Renowned Pakistani scientist Dr Nousheen Zaidi has become the first recipient of Germany’s prestigious Georg Forster Research Award.
The award, given annually by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation to internationally recognized academics from developing and transition countries, recognizes her academic and research contributions. It is named after German ethnologist Georg Forster and funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, providing 60,000 euros in research funding.
Arno Kirchhof, Deputy Head of Mission of the German Embassy in Islamabad, honored Dr Zaidi with a reception at the Annemarie-Schimmel-Haus in Lahore.
This achievement marks a significant milestone for Pakistan’s scientific community, highlighting Dr Zaidi’s exceptional contributions to research and academic excellence. She holds a PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Tübingen, Germany, and has previously worked at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Janssen Pharmaceutical.
Beyond her laboratory research, Dr Zaidi directs the Action Research Collective (ARC), leading a nationwide water quality mapping initiative expanding to multiple cities across Pakistan. She also manages the Roshan Clinics initiative focused on stunting, addressing key public health challenges through community-based interventions. Her work exemplifies an integration of advanced scientific research with grassroots impact.