Dr Hossein Ashrafi

Faculty of Health, Science, Social Care and Education
Department of Biomolecular Sciences
School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry
Penrhyn Road

Associate Professor in Pathology/Cancer Biology

[email protected]

ORCID

About

I received my PhD from Beatson Institute for Cancer Research, University of Glasgow in 1998 where I worked on viral causes of cancer. In the same year I was offered a postdoctoral fellowship in the Medical Oncology Laboratory at Glasgow University's Medical School, I was awarded a Royal Society Developing World Study Visit fellowship for distinguished postdoctoral work on relationship between papillomavirus and immune response.

I joined Kingston University, London in 2009 where I currently am an Associate Professor in Pathology, Course Leader for MSc Cancer Biology, fellow of Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS), Fellow of Higher Education (FHEA). I teach on a range of Medical Science modules, supervise PhD research students, and lead an active research group on the interactions between the human host, viral pathogen and cancer, and also therapeutic approaches toward Human Papillomavirus (HPV) related cancers.

Qualifications

PhD in Pathology/Cancer Biology – Beatson Institute for Cancer Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Glasgow
Postgraduate Certificate in Learning and Teaching in Higher Education, Kingston University London
DVM, University of Tehran. This is a professional doctorate degree together with one year research

Domains

I have extensive experience teaching at all levels of higher education, engaging with students from diverse backgrounds. My modules are wide-ranging and include large cohorts (e.g., ~180 students), requiring efficient module management to ensure high-quality operational delivery. I contribute to the teaching, assessments, and design of learning and teaching material for the following modules: Cellular and Molecular Biology of cancer (LS7008 - Teach and lead), Pathobiology (LS5009), Immunology and the Biology of Disease (LS7002), Clinical Application of Biomedical Sciences (LS6007), Research Techniques and Scientific Communications (LS7001), Research Project (LS7010), Foundation Project-based Learning (FX3002).
Since 2010 (at KU), I have supervised eight MSc students per year across the MSc Biomedical Sciences and Cancer Biology programs. This supervision has had a significant impact, contributing to conference papers and abstracts, as well as the publication of a research paper in a Q1 journal, with few students as co-authors. Additionally, the preliminary data generated under my supervision have provided the foundation for subsequent PhD studies and facilitated valuable knowledge exchange between students, academics, and clinicians.
My teaching style, rooted in research-informed strategies, has inspired and supported students in achieving personal development goals and progressing towards PhD study. Evidence of my impact includes being awarded “Best Teacher of Postgraduates Winner” (2014) in Kingston University's Student-led Learning and Teaching Awards.
I serve as an External Examiner for the BSc in “Comparative Pathology” at the Royal Veterinary College, London, (2022-Present) contributing to maintaining academic standards and ensuring the quality of the programme's delivery and assessment. In this capacity, I provided expert input on curriculum design, assessment strategies, and alignment with industry and academic benchmarks, ensuring the programme meets professional and educational standards. These roles reflect my commitment to quality assurance and academic excellence in higher education.

Qualifications

Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) in Learning and Teaching in Higher Education (2009 – 2010), Kingston University London, UK

Course director

Cancer Biology MSc

Courses taught

I have made significant contributions to research networks and the broader research environment through impactful leadership, fostering collaboration, and advancing research culture both internally and externally. Below are highlights of my achievements.

Internal Contributions and Research Leadership at Kingston University

As a research leader and a core member of the Interdisciplinary Cancer Theme, I have played a pivotal role in promoting an inclusive and dynamic research culture. My efforts include:

Establishing the Kingston University-Kingston Hospital "HPV and Cancer Research Seminar": I created this platform to facilitate knowledge exchange among academics, clinicians, and students, driving interdisciplinary collaboration and advancing innovative research.
Mentoring and Development: I have successfully mentored senior lecturers through the “Beyond Barriers Staff Mentoring Scheme,” supporting their career progression and enhancing their research outputs. Additionally, I have guided early-career researchers and PhD students, helping them achieve academic excellence.
Leadership in Research Ethics and Compliance: As a member of the Faculty Research Ethics Reviewer (FREC) committee and the Human Tissue Authority (HTA) Governance Group, I ensure high ethical standards and regulatory compliance across research projects.

Contributions to External Research Networks

I have cultivated extensive external research networks through international collaborations, editorial roles, and academic service:

International Collaborations: I have partnered with institutions such as Hamad Medical Corporation (Qatar), Akdeniz University (Turkey), Strathclyde University (UK), and Valdospan GmbH (Austria). These collaborations have led to high-impact publications on HPV-related cancer research.
Editorial and Review Activities: As an editorial board member for prestigious journals like Scientific Reports – Nature (Q1) and Viruses and Guest Editor – Viruses, I contribute to scientific excellence by regularly reviewing manuscripts. I have also served as a grant reviewer for major funding bodies.
Presenting Research Internationally: I am a regular keynote speaker, session chair, and participant at conferences such as the International Papillomavirus Conference (IPVC) and the Multidisciplinary Head and Neck Cancer Congress. These platforms allow me to share research insights, expand networks, and inspire further exploration in the field.

My leadership has translated research into meaningful outcomes with societal and academic impact:

Impact Case Studies: As Principal Investigator of multiple high-impact studies on HPV and cancer, I have generated evidence supporting novel therapeutic strategies and public health interventions. My collaborations with Kingston Hospital, for instance, have provided ground-breaking insights into the link between HPV and cancers in various organs, with implications for vaccine development and cancer prevention.

Public and Civic roles

As a civic advocate for HPV awareness, I actively engage with the wider community to raise awareness of HPV-related cancers through public talks and media appearances, including interviews with Press, amplifying the societal impact of my research.

Publications

Detection of high-risk human papillomavirus in bladder cancer: an exploratory study from a UK-based population

Ahmed, Mohammed Yahya, Cakir, Muharrem Okan, Sandhu, Sarbjinder and Ashrafi, G. Hossein, 2025, Biomedicines (13), 7 pp 1548, Published

Dr Hossein Ashrafi

About

Qualifications

Domains

Teaching and learning

Research

Business, knowledge transfer and international

Professional practice, knowledge exchange and impact

Leadership and management

Publications

Articles

Book Sections/Chapters