Abrar is a medical epidemiologist with more than 22 years of experience in the health sector, working with governmental, non-governmental, and international health organizations. He has substantial experience in public health programs and infectious diseases research, having worked with the World Health Organization (WHO) for many years. Currently, he is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Population Health at the University of New South Wales, Australia. He also serves as the Deputy Director of Teaching and the Director of the Master of Infectious Diseases Intelligence (MIDI) Program at the School.
His research interests include the epidemiology and control of infectious diseases, with a focus on emerging and re-emerging infections. He has published more than 170 journal papers, one book chapter, three government reports, and 12 conference papers/abstracts over the last 10 years. Abrar provided leadership during COVID-19 through publications, media interactions, and committee memberships. In 2021, he was seconded to the NSW Health COVID-19 Emergency Operation Center.
Abrar convenes two infectious diseases courses at the School of Population Health. He also leads work-integrated learning (WIL) at the School and supervises PhD, Masters, and Independent Learning Program (ILP) students.