Muhammad Akhtar (biochemist) facts for kids

Muhammad Akhtar was born on February 23, 1933. He is a British-Pakistani biochemist. A biochemist studies the chemistry of living things. He used to be in charge of the School of Biological Sciences at the University of the Punjab in Pakistan. He is also a Fellow of the Royal Society, which means he is a very important scientist.

Early Career and Research

Muhammad Akhtar spent several years doing important science research. From 1959 to 1963, he worked in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in the United States. After that, he moved to the University of Southampton in the United Kingdom.

Teaching and Leadership Roles

At the University of Southampton, he started as a lecturer. A lecturer teaches university students. He then became a reader and later a Professor of Biochemistry. He held this professor role from 1973 to 1978.

From 1978 to 1991, Professor Akhtar was the head of the Biochemistry Department. He also led other important science groups. He was chairman of the School of Biochemical and Physiological Sciences from 1983 to 1987. Later, he was chairman of the Institute of Biomolecular Sciences from 1989 to 1991.

International Recognition

In 1984, Professor Akhtar became a founding fellow of the Third World Academy of Sciences. This group helps promote science in developing countries. He also directed the SERC Centre for Molecular Recognition from 1990 to 1994.

Later Career and Honors

In 2002, Professor Akhtar was appointed Director General of the School of Biological Sciences. This was at the University of the Punjab in Lahore, Pakistan. He is also an emeritus professor at the University of Southampton. This means he is a retired professor who still keeps his title. He is also an honorary fellow at the University College London.

Fellow of the Royal Society

Professor Akhtar was chosen as a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS) in 1980. This is a very high honor for scientists in the UK. A famous biochemist named George Joseph Popják suggested him for this honor. Professor Akhtar was very happy to be elected.

Writing Biographical Memoirs

Professor Akhtar and his wife, Monika Akhtar, have written special books. These books are called Biographical Memoirs of Fellows of the Royal Society. They tell the life stories of other important scientists. These include Adolf Butenandt, George Popják, and Salimuzzaman Siddiqui.