In a remarkable story of perseverance and academic excellence, Dr. Rayees Ahmed from Nowgam Banihal in Jammu and Kashmir has earned global recognition after securing two of the world’s most prestigious international fellowships; the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation Fellowship at the University of Bonn, Germany, and the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science Fellowship at Kyoto University, Japan.
Currently serving as a Project Scientist at the Indian Institute of Science, Dr. Rayees Ahmed has recently secured two of the world’s most prestigious international fellowships: the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation Fellowship at the University of Bonn and the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science Fellowship at Kyoto University.
He is expected to join the University of Bonn in August this year as a Humboldt Fellow.Hailing from Nowgam Banihal in Jammu & Kashmir, Dr. Rayees Ahmed’s journey has been shaped by determination.
Ahmed completed his PhD in Geography from the University of Kashmir, where his research focused on Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) and climate-related hazards in the Himalayas.
His work has gained international recognition for advancing research on glaciers, climate change, and disaster risk reduction.Over the years, he has represented his research at international scientific conferences across more than 18 countries.
His academic contributions include over 50 research publications, more than 1,100 citations, and an H-index of 20. He also serves as Editor and Editorial Board Member for several reputed Earth Science journals published by Springer Nature, Elsevier, and Taylor & Francis.Adding to his achievements, Dr. Rayees Ahmed was recently awarded the prestigious Jean Tricart Scholarship Award during an international scientific event held in Christchurch. He also received the “Seal of Excellence” from the European Commission for an international research proposal, reflecting the growing global recognition of his scientific work.
His research papers have appeared in internationally recognized journals, including Nature Sustainability, Communications Earth & Environment, npj Natural Hazards, and Remote Sensing.
Two of his upcoming books focusing on Himalayan glaciers, climate change, and hazard management are also expected to be published later this year.Dr. Ahmed is currently serving as a Visiting Researcher at the University of Leeds under the International Strategy Fund programme.
He is also associated with a major research project funded by the Natural Environment Research Council on Glacial Lake Outburst Floods in Nepal, where he is expected to undertake field-based scientific investigations later this month.
Apart from research, Dr. Rayees Ahmed has actively contributed to disaster risk reduction and climate awareness initiatives in the Himalayan region. He has organized workshops on climate resilience and flood management in collaboration with national and international institutions.
He is also a founding member and senior advisor of the NGO Himalayan Pastoral Trust, which works closely with mountain communities.His growing international profile is further reflected in his selection as a Young Scientist under the Integrated Research on Disaster Risk programme co-sponsored by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction.
Currently, he is also associated with a major research project funded by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), United Kingdom, focusing on Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) in Nepal. Under this project, he is expected to conduct an important field-based scientific investigation in Nepal later this month.
Speaking about his journey, Dr. Rayees Ahmed emphasized the importance of consistency, hard work, and self-belief. He encouraged students from remote and rural areas to pursue higher education, research, and innovation.
“Science and research can transform society. Students should dream big, stay focused, and contribute meaningfully to humanity and the nation,” he said.
Today, Dr. Rayees Ahmed’s journey stands as an inspiring example for young students across Jammu & Kashmir and beyond.