Mr. Shakil Ahmed Polash, PhD
Details
College: School of Science
Department: School of Science
Campus: City Campus Australia
shakil.polash@rmit.edu.au
About
Dr. Shakil Polash is a multidisciplinary scientist working at the interface of nanotechnology, biomedicine, and materials science. He is currently a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Nano- and Bio-interface Lab (NBIL), School of Science, RMIT University, contributing to the NanoHeal project. His research focuses on the development of next-generation antimicrobial gels to address the global challenge of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
Dr. Polash is a self-driven early-career researcher. In his current role, he designs and develops biocompatible soft materials for the prevention and treatment of drug-resistant bacterial and fungal infections. His expertise in materials synthesis, surface engineering, cell biology and microbiology enables him to contribute to healthcare and MedTech platforms. He has published 35+ peer-reviewed articles in high-impact journals from different publishers, including ACS, RSC, Elsevier, Springer, and Wiley and contributes as a reviewer of multidisciplinary scientific journals. He has been recognised with multiple awards and media features for research excellence.
He has a PhD in Applied Biology and Biotechnology from RMIT University, where his research focused on non-viral gene delivery systems and cancer therapies. He has demonstrated the capability to translate nanoscale innovations into practical diagnostic tools. He had experience in designing and fabricating nanomaterials for point-of-care lateral flow devices (LFDs), enabling rapid detection of Group B Streptococcus (GBS). Thus, he has established a strong track record in interdisciplinary research, integrating materials science, cell biology, and biomedical engineering to tackle unmet clinical needs.
Driven by innovation and translational impact, Dr. Polash aims to bridge the gap between cutting-edge nanoscience and real-world medical applications, contributing to the development of transformative therapies and diagnostics for infectious diseases and beyond.
Media Coverage
• La Recherche, EPFL Press (Switzerland), October 2025
• Chemistry in Pictures, C&EN (American Chemical Society), January 2023
• Kemisk Tidskrift, The Swedish Chemical Societies Magazine, March 2023
• Australian Microscopy & Microanalysis Society Newsletter, December 2022
Awards
2026 | Oral Presentation Prize, 16th International NanoMedicine Conference, UNSW ACN, Australia.
2023 | Best Scientific Image (3rd place) and People’s Choice Award, RMIT University, Australia.
2023 | Three Minute Thesis, Judges’ commendation award, RMIT University, Australia.
2021 | 1st place, Beautiful Science Competition, STEM College, RMIT University, Australia.
Grants
2026 | Adapter grant (Gadi HPC allocation, 800 kSU), National Computational Infrastructure, Australia.
2022 | EMBL Australia PhD Symposium Travel Grant, EMBL, Australia.
2022 | ERASMUS+ KA107 “International Credit Mobility”, European Commission.
2021 | Australian Synchrotron Beamline Grant, ANSTO, Melbourne, Australia.
2018 | National Science and Technology Fellowship, Bangladesh.
Research fields
- 3206 Medical biotechnology
- 3106 Industrial biotechnology
- 4003 Biomedical engineering
- 3403 Macromolecular and materials chemistry
- 3214 Pharmacology and pharmaceutical sciences
- 4004 Chemical engineering
- 4016 Materials engineering
- 4018 Nanotechnology
- 3207 Medical microbiology
- 320604 Nanomedicine
- 310902 Animal cell and molecular biology
- 3107 Microbiology
Academic positions
- Postdoctoral Researcher
- RMIT University
- Applied Chemistry, School of Science (Elbourne's lab)
- Melbourne, Australia
- 4 Aug 2025 – Present
Non-academic positions
- Research Assistant
- RMIT University
- Sir Ian Potter NanoBioSensing Facility, Bansal's group, School of Science
- Melbourne, Australia
- 24 Jun 2024 – 3 Aug 2025
- Research assistant, Centre for Advanced Materials and Industrial Chemistry, Bhargava's group
- RMIT University
- School of Science
- Melbourne, Australia
- 5 May 2024 – 20 Dec 2024
Supervisor projects
- Development of nanocarrier systems for delivery of antivirals against Chikungunya Virus
- 26 Jun 2026
- Nanomaterial Interactions with Model Cell Membranes
- 2 Apr 2026
Teaching interests
Dr. Polash is actively involved in teaching and academic support within the School of Science at RMIT University. He contributes to undergraduate and postgraduate education across disciplines such as biosciences, biotechnology, nanotechnology, and applied chemistry, with a strong focus on connecting theoretical concepts to practical and translational applications in health and biomedical sciences.
He has supported course material preparation, facilitated tutorials, and conducted laboratory-based teaching in subjects including Cell and Tissue Culture, Medical Biotechnology, Microbiology, Analytical and Applied Chemistry. My Course Experience Survey ratings are above the departmental average, reflecting my strong commitment to effective teaching.
Courses involved: Specialised chemistry laboratory (CHEM1042), Life on Earth (ENVI1142), World of life science (ONPS2699), Cell and tissue culture (BIOL2264)
Dr. Polash also accepts Masters and PhD students (as Co-Supervisor) and project students (as Supervisor) in the drug delivery and nano/soft material design area. He mentors students through research design, experimental work, data interpretation, and scientific writing. He is dedicated to creating an engaging and inclusive learning environment that encourages independent thinking, critical inquiry, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
His teaching philosophy emphasises clarity, hands-on learning, and real-world relevance, equipping students with the skills needed for both academic progression and industry readiness.
Research interests
Nanomedicine, drug/gene delivery, therapeutics, hybrid materials, eutectic system, metal–phenolic complex, antimicrobial materials
