Professor Qammer H. Abbasi shares his journey from Queen Mary PhD to shortlisting for THE Research Supervisor of the Year
In this interview Professor Abbasi shares more information about his journey as a professional researcher and how his experience at Queen Mary shaped his development as a career researcher.
Professor Qammer Abbasi and Professor Akram Alomainy
Having completed his PhD at Queen Mary, Professor Qammer H. Abbasi has gone from strength to strength as his research helps to influence real-world technologies and government policy. Professor Abbasi now works as a Professor of Applied Electromagnetics and Sensing at the University of Glasgow, where he was nominated and shortlisted for the Times Higher Education (THE) Outstanding Research Supervisor of the Year Award. The nomination highlights Professor Abbasi’s role in creating a supportive, stimulating and inspirational research environment for doctoral students.
Can you tell us a little about yourself and your career journey since completing your doctorate at Queen Mary — and what led you to your current role at the University of Glasgow?
After completing my PhD at Queen Mary University of London in applied electromagnetics and radio systems, I became fascinated by how fundamental research can directly shape real-world technologies. I spent the early part of my career at University of Engineering and Technology, Pakistan and Texas A&M University Qatar before joining the University of Glasgow, where I’m now Professor of Applied Electromagnetics and Sensing and Director of the Communication Sensing and Imaging Hub, as well as Co-Director for the Centre for Doctoral Training in Diversity-Driven Mission-Led Research (DiveIn). My work has evolved from antenna and sensing to integrated sensing and communications for 6G, bridging research, innovation, and policy. I’ve also had the privilege of advising the UK and Scottish Governments on advanced connectivity and innovation strategy, a role that allows me to connect research excellence with national impact.
What does a typical week look like for you as a research supervisor and academic?
There’s rarely a “typical” week, but it usually blends mentoring, research discussions, proposal development, and engagement with government and industry partners. I meet my PhD students regularly to review progress, discuss and brainstorm new ideas and technical challenges, and plan publications and prototypes. I also spend time building collaborations across disciplines, from healthcare to connectivity technologies and mentoring early-career researchers. The balance between supervision, policy advisory work, and spin-off development keeps every week dynamic and rewarding.
What does being nominated for THE Outstanding Research Supervisor of the Year mean to you?
It’s deeply meaningful because it reflects the success and growth of my students, not just my own efforts. Supervising doctoral researchers from diverse backgrounds is about more than guiding experiments, it’s about shaping independent thinkers and inclusive teams. I’ve always believed supervision is a partnership built on trust, curiosity, and shared purpose. This nomination is recognition of that collective journey, and I see it as a celebration of my group’s culture of collaboration and innovation.
Can you tell us how your experience at Queen Mary contributed to your development as a Research Supervisor?
Queen Mary gave me a foundation in both scientific rigour and empathy. My supervisors modelled what good mentorship looks like by setting high expectations while supporting personal growth. My primary supervisor Professor Akram Alomainy has great influence on my supervision and mentorship style and I still continue learning from him. The diversity of the environment at Queen Mary also made me appreciate the power of inclusive supervision including support from my secondary supervisor Professor Yang Hao. The Antennas and Electromagnetic Research Group taught me that great research environments are built on belonging as much as brilliance, and that’s something I’ve carried into every team I’ve led since.
Looking back, what skills or experiences from your PhD have proven most valuable in your career?
Resilience and curiosity. A PhD teaches you how to think deeply, fail intelligently, and communicate ideas clearly. Those habits never leave you. Learning to frame technical work in a broader context why it matters to society or industry has been invaluable in every leadership and policy role I’ve taken on since.
Are there any key projects you are currently working on that you’d like to highlight?
Yes, several. I’m leading work on integrated sensing and communication for 6G networks, through the UK’s Communications Hub for Empowering Distributed clouD computing Applications and Research (CHEDDAR Hub) and also exploring laser-assisted manufacturing of flexible antennas for space applications, RIS-enabled smart environments, terahertz sensor for cancer and AI enabled Contactless health monitoring. Many of these projects bring together academia, industry, and government and hospitals, which is where I believe the most exciting advances happen.
What are some of the key skills you developed as a postgraduate researcher that have helped you after your doctorate?
Critical thinking, persistence, and the ability to translate complex research into impact. My PhD also taught me to manage uncertainty to navigate projects that don’t always go as planned. That mindset is crucial whether you’re supervising students, negotiating a policy brief, or building a start-up. Most importantly I learnt patience, calmness from my PhD supervisor Professor Akram Alomainy.
What’s your favourite memory or place on a Queen Mary campus?
The Engineering Building courtyard by the canal. I remember countless late evenings there with friends discussing experiments and future dreams. It was a place that balanced the intensity of research with a sense of community and creativity. It still brings back good memories whenever I visit London.
Do you have any hobbies, pastimes outside of work?
I enjoy playing cricket, badminton and traveling while bringing nature photography to the world. I also like spending time with family and keeping up with global technology policy and innovation ecosystems, which, in some ways, it is both hobby and passion.
What advice would you give to current doctoral researchers who are considering academic roles or research careers in other universities?
Be curious, collaborative, and adaptable. A PhD is only the start of your research identity. Focus on building a network, developing leadership and communication skills, and finding topics that genuinely excite you. Don’t chase trends, pursue problems that matter. And remember, academia is changing; impact, teamwork, and inclusivity are just as important as publications and technical work.
We're delighted that two Queen Mary colleagues, Professor Lars Chittka and Professor Alastair Owens have also been shortlisted for the THE Outstanding Research Supervisor of the Year award, and we wish all three professors the best of luck at the award show on 13 November.