Dr Muhammad Naveed Akbar has been awarded a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) by the University of Glasgow, with his formal graduation ceremony yet to take place. His doctoral thesis will also be available through the University of Glasgow’s Enlighten Repository.

Dr Akbar’s doctoral research explored doctoral students’ perceptions of the drawbacks of technology during their doctoral studies, with particular attention to how engagement with digital technologies may influence research progress, academic development, productivity, and student wellbeing.

The research employed a mixed-methods explanatory sequential design, beginning with a large-scale survey of doctoral students across the United Kingdom and followed by in-depth interviews. This approach enabled the study to examine both broader patterns in doctoral students’ experiences and the more detailed personal and academic challenges associated with the use of technology during doctoral study.

His research contributes to the growing understanding of the complex relationship between technology use, doctoral education, research progress, academic experience, and student wellbeing. Findings from the project have already contributed to multiple peer-reviewed publications, with further journal articles currently under review and in preparation.

Alongside his research in education and technology, Dr Akbar also holds a PhD in Synthetic Organic Medicinal Chemistry from the University of Strathclyde. His medicinal chemistry research involved the development and synthesis of novel compounds, together with their evaluation for potential biomedical applications.

Dr Akbar has an interdisciplinary academic background spanning education, educational technology, organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, and biomedical sciences. He continues to contribute to academic research through original research papers and review articles across these fields.

In addition to his research activities, Dr Akbar has extensive experience in science education. Since 2004, he has taught chemistry, biology, and physics at school level as well as to university students. His academic and teaching experience has shaped his broader interest in research, education, student development, and the communication of complex scientific and academic ideas in an accessible way.

His work reflects an interdisciplinary approach that connects scientific research, education, technology, and human wellbeing.