Dr. Sohail Iqbal is a distinguished academic and researcher with a robust background in computer science and engineering. As the Director of the High-Performance Computing Lab and an Associate Professor at the NUST School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (SEECS) in Islamabad, he has significantly contributed to the fields of Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), the Metaverse, and gaming. His expertise and leadership are evidenced by his extensive research, funded projects, and successful supervision of advanced degree students. Dr. Iqbal completed his Ph.D. in Computer Science from the University of Paris-Est, France, in 2010. He holds an M.Phil. in Computational Mathematics from Quaid-e-Azam University, Pakistan. His academic journey has been marked by a consistent pursuit of excellence and innovation in various domains of computing and technology.

Dr. Iqbal’s leadership in AR, VR, Metaverse, and gaming is underpinned by his roles in several high-profile projects and his extensive research publications. Notable among these projects is the “Avatar Bot,” a telemedicine robot for remote areas, and a haptic feedback manipulator for surgery, both funded by Ignite. His work on these projects highlights his ability to integrate cutting-edge technology with practical applications in medicine and beyond . His research is well-recognized, with numerous publications in high-impact journals and conferences. His work on topics such as emergency message dissemination in vehicular networks and secure frameworks for telesurgery demonstrates his broad expertise and innovative approach to problem-solving in complex environments .

Dr. Iqbal has supervised a wide range of students, guiding them through innovative research projects that often intersect with AR, VR, and the Metaverse. His students have worked on diverse topics such as learning in the Metaverse, visualization of mathematical concepts using innovative technologies, and a multi-agent framework for cloud-based management of collaborative robots. These projects reflect his commitment to fostering new talent and pushing the boundaries of technology in education and robotics . Dr. Iqbal’s excellence has been recognized through multiple awards, including the Best Researcher in Computer Science Award from the Department of Computing at NUST-SEECS in 2018 and the Star Research Award in 2019. These accolades underscore his contributions to research and his impact on the academic community .

With a clear vision to promote AI-based innovative technologies, Dr. Iqbal is poised to continue leading transformative projects in AR, VR, Metaverse, and gaming. His role at NUST-SEECS, combined with his extensive research background and leadership in significant projects, positions him as a pivotal figure in advancing these technologies. His future endeavors are expected to further bridge the gap between theoretical research and practical applications, particularly in educational technology, smart systems, and immersive virtual environments.