Probiotic Genomics
WGS/NGS, functional genomics, safety interpretation and strain-level characterization.
Research pillarsPROBIOTIC GENOMICS / MICROBIAL AI / ONE HEALTH
Dr. Shakira Ghazanfar
Microbiologist | Probiotic Genomics & Microbial AI Researcher
Senior Scientific Officer, NIGAB-NARC-PARC | Principal Investigator / Project Manager
Integrating whole-genome sequencing, microbiome science, experimental microbiology and artificial intelligence to discover, validate and translate indigenous microbial strains into practical solutions for animal health, food systems and One Health.
Senior Scientific OfficerNational Institute for Genomics & Advanced Biotechnology
18+Years R&D experience
100+Publications
300+Microbial resources
PI / PMNational funded projects
01 / RESEARCH AT A GLANCE
Research leadership with a translational purpose.
Her research connects microbial isolation and genome-scale evidence with computational interpretation, laboratory validation and practical applications in animal health and food systems.
Microbial AI
Machine learning, bioinformatics and feature-based analysis for biological prediction.
AI + AMRGut Microbiome
Probiotic modulation, animal health, feed efficiency and host-response questions.
Explore themeAMR & One Health
Connecting microbial genomes, animal health, safer food production and risk assessment.
View direction02 / CURRENT FLAGSHIP PROJECT
Multi-strain probiotic development supported by machine learning.
AS-0236 is an applied research programme combining WGS-identified probiotic strains, feed supplementation, poultry gut-health assessment and machine-learning-supported analysis.
AS-0236OngoingAgricultural Linkages Programme
Open project page 
03 / SELECTED PUBLICATIONS
Publications connecting methods with biological questions.
The publication record reflects a continuing programme of work in computational biology, probiotic genomics, microbiome science and animal health, with DOI or publisher links provided where available.
Simulation studies to identify high-affinity probiotic peptides for inhibiting PAK1 gastric cancer protein
Probiotic peptide docking and molecular-dynamics analysis.
Functional Genomics and Probiotic Traits of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum MB685
Genome-informed probiotic traits, gut health and metabolic insights.
04 / AI + AMR
Microbial AI for safer biological decisions.
Microbial AI combines biological experiments with computational analysis to support strain selection, safety screening, functional prediction and product assessment.
AI + Probiotic Genomics
Use genomic features to rank strains for safety, function and probiotic potential.
AI + Therapeutic Peptides
Machine-learning prediction, docking and molecular-dynamics analysis of peptide candidates.
AI + Animal Performance
Connect microbial strain data, feed supplementation and poultry performance.
AMR & One Health
Interpret genomic and microbiome evidence for safer, more sustainable production.
05 / COMPLETED PROJECT
From indigenous yeast to translational product development.
CS-929 connected indigenous yeast identification and molecular/NGS characterization with yeast-extract and beta-glucan product development for food, feed and industry-facing applications.
July 2021 — December 2024CompletedALP-funded
06 / GENOMIC RESOURCES
Strain-level resources and public accessions.
Public accessions make the genomic evidence traceable and allow researchers to inspect the sequence records underlying the research programme.
Research workflow
Browse genomic resources Open genome classifier
ISOLATE → PHENOTYPE → WGS/NGS → SAFETY & FUNCTION → AI RANKING → VALIDATION → PRODUCT
07 / BOOKS & EDITORIAL LEADERSHIP
Publishing, editing and open scholarly resources.
Dr. Ghazanfar's editorial work extends her research in probiotic science into next-generation therapeutics, postbiotics, microbial health and accessible scholarly chapters.
Next Generation Probiotics: From Novel Drugs to Future Therapeutics
Edited volume • CRC Press / Routledge
Books and chaptersNext Generation Probiotics: Natural Therapeutics, Volume 2
Edited volume • CRC Press / Routledge
Open books page08 / ACADEMIC SERVICE
Research, mentoring and scientific service.
HEC-approved PhD supervisor, research mentor, book editor, guest editor, international peer reviewer, invited speaker and trainer.
09 / TRAINING & WORKSHOPS
Practical learning in biological AI and genomics.
Dr. Ghazanfar's training activities help students, researchers and professionals work confidently with microbial NGS data, artificial intelligence and probiotic-genomics workflows.
Microbial NGS & AI
Hands-on workshop at NIGAB-NARC on microbial NGS data analysis and artificial intelligence.
Workshop recordNational training workshop
Practical instruction in microbial genome analysis, sequence interpretation and biological AI.
National programme7th National Hands-on Training
Microbial NGS and artificial intelligence for better product preparation at NIGAB-NARC, Islamabad.
Open event details10 / NEWS & SPEAKING
Selected public engagement, with dates.
Through invited talks, webinars and public training activities, Dr. Ghazanfar shares practical approaches to microbial genomics, artificial intelligence and biological innovation with students, researchers and professional audiences.
5 — 6 August 2026
Speaker at the 7th Global Summit on Artificial Intelligence
Virtual Cell and Cancer: Using Artificial Intelligence to Understand and Predict Cancer Biology.
View news and speaking
15 August 2026
Build a Bio-AI Tool Using Less Coding
Free webinar for biologists, bioinformaticians, students and researchers.
Open speaking page11 / CONTACT
For research, collaboration and invited speaking.
Dr. Ghazanfar welcomes enquiries about research collaboration, training, invited speaking and scientific exchange.