study showcases stereolithographic rapid prototyping of IOL-like designs
28/08/24
1 Media contribution
Press/Media: Media Coverage or Contribution
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Brazil: Lentes intraoculares em 3D facilitam tratamentos na visão
17/06/24
1 Media contribution
Press/Media: Media Coverage or Contribution