ORIC TEAM

Zareesh Zahra is a dedicated and versatile professional with over 10 years of expertise in the dynamic field of Mass Communication and Academia. She seamlessly navigates through the intricate tapestry of the industrial and academic sectors. Her expertise includes developing and executing research, innovation, commercialization, communication strategies, and relationship management across various industries, focusing on communication, academia-industry linkages, stakeholder management, sustainability initiatives, and government relations and policy-making. Zareesh earned her Master of Philosophy (M.Phil) degree in Mass Communication, demonstrating a commitment to academic excellence. She has various research collaborations with international professors.

Zareesh, as the Manager at the Office of Research, Innovation, and Commercialization (ORIC) at IQRA University, plays a crucial role in enhancing research innovations, obtaining grants, and overseeing projects that are in line with the institution’s vision. She serves as a bridge between the academic and industrial sectors, excelling in training and guiding faculty and researchers in research development, project submission, and grant procurement. Moreover, Zareesh leads technology transfer efforts, providing direction for innovations throughout the licensing and commercialization process. Leveraging her extensive knowledge of Intellectual Property Rights, she ensures that valuable research discoveries are brought to the market for the benefit of society.

Prior to her current role, Zareesh served as Assistant Manager at ORIC SZABIST University. She was instrumental in establishing the office and boosting it to an X category in HEC scoring, as one of the early contributors to ORIC at SZABIST. Zareesh’s extensive understanding of ORIC’s operations was complemented by her specialization as an ORIC scorecard expert, having acted as the scorecard focal person for five years. Furthermore, she was the Ignite focal person for four consecutive years, overseeing SZABIST’s attainment of the highest number of Ignite fundings. Additionally, she served as the NIB focal person, resulting in three groups securing funding. Zareesh also played a key role in organizing ZAB e Fest for three consecutive years, where ORIC not only assessed projects but also provided seed money for promising initiatives. She also holds the additional charge as Advisor to President for specific period of time.

Her career extends beyond academia, having worked with TV channels like GEO, ARY, and Dawn News, contributing to media production, marketing, and research. As Senior Media Director for Young Social Reformers, she led media collaborations and conducted impactful events. Zareesh has received training and certifications, working experience from institutions like IBA-CEJ, Alliance Française, Reuters UNICEF, US Consulate, Goethe, and UNESCO.

Zareesh also delves into topics such as mental wellbeing, media ethics, media effects, and artificial intelligence. Through her research, lectures, training, and public speaking, she instills inspiration and knowledge in individuals globally, driven by her dedication to meaningful communication.