Srinagar, October 30, 2025 – In a remarkable achievement for Jammu and Kashmir’s scientific community, Dr Tasleem Arif, a distinguished dermatologist from Soura in Srinagar, has been inducted into Stanford University’s prestigious World’s Top 2% Scientists list for the second consecutive year (2024 and 2025). This global ranking, compiled by Stanford in collaboration with Elsevier, recognizes the most influential researchers based on citation impact, bibliometric indicators, and contributions across 22 scientific fields and 174 sub-fields.Dr Arif, who earned his MBBS from Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) and MD in Dermatology from Government Medical College Srinagar, expressed profound gratitude for the honor, viewing it as a testament to the potential of local institutions. “I am not glad because I made it, but because I represented my fraternity and my Union Territory,” he stated. With an impressive portfolio exceeding 155 peer-reviewed publications, multiple book chapters, and groundbreaking research on autoimmune disorders like scleroderma – a condition that causes hardening of the skin and internal organs – Dr Arif has emerged as a global leader in dermatology.His innovations include the eponymous “Tasleem’s Water Jet Sign,” a novel diagnostic marker for clinical evaluation, alongside pioneering techniques in vitiligo treatment and cosmetic dermatology.
These contributions have not only advanced medical diagnostics but also inspired a new generation of researchers in Kashmir, highlighting the region’s growing footprint in international academia.The Stanford list, drawn from Scopus data, identifies approximately 2% of the world’s 8 million scientists (around 160,000 individuals) for their outsized impact. In 2025, over 6,200 Indian scientists made the cut, with Jammu and Kashmir contributing several notables, including Dr Arif. This recognition aligns with broader national efforts to bolster Aatmanirbhar Bharat through indigenous research excellence, as echoed in recent initiatives by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and Department of Science and Technology (DST).Colleagues and peers hailed Dr Arif’s feat as a beacon for aspiring medics in Srinagar and beyond. “His work on scleroderma has set new benchmarks in autoimmune research, proving that innovation thrives even in challenging terrains,” remarked a fellow dermatologist at SKIMS. As J&K continues to nurture talent amid its unique socio-economic landscape, accolades like this underscore the transformative power of perseverance and scientific inquiry.Dr Arif’s journey from local medical colleges to Stanford’s global roster serves as an inspiring narrative, urging more youth in the Valley to pursue research-driven careers. With his eyes set on further breakthroughs in dermatological therapies, the Srinagar native remains committed to elevating Kashmir’s voice on the world stage.
