Dr. Faizuddin Ahmed, an assistant professor in the Department of Physics at the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM), has been recognized by Stanford University as one of the world’s top 2 percent scientists for 2024. This accolade marks the fifth consecutive year that Dr. Ahmed has received this honor, highlighting his significant contributions to Theoretical Physics, particularly in General Relativity and quantum mechanics.
The announcement, made on September 16, has been celebrated across academia in Northeast India. Dr. Ahmed expressed his gratitude, stating, “It is truly humbling to be recognized by Stanford University for the fifth year in a row. This achievement underscores the importance of dedicated research and the relentless pursuit of knowledge. I am deeply thankful for the support from USTM and my colleagues.”
Born in the Dhubri district of Assam, known for its rich cultural diversity but also for its educational challenges, Dr. Ahmed grew up in a large family facing financial difficulties. His father was a school teacher, but his salary was insufficient to support the family of seven brothers and seven sisters. Despite these challenges, Dr. Ahmed excelled academically, earning his B.Sc. in Physics from Bhola Nath College in 2006 and his Ph.D. in 2016.
Throughout his academic journey, he worked as a private tutor to support himself, often taking time off to save money for further studies. His dedication paid off, as he consistently achieved first-division honors in all his examinations. Dr. Ahmed credits influential teachers, particularly Zaman Sir and Dr. D. Sharma, for inspiring him to pursue a career in research.
Dr. Ahmed’s research has led to over 165 publications in prestigious international journals, despite facing obstacles such as limited access to academic resources. He utilized platforms like Sci-Hub to overcome paywalls, which restricted access to crucial research materials.
While Dr. Ahmed’s recognition serves as a personal achievement, he hopes it will inspire youth in his district, where higher education is often undervalued. He noted, “In my district, most youths don’t pursue higher education due to concerns about employment. I hope to serve as a role model for future students from Dhubri.”
Despite his accomplishments, Dr. Ahmed has struggled to secure a position at a government university after passing the University Grants Commission’s National Eligibility Test (UGC-NET) twice. He remains optimistic about joining a government institution to support his family and further his research.
Currently, Dr. Ahmed teaches at USTM, which, under the leadership of founder Mahbubul Hoque, has been recognized as a leading private university in the region. The institution is committed to fostering academic excellence and inclusivity, with 80% of its student body being Hindu.
Dr. Ahmed’s achievements not only reflect his dedication but also highlight the quality of research conducted at USTM, reinforcing its status as a hub for scientific innovation. His journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring scientists, showcasing the power of resilience and determination in the pursuit of knowledge.
