A distinguished Pakistani scientist, Professor Dr. Sammer Yousuf, has been elected as a Fellow of The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS), a prestigious international honour recognizing her exceptional contributions to global scientific advancement. The appointment is scheduled to become effective on 1 January 2026.
TWAS, based in Trieste, Italy, is a leading academy committed to advancing science in developing nations. Election as a Fellow signifies placement among the world’s foremost scientists who have made definitive contributions to scientific progress in the developing world.
Dr. Yousuf currently serves as a Professor at the International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi, and holds the title of COMSTECH Distinguished Scholar. Her extensive academic work is concentrated in the field of chemistry.
The scientific community across Pakistan has celebrated this recognition. Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary, Coordinator General of OIC-COMSTECH and Vice President of TWAS for Central and South Asia, extended congratulations, noting the national significance of the achievement.
Prof. Dr. Choudhary was quoted regarding the significance of the election, saying:
“Prof. Dr. Sammer Yousuf, a distinguished Pakistani scientist, has been elected as a Fellow of The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) for the Advancement of Science in Developing Countries, effective 1 January 2026. This prestigious recognition places her among the world’s leading scientists who have made exceptional contributions to scientific progress in the developing world.” (Source: Associated Press of Pakistan)
Research Profile and Key Achievements
Dr. Yousuf’s election is a direct result of her distinguished research output and dedication to promoting scientific excellence. Her academic profile includes:
- Publications: Over 260 research papers published.
- Citations: More than 3,900 citations on Google Scholar.
- H-Index: An h-index of 32.
Her research has focused significantly on structural and bioorganic chemistry, yielding several notable breakthroughs for both the national and international research community:
- Pioneering work in crystal engineering within Pakistan.
- Discovery of anti-leishmanial constituents from the local medicinal plant Physalis minima. This discovery has been patented in the United States and is set for clinical trials under a Sindh Government-funded project.
- Previous recipients of TWAS accolades, including the TWAS Regional Prize for Young Scientist in 2011, followed by her election as a TWAS Young Affiliate in 2013.
This recognition highlights the importance of sustained research in structural and medicinal chemistry, showcasing Pakistan’s scientific talent on a global platform.
