Dr. Rafia began her academic career as a recipient of the NUST Endowment Fund Scholarship for her MS studies and went on to complete her PhD at the University of Surrey, United Kingdom, under a prestigious NUST scholarship. Since joining NUST in 2010, she has demonstrated remarkable leadership and a pioneering spirit, inspiring countless students and colleagues across Pakistan and beyond.
Her research in applied IoT and AI has led to a series of impactful innovations, including AI-powered handheld ECG devices for accessible healthcare, Aqua Drones for real-time water quality monitoring, AgriDMap and Fruit Yield Estimation systems for precision agriculture, and affordable solutions for air quality and fabric defect detection. These initiatives have translated cutting-edge research into real-world applications, delivering tangible benefits to society.
Dr. Rafia’s academic portfolio includes over 100 high-impact publications, more than 4,000 citations, multiple international patents, and research grants exceeding USD 680,000. Her numerous awards include the President’s Award for Pride of Performance (2025), HEC Best University Teacher Award (2022), Women of Wonders Award (2021), and the UK Alumni Award (Runner-Up, 2025).
Beyond her technical achievements, she has established the Najma Sultana Scholarship to support financially constrained students, reflecting her deep sense of compassion and commitment to social responsibility.
Dr. Rafia also holds several prestigious national and international positions, including Visiting Professor at Coventry University (UK), Member of the Board of Governors at the National School of Public Policy (NSPP), Member of the Prime Minister’s Task Force on Agriculture, and Member of the Working Group on Fraction of Non-Renewable Biomass under the Ministry of Climate Change.
Professor Dr. Rafia Mumtaz’s dedication, vision, and innovative spirit continue to inspire excellence. Her leadership at Kohsar University, Murree, is driven by a passion for empowering youth, advancing knowledge, and using technology as a force for positive social change.