Dr. Mir Waqas Alam, Associate Professor of Nano and Functional Material Science at King Faisal University, Saudi Arabia, has once again been ranked among the world’s top 2% scientists, according to the global list compiled by Stanford University, USA, and Elsevier (Version 8, 2025 update). This is the second consecutive year (2024 and 2025) that he has earned this recognition.

Dr. Alam, who hails from Dildar Karnah, a remote border tehsil in north Kashmir, belongs to the Pahari Ethenic Group. He completed his early education in Karnah before earning a B.Sc. degree from Amar Singh College, Srinagar. He later pursued a Ph.D. in Nano and Functional Material Science from Toyama University, Japan, and carried out research at Western Kentucky University, USA, and Japan's National Institute of Material Science (NIMS).
Speaking about the recognition, Dr. Alam said, “This acknowledgment is a reflection of years of consistent work in my field. It also reminds me of the responsibility to continue contributing to science in ways that can bring practical benefits to society. My journey from Karnah to the international stage has been challenging, but it shows that determination and focus can overcome many barriers.”
Dr. Alam joined King Faisal University in 2015 as an Assistant Professor and was promoted to Associate Professor in 2022. His research spans nanotechnology, with applications in sustainable energy and medical technologies.
A family member, Ubaid Ayoub, expressed pride in his achievement. “Coming from Karnah, where access to opportunities is limited, Dr. Waqas’s journey is an inspiration for young people in the region. His success shows that students from remote areas can also make their mark globally if given the right guidance and dedication.”
Dr. Alam’s recognition highlights not only his individual academic contributions but also brings visibility to the Pahari Tribe and the challenges faced by students from border areas like Karnah said Zubair Qureshi, writer activist of from Pahari Ethenic Group.