SRINAGAR: A PhD scholar from the Department of Mathematics at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar, Samir Ahmad Wagay, has earned a coveted spot at the 14th Heidelberg Laureate Forum (HLF), to be held in Heidelberg, Germany, from September 13 to 22, 2025. Wagay is among just 200 young researchers worldwide chosen through a rigorous and highly selective process.
Currently pursuing his doctoral research under the supervision of Dr Rameez Raja, Assistant Professor at the Department of Mathematics, Wagay’s selection is being hailed as a significant academic milestone not only for him but also for the institution.
The Heidelberg Laureate Forum is globally recognised as one of the most prestigious networking events in mathematics and computer science. It offers promising young researchers a rare opportunity to engage directly with recipients of some of the highest international honours, including the Abel Prize, ACM A.M. Turing Award, ACM Prize in Computing, Fields Medal, IMU Abacus Medal, and the Nevanlinna Prize.
The Heidelberg Laureate Forum Foundation will cover all costs related to Wagay’s participation, including international travel, accommodation, and forum registration. The week-long event includes lectures, workshops, and multiple networking sessions designed to foster dialogue between future leaders in research and the most acclaimed figures in their fields.
Congratulating the scholar, Director of NIT Srinagar, Prof. Binod Kumar Kanaujia, said Wagay’s achievement reflects the strength and potential of the institute’s research ecosystem. He also lauded the Department of Mathematics for nurturing academic talent and steering scholars towards global platforms.
Registrar Prof. Atikur Rehman echoed the sentiments, calling the selection a moment of pride for the institute and a source of inspiration for fellow research students. Dr. Rameez Raja, Wagay’s supervisor, also expressed satisfaction and said that such international exposure can be transformative for young researchers, helping them build meaningful collaborations and stay updated with cutting-edge scientific work.
The Heidelberg Laureate Forum was established in 2013 and is organised annually by the Heidelberg Laureate Forum Foundation (HLFF). The initiative was founded by the German foundation Klaus Tschira Stiftung, which promotes science education and was the vision of Klaus Tschira, a physicist and co-founder of SAP. The forum was born out of a 2012 agreement signed in Oslo between HLFF and the institutions responsible for awarding the prestigious mathematics and computer science honours.
Wagay’s participation marks yet another moment of international recognition for NIT Srinagar, reaffirming its position as a nurturing ground for high-calibre research.
