Five members from the Aga Khan University (AKU) in Kenya have been named to the World’s Top 2% Scientists List for 2024 by Stanford University.
This is an annual ranking compiled by researchers at Stanford University that identifies the most influential scientists and researchers worldwide. It is one of the most respected global benchmarks for identifying leading researchers across a wide range of disciplines.
“These rankings reflect not only the incredible talent housed within AKU but also the University’s steadfast dedication to fostering an environment of excellence,” read part of the published note, echoing Dr Salim S. Virani’s words, who is among the ranked AKU members.
This year’s list featured five Kenyan-based researchers from The Aga Khan University (AKU) who were included in the list of the most cited scientists worldwide, which accounts for approximately two percent of the entire study.
In the list are,
- Dr Salim Virani, who is the Vice Provost of Research and Professor of Population Health,
- Dr Marleen Temmerman, who is the Director of the Centre for Excellence in Women and Child Health in East Africa
- Dr Lukoye Atwoli, who is the Dean of Medical College, East Africa
- Dr Amina Abubakar, the Director of the Institute for Human Development
- Dr Rodney Adam, a professor in the Department of Infectious Diseases
- Dr Robert Opoka, the Associate Dean, Undergraduate Medical Education.
The list also mentioned Dr. Mansoor Saleh, who is the Founding Director of Aga Khan University’s Cancer Centre, for his significant impact on his career.
Also Read: Kenya Airways and Aga Khan University Hospital Partner to Strengthen Medical Travel in Africa
The work of the above-mentioned scientists has made a lasting impact and changed the quality of life for the people in East Africa and beyond.
Most of them hold leadership positions at various national and international agencies, representing a larger number of scholars at AKU who contribute at the highest level globally.
Their work in fields like clinical medicine and public health has advanced standards of care, strengthened evidence-based policymaking, and inspired generations of professionals dedicated to serving their communities and pushing the boundaries of health, education, and research.
Also Read: Aga Khan University Gets Global Approval for Its Medical Training Programmes
“We have consistently invested in state-of-the-art research facilities and fostered collaborations with world-leading institutions to encourage the pursuit of quality and innovation in our research.” Vice Provost Research and Professor of Population Health, Dr. Virani, added in a statement.
The recognition also highlights Kenya’s growing presence in global research and the caliber of scientists the country continues to produce through research-intensive institutions like AKU, UoN, Kenyatta, Moi, Maseno, and Meru universities, among others, that were able to produce even a single faculty member in the representation.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates





















































![Senator Allan Chesang And Chanelle Kittony Wed In A Colourful Ceremony [Photos] Trans Nzoia Senator Allan Chesang With Channelle Kittony/Oscar Sudi]( https://thekenyatimescdn-ese7d3e7ghdnbfa9.z01.azurefd.net/prodimages/uploads/2025/11/Trans-Nzoia-Senator-Allan-Chesang-with-Channelle-KittonyOscar-Sudi-360x180.png)



















