Research Team
Athena brings together senior researchers from prestigious health and technology institutions across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East — united by a shared commitment to advancing public health, digital health innovation, and evidence-based interventions.
Dr. Syed Sarosh Mahdi
Director, Athena Center for Advanced Research in Healthcare
Dr. Sarosh Mahdi is the founder and Director of Athena, with over 15 years of academic, clinical, and research experience spanning South Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. He has held teaching and research positions across multiple countries and institutions, contributing to dental public health, digital health literacy, blockchain in healthcare, AI applications, and health equity. He has authored 35+ Scopus/PubMed/WoS-indexed publications and three book chapters, and supervises doctoral candidates across institutions.
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Dr. Zaib Ullah
Assistant Professor (RTDa), Università Giustino Fortunato, Benevento, Italy
Dr. Zaib Ullah is a computer scientist and AI/blockchain researcher with expertise in smart cities, UAV communications, machine learning, and distributed ledger technologies. He was designated among the top 24 highly cited scientists from the University of Camerino in 2021. He holds multiple postdoctoral fellowships (UNICAM, CNR Italy) and has published extensively in IEEE, Elsevier (including Sustainable Cities and Society, IF: 10.5), and Springer. He leads Athena’s blockchain research track, including the Telehealth Chain framework and the EVOOLIO olive supply chain project using Hyperledger Fabric.
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Dr. Syed Saad Bin Qasim
Assistant Professor, Faculty of Dentistry, Kuwait University
Dr. Qasim is a specialist in periodontics and dental implantology with extensive clinical and research credentials spanning the UK, Norway, and Kuwait. His research focuses on biomaterials, tissue regeneration, and evidence-based clinical protocols. He serves as a key clinical sciences advisor within Athena’s research portfolio.
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Dr. Umer Daood
Associate Professor, Dental Research
Dr. Umer Daood is a renowned name in adhesive dentistry, dental materials, and dental research. He has an impeccable research and teaching record with several important publications on adhesive systems, restorative materials, and biomaterial innovations. Dr. Daood brings deep materials science expertise to Athena’s interdisciplinary research agenda.
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Alessandro Peretti
Senior Software Engineer & Digital Health Innovator
Alessandro Peretti is a highly accomplished software engineer and digital health innovator with over a decade of experience in full-stack development, cloud architectures, and ICT solutions for healthcare. His research at the University of Camerino focused on leveraging advanced information technologies for e-Health services including telemedicine, telepharmacy, and predictive diagnostics. He has led high-impact Horizon 2020 projects integrating AI, IoT, and cybersecurity into scalable digital platforms.