Prof. Yusuf Al-Hiari | The University of Jordan | Jordan
Dr. Yusuf Mohammad Ali Al-Hiari is a Professor of Medicinal Chemistry at the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University. With over two decades of academic and research experience, he specializes in pharmaceutical chemistry, drug discovery, and medicinal chemistry. He has held several administrative roles including Head of Department, Vice Dean, and Dean Assistant. Dr. Al-Hiari has led numerous research projects in antiviral, antifungal, antimalarial, and anticancer drug development. He is also actively involved in national and international scientific committees, accreditation boards, and the Jordanian Pharmaceutical Society, contributing significantly to pharmaceutical education and research in Jordan.
Profile
Education
Dr. Al-Hiari’s academic journey began with a B.Sc. in Pharmaceutical Sciences from the University of Jordan, achieving a Very Good distinction. He pursued an M.Sc. in Clinical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Surrey University, UK , followed by a Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences: Medicinal Chemistry at Strathclyde University, Scotland. His doctoral research focused on developing efficient synthetic strategies for macrocyclic bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids. This strong educational foundation in pharmaceutical sciences, medicinal chemistry, and molecular biology has equipped him with expertise in drug design, organic synthesis, spectroscopy, and advanced analytical and biotechnological methods, forming the cornerstone of his academic and research accomplishments.
Professional Experience
Dr. Al-Hiari has served at Jordan University’s Faculty of Pharmacy since 2001 as Professor of Medicinal Chemistry. He has taught undergraduate, master’s, and Ph.D. students across medicinal, organic, analytical, and pharmaceutical biotechnology courses. His administrative experience includes Dean Assistant for Student Affairs, Vice Dean, and multiple tenures as Head of the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences. Earlier, he worked as a teaching and research assistant at Strathclyde University, UK, and as a Teaching Assistant at the University of Jordan. Additionally, he contributed to community pharmacy, taught educational methodologies, and participated in numerous national committees, research councils, and accreditation boards, enhancing pharmaceutical education and governance.
Research Focus
Dr. Al-Hiari’s research primarily focuses on medicinal chemistry, organic synthesis, and drug discovery. His work includes the design and synthesis of bisbenzylisoquinoline derivatives with antimalarial, antibacterial, antifungal, and anticancer potential. He has developed novel metalation approaches for efficient synthesis and explored benzyl isoquinoline chemistry for anticancer applications. Other research avenues include phenoxathiin-based antifungal agents, polymer-conjugated drug models, and antiviral drug candidates such as Hepatitis C virus NS3 protease inhibitors. His projects integrate organic synthesis, bioassays, molecular biology, and advanced analytical techniques, bridging chemistry with pharmacology to develop novel therapeutic agents and improve drug discovery methodologies.
Awards and Honors
Dr. Al-Hiari has received numerous awards and recognitions for his academic, research, and social contributions. Early in his career, he won the Bronze Medal of the Prince Hasan Award for Culture and Youth Development (1987, 1988) and achieved top ranks in the Jordanian Students Chess Championship. He has been recognized by the Jordan Pharmaceutical Association for his contributions to continuous education programs and received its awards in 2005, 2008, and 2010. These accolades highlight his dedication to pharmaceutical education, research excellence, and active engagement in both scientific and community development initiatives in Jordan.
Publications Top Notes
Formulation and In Vitro Evaluation of Xanthan Gum or Carbopol 934-Based Mucoadhesive Patches, Loaded with Nicotine
Authors: R Abu-Huwaij, RM Obaidat, K Sweidan, Y Al-Hiari
Journal: AAPS PharmSciTech, Volume 12, Issue 1, Pages 21-27
Year: 2011
Citations: 101
Liquid Chromatographic Determination of Irbesartan in Human Plasma
Authors: AK Shakya, YM Al-Hiari, OMO Alhamami
Journal: Journal of Chromatography B, Volume 848, Issue 2, Pages 245-250
Year: 2007
Citations: 83
Synthesis and Antibacterial Properties of New 8-Nitrofluoro Quinolone Derivatives
Authors: YM Al-Hiari, IS Al-Mazari, AK Shakya, RM Darwish, R Abu-Dahab
Journal: Molecules, Volume 12, Issue 6, Pages 1240-1258
Year: 2007
Citations: 72
Synthesis and Antibacterial Activity of Some Substituted 3-(Aryl)- and 3-(Heteroaryl) Indoles
Authors: YM Al-Hiari, AM Qaisi, MM El-Abadelah, W Voelter
Journal: Monatshefte für Chemie / Chemical Monthly, Volume 137, Issue 2, Pages 243-248
Year: 2006
Citations: 72
Topics: Heterocyclic chemistry, indole derivatives, antibacterial studies, medicinal chemistry
Synthesis and Characterization of Polycarbonates by Melt Phase Interchange Reactions of Alkylene and Arylene Diacetates with Alkylene and Arylene Diphenyl Dicarbonates
Authors: BA Sweileh, YM Al-Hiari, MH Kailani, HA Mohammad
Journal: Molecules, Volume 15, Issue 5, Pages 3661-3682
Year: 2010
Citations: 52
Synthesis of Zinc-Crosslinked Thiolated Alginic Acid Beads and Their In Vitro Evaluation as Potential Enteric Delivery System with Folic Acid as Model Drug
Authors: MO Taha, KM Aiedeh, Y Al-Hiari, H Al-Khatib
Journal: Die Pharmazie – An International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Volume 60, Issue 10
Year: 2005
Citations: 44
Functionalized Furo[3,2-c] Coumarins as Anti-Proliferative, Anti-Lipolytic, and Anti-Inflammatory Compounds: Synthesis and Molecular Docking Studies
Authors: TA Fattah, A Saeed, YM Al-Hiari, V Kasabri, IM Almasri, S AlAlawi, …
Journal: Journal of Molecular Structure, Volume 1179, Pages 390-400
Year: 2019
Citations: 37
Conclusion
Dr. Yusuf Mohammad Ali Al-Hiari is a distinguished medicinal chemist whose contributions span education, research, and administration. His extensive experience in drug discovery, organic synthesis, and pharmaceutical sciences, coupled with his commitment to mentoring students, underscores his role as a leader in the field. Through pioneering research projects, active participation in national and international committees, and multiple academic leadership roles, he has significantly advanced pharmaceutical education and scientific inquiry in Jordan. His achievements reflect a unique blend of scholarly excellence, practical expertise, and community engagement, making him a highly respected figure and an exemplary candidate for recognition in medicinal chemistry and pharmaceutical research.