June 26, 2026---The Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology (CEMB), University of the Punjab, proudly congratulates Ms. Amna A. Zaib, a fifth-year PhD scholar at CEMB and Visiting Research Scholar at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, USA, on receiving the 2025–2026 Research Excellence Award from the Department of Otorhinolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery. Presented annually, this prestigious award recognizes exceptional research contributions by trainees, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows. Ms. Amna A. Zaib was selected as the Research Excellence Award recipient for Trainees/Graduate Students (2025–2026) in recognition of her outstanding work in the molecular and cellular biology of neurodevelopmental disorders.
Amna is conducting her research under the supervision of Prof. Saima Riazuddin, PhD, MBA, MPH, Professor at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and Adjunct Professor at CEMB. During her research, she established a pioneering human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-based neurodevelopmental disease modeling program, introducing cutting-edge human brain organoid models to investigate disease mechanisms and the impact of human genetic variants. Her innovative work has opened new avenues for understanding neurodevelopmental disorders and significantly advanced the research capabilities of the host laboratory.
This remarkable achievement also marks a proud milestone for CEMB, as Amna becomes the fourth CEMB PhD scholar to receive this prestigious international recognition, highlighting the institute's growing global impact and commitment to excellence in biomedical research.
Director CEMB, Prof. Moazur Rahman, faculty, researchers, and students extend their heartfelt congratulations to Ms. Amna A. Zaib, Prof. Saima Riazuddin, and all her mentors on this outstanding accomplishment. We wish her continued success in advancing scientific discovery and bringing pride to Pakistan and CEMB.