Pakistani scientist Dr. Nousheen Zaidi has become the first from the country to receive the prestigious Georg Forster Research Award. The honour recognises her outstanding contributions to science and public health. It highlights Pakistan’s growing presence in global research.
Dr. Zaidi is a professor at the Public Health, Environment and Applied Research Lab at the University of the Punjab. She earned her PhD in biochemistry from University of Tübingen and has worked at leading global institutions. These include the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Janssen Pharmaceutica.
Beyond research, she leads community-focused initiatives through the Action Research Collective. She oversees a nationwide water quality mapping project and manages Roshan Clinics addressing child stunting. Her work combines scientific innovation with grassroots impact across Pakistan.
The award is granted annually by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation to distinguished researchers from developing countries. Named after Georg Forster, it includes 60,000 euros in research funding. The prize is supported by Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development.
To honour her achievement, a reception was hosted at Annemarie-Schimmel-Haus in Lahore by German Embassy officials. The event brought together leading academics and researchers to celebrate her contributions. The recognition is expected to inspire further scientific collaboration between Pakistan and Germany.