Jabir Ali is a DPhil student in IOI’s chemistry lab focusing on developing new antibiotics. His research focuses on Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a multidrug-resistant pathogen that is estimated to cause 23% of all infections in intensive care patients in hospitals.
Jabir is studying a process called hydroxylation in EF-Tu, an important protein that is found in almost all organisms, including bacteria. EF-Tu is critical for many biological processes, including protein synthesis. It is a well-known target for antibiotics; by disrupting its function, drugs can prevent bacteria from replicating and spreading. Because EF-Tu is found across a wide range of organisms, developing an antibiotic which targets this protein's processes could treat a range of pathogens.
Jabir’s journey to Oxford started in Kundal Khokhran, a rural village in Pakistan with a population of around 8,000. His local public school had only one teacher responsible for teaching all subjects. After school, with the support of his family and community, Jabir secured a place at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad- one of the best universities for agriculture and veterinary medicine in Pakistan. It was while studying for his undergraduate degree that Jabir developed an interest in antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
I always dreamed of becoming a doctor of medicine, so that I could help people. At university I realised my interest was serving humanity and that this goal would be best fulfilled by studying microbiology and working on AMR. AMR is an issue that will affect everyone irrespective of geography so specialising in AMR seemed like the best way to help the maximum number of people.
Jabir was able to secure supervision for his master’s degree from the only researcher focusing on AMR at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Dr Mashkoor Mohsin. It was here that Jabir had the opportunity to work on large-scale AMR surveillance projects, and became a research consultant for the Fleming Fund, investigating antibiotic usage in Pakistan.
After completing his master’s degree, Jabir applied to join Professor Chris Schofield’s lab at the Ineos Oxford Institute (IOI) and was awarded a scholarship by the Oxford-Pakistan Programme.
Coming from a remote village where higher education is often seen as an unattainable dream, and where many families prioritize sending their children to work over further education, applying to Oxford seemed almost impossible. Getting a scholarship to study here felt surreal. Arriving at Oxford was a profound culture shock, but the incredible support from Professor Schofield and my colleagues in the lab helped me adapt to a new country and embrace new ways of learning and working.
Now, a year into his DPhil studies, Jabir is thrilled with the progress he's making on his project.
My hope is that this research will contribute to the development of life-saving medicines to combat AMR. I’m deeply grateful to everyone who has supported my journey thus far—my parents, friends, teachers, the Oxford Pakistan Program, Ali Khan Tareen, and my supervisors here at Oxford. My message to others in similar situations is simple: never lose hope. With determination and hard work, you can achieve anything you set your mind to.