furqan ahmed

Public health researcher with extensive experience in global health, cancer prevention, implementation science, and digital health interventions. Currently a Research Fellow leading digital public health projects at the Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology (BIPS) in Bremen. Proven expertise in designing, evaluating, and implementing health interventions using both qualitative and quantitative methods. Demonstrated success in working with vulnerable populations, addressing health disparities, and effectively communicating research outcomes through scientific publications and conferences. Experienced in capacity-building and training, with a strong commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation in teaching and online learning.

Education and Qualifications

• Doctor of Public Health(DrPH) – University of Bremen,Germany (2018–2023,

magna cum laude).

• Master of Public Health (MPH) – University of York, UK (Awarded September 2014).
• Bachelor of DentalSurgery (BDS) –Riphah International University, Islamabad, Pakistan (Awarded April 2012).

Academic and ResearchExperience

ResearchFellow, Leibniz Institutefor Prevention Researchand Epidemiology – BIPS, Bremen, Germany (Nov 2022 – Present)

• Project Lead – EU Mobile App for Cancer Prevention (BUMPER, 2022– 2025): Lead the design, development, and targeted dissemination of a mobile app to promote cancer prevention. Increased the reach and adoption of the European Code Against Cancer messages among diverse populations by leveraging digital platforms. Collaborated with European partners under EU funding to communicate evidence-based cancer prevention strategies.

• Contributor – European Joint Action “Prevent-NCD” (EU4Health program, 2024–2028): Developing a digital intervention for relatives of colorectal cancer patients to encourage preventive health behaviors in Germany. Engagingwith a network of 111 partner organizations across Europe to support non- communicable disease prevention efforts.
• Research Cluster Member – Digital Public Health (2019–2028): Active member of the Leibniz ScienceCampus Digital Public HealthBremen (Research Cluster on Digital Divide and Health Equity). Conducting research on digital health literacy to enhance health equity and developing scalable intervention components to address health inequities. Collaborate with an interdisciplinary network of over 80 members from various institutions.

Doctoral Researcher (DAAD Fellow), LeibnizInstitute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology – BIPS, Bremen, Germany (Oct 2018 – Oct 2022)

• Doctoral Project: Investigated and optimized sexualityand reproductive health interventions for adolescents in Pakistan, as part of a DrPH dissertation. Developed feasible strategies to address community resistance and stigma toward comprehensive sexuality education.
• Designed surveysand facilitated focus group discussions to collect qualitative data from youth and community stakeholders.
• Analyzed both quantitative and qualitative data using tools such as RStudio, MAXQDA, NVivo, and Excel.
• Authored successful grant applications to fund researchactivities and prepared multiple scientific manuscripts based on the findings.
• Presented researchfindings at international conferences, demonstrating expertise in qualitative researchmethodologies and cross-cultural health program implementation.

Team Lead, PakistanBiological Safety Association (PBSA), Islamabad, Pakistan(Apr 2016 – Jun 2018)

• Implemented multiple publichealth capacity-building projectsin collaboration with the Fogarty International Center (NIH, USA). Developed protocols and data collection tools to ensure effective project execution and compliance with international biosafety standards.
• Managed and mentoreda team of six staff membersacross different provinces of Pakistan, coordinating their activities and professional development.

• Conducted training and capacity-buildingworkshops on laboratory biosafety and biorisk management for healthcare and research personnel. Delivered up-to- date training programs, continually updating content to reflect current best

practices.

• Oversaw projectadministration and reporting, ensuring goals were met on time and resources were utilized efficiently.

In-CountryLead (Pakistan), Liverpool School of TropicalMedicine (LSTM), UK – Maternal and Newborn Health Projects (May 2015 – Jun 2016)

• Implemented and monitored maternal health projects, including the “Making it Happen” initiative and a comprehensive Maternal Morbidity Survey in Pakistan, in partnership with LSTM.
• Prepared detailedproject reports, communications, and documentation for stakeholders and sponsors, maintaining transparency and accountability.
• Contributed to budget planning, coordinated data collection efforts, and conducted qualitative interviews to gatherinsights on maternalhealth challenges.
• Coordinated researchinitiatives across teamsand sites to enhance productivity and ensure the successful achievement of project objectives.

Researcher, Health Services Academy(HSA) / USAID, Islamabad, Pakistan (Jan 2016 – Apr 2016)

• Conducted field data collection and analysis for a USAID-funded breastfeeding code compliance project aimed at improving infant nutrition policies.
• Designed and implemented qualitative research methodologies (interviews, focus groups) to assess compliance with breastfeeding promotion regulations.
• Produced comprehensive reports for dissemination meetings with stakeholders, summarizing findings and recommendations.
• Established and managed relationships with key healthsector stakeholders in Lahore to facilitate project implementation and knowledge exchange.

ResearchAssistant, The University of York (Pakistancampuses: Islamabad/Karachi) (Nov 2014 – Apr 2015)

• Contributed to the BISCA study(Behavioral Intervention for Smokeless Tobacco Cessation in South Asians), a multinational research project targeting tobacco use in South Asian communities.

• Managed and analyzed complexqualitative datasets using NVivo, ensuring rigorous data management and extraction of meaningful insights.
• Organized and conducted participant interviews and focus group discussions, supporting the study’s mixed-methods approach to behavioral research.