ORIC - UAF

Prof. Dr. Zahir Ahmad Zahir obtained his Ph.D. degree in Soil Microbiology and Biochemistry from the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad. Post-Doctoral Research endeavor was accomplished in the University of California, Riverside, USA.

Dr. Zahir enjoys excellent reputation among his fellow scientists not only in the country but all over the world because of his novel and high quality research achievements. He is amongst the highly cited scientists of the country in the field of agriculture. As soil microbiologist, his major focus of research is the development of biofertilizers for sustainable agricultural production. He is one of the pioneers who introduced the concept of utilizing microbially produced plant growth regulators for the betterment of crop production. Recently he has developed a technology for bioconversion of organic waste into a value added product for sustainable crop production. His work on the use of microbial ACC-deaminase biotechnology for sustainable crop production under stressed conditions is also recognized the world over. Read More

Dr. Zahir is an author/co-author of four books and eleven book chapters. He has also edited one proceeding. Dr. Zahir has published more than 200 research articles in reputed journals thus having a total of more than 200 impact factor with having more than 2000 citations. He has participated in various National/International conferences/seminars. Dr. Zahir has acted as Principal Investigator/Co-Principal Investigator of 22 research projects funded by The Third World Academy of Sciences, Asian Development Bank, Ministry of Science & Technology, PARC-ALP, Pakistan Science Foundation, Grand Challenges Canada, Higher Education Commission and AVRDC. In recognition of his significant achievements, Dr. Zahir is regular recipient of Research Productivity Award from Pakistan Council for Science and Technology. He won PAS Gold Medal 2010 by the Pakistan Academy of Sciences and was awarded Best University Teacher Award-2008 by the Higher Education Commission. He was nominated for civil award by his university two times in 2006 and 2007. He also has "Distinguished Soil Science Services Award" from the Soil Science Society of Pakistan. He has also been nominated as Discipline Editor (Environmental Sciences) in B. Life and Environmental Sciences proceeding of Pakistan Academy of Sciences. He is member of the several professional Societies of the world in his area of study. He is also taking care of the Soil and Environmental Sciences Students Society (SESSS) at the University as Convener of the Advisory board. Pakistan Council of Science and Technology (PCST) has placed Dr. Zahir at 3rd position in the Directory of Productive Scientists of Pakistan.

Dr. Zahir has been major supervisor of thirteen Ph.D. students while four more scholars are currently pursuing their Ph.D. with Dr. Zahir as their supervisor. Seventy seven students have completed their M.Sc. (Hons) under the supervision of Dr. Zahir. Currently, he is also serving as Editor-in-Chief of Soil & Environment, a biannual Scientific Journal Published by the Soil Science Society of Pakistan and Director of Office of Research, Innovation and Commercialization, UAF. Earlier he also served as Executive Director of Endowment Fund Secretariat at the University.