Over two dozen scholars from the Aga Khan University (AKU) have been
named among the World’s Top 2% Scientists List for 2024 by Stanford University. The list
includes faculty members and alumni from Pakistan whose research continues to shape
health, education and other critical sectors in the developing world.
The annual list, considered one of the most respected global benchmarks, identifies leading
researchers across a wide range of disciplines. These include health care services and
delivery, education, climate science, economics, mental health, and the wellbeing of
vulnerable groups such as women and children. Rankings are based on standardized citation
data from Elsevier’s Scopus database, which assesses the influence of scientists through
academic citations and the quality of the peer-reviewed journals where their work appears.
From Pakistan, over 20 esteemed individuals from AKU feature on this year’s list. Among
them are Dr Zulfiqar A. Bhutta, Dr Salim S. Virani, Dr Romaina Iqbal, and Dr Jai Kumar Das;
scholars whose work has made a lasting impact on the quality of life for the people in
Pakistan and abroad. Many hold leadership positions at various national and international
agencies and represent the multitude of scholars at AKU who are contributing at the highest
level internationally. Collectively, AKU’s research has influenced 5,347 policy documents in
25 countries, including the WHO, World Bank, Food and Agriculture Organisation and
UNICEF. Their work has advanced standards of care, strengthened evidence-based
policymaking, and inspired generations of professionals dedicated to serving their
communities and pushing the boundaries of health, education and research.
“These rankings reflect not only the incredible talent housed within AKU but also the
University’s steadfast dedication to fostering an environment of excellence,” said Dr Salim S.
Virani, Vice Provost, Research, and Professor of Medicine, at AKU. “We have consistently
invested in state-of-the-art research facilities and fostered collaborations with world-leading
institutions to encourage the pursuit of quality and innovation in our research.”
The recognition also highlights Pakistan’s growing presence in global research and the
calibre of scientists the country continues to produce through research-led institutions like
AKU. By appearing in such global rankings, AKU strengthens its ability to attract
collaborations, funding, and top talent, all of which help fulfil its mission of advancing
education, health and development in Pakistan and the developing world.
