DR. ALI RAZA MIRZA
DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS – UNIVERSITY OF SURREY, UK
Dr. Ali Raza Mirza’s journey from an underdeveloped village in the Gujrat district to an internationally recognized physicist is a story of resilience, determination, and the transformative power of education. Credit rightly goes to the Alfalah Scholarship Scheme, an international charity organization dedicated to supporting exceptionally talented deserving individuals of marginalized society, Dr. Ali Raza Mirza was able to overcome significant obstacles and achieved remarkable success.
Dr. Ali Raza Mirza faced radical challenges early in his life. His father passed away when he was just three months old, leaving his family without any heritage or source of financial support. Growing up in a village with limited resources, it seemed impossible for him to pursue his educational dreams. However, everything changed when the Alfalah Scholarship Scheme stepped in, supporting him through his educational journey from a bachelor’s degree to a master’s degree. The rigorous and competitive induction process of the scholarship was the first indicator of Dr. Mirza’s immense capabilities.
Despite these early hardships, Dr. Mirza subjugated most of every opportunity provided to him. He first recognized his potential when he received district-wide recognition for his distinction in the matriculation exam, earning a shield at a talent award ceremony hosted by Islami Jamiat Talba. This success was only a precursor to an even greater accomplishment—the Governor of Punjab awarded him a Gold Medal at the University of Gujrat’s Annual Convocation in 2010 for attaining the highest marks in BSc. This prestigious award filled Dr. Mirza with the determination and courage to continue striving for excellence.
With a growing passion for Mathematics and Science, Dr. Mirza gained admission to the Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) with a merit-based scholarship, eventually earning a PhD in Physics. His exceptional skills led him beyond the borders of his home country—he was awarded a scholarship by the Higher Education Commission and worked at the University of Manchester as a visiting research scholar for six months, further exploring his research experience.
Presently, Dr. Ali Raza Mirza serving as a Post-Doctoral Researcher at the University of Surrey in the United Kingdom. His contributions to the field of physics are documented in multiple research articles published in significant scientific journals. He has also represented his country and institution on international platforms, being invited to speak at scientific conferences at the University of California, San Diego, the ASPEN Center of Physics in Colorado, and the University of Manchester.
Beyond his scientific pursuits, Dr. Mirza is a talented calligrapher, expressing his creativity through Arabic and Urdu calligraphy. He has even offered a short calligraphy course in the past, demonstrating his passion for the arts alongside his commitment to science. Among the more than 5,000 scholars supported by the Alfalah Scholarship Scheme, Dr. Mirza stands out as a shining paradigm of perseverance and success. He has risen to the top, setting a powerful example for young people everywhere. His story is a testament to the importance of providing talented individuals with the resources they need to thrive, and he remains a source of immense pride for the Alfalah Scholarship Scheme—a role model for the next generation.