The American University of Iraq, Sulaimani (AUIS) proudly highlights a remarkable achievement by one of its distinguished faculty members, Dr. Saman A. Ahmad, President of the Kurdistan Botanical Foundation (KBF). Dr. Ahmad’s work reflects the high-impact research and global academic engagement that AUIS fosters within its vibrant scholarly community.

Dr. Ahmad has recently made significant scientific contributions that have gained recognition on the international stage. In a powerful demonstration of interdisciplinary collaboration and excellence, he co-authored a pioneering anticancer research study published in Nature’s Scientific Reports — one of the world’s most prestigious scientific journals. This collaborative study, involving researchers from Jordan, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq, evaluates the anticancer and immunomodulatory effects of extracts from Echinops shakrokii — a plant species native to the Kurdistan region — using both in vitro and in vivo models. The work offers important insights into potential plant-based approaches for cancer therapy and immune system modulation.

In addition to his role in cutting-edge biomedical research, Dr. Ahmad has continued his long-standing contribution to botanical sciences through taxonomic discoveries. His expertise in plant taxonomy and fieldwork in the mountainous regions of Iraqi Kurdistan has led to the identification and formal documentation of previously unknown plant species, including Echinops shakrokii — a globe thistle species now recognized internationally. This work was published in the Harvard Papers in Botany, a respected peer-reviewed journal dedicated to botanical research and plant systematics.

Dr. Ahmad’s dual success — spanning innovative cancer research and plant biodiversity discovery — exemplifies AUIS’s commitment to advancing knowledge across disciplines. His achievements showcase how AUIS faculty are contributing solutions to global scientific challenges while elevating the reputation of research in Iraq and the Kurdistan region.

These accomplishments also highlight the rich potential of local natural resources and biodiversity as sources of scientific discovery and medical innovation. By integrating traditional knowledge of regional flora with modern research methodologies, Dr. Ahmad’s work opens new opportunities for collaborative science, sustainable use of plant resources, and cross-border academic engagement.

AUIS congratulates Dr. Saman A. Ahmad on these internationally recognized contributions and reaffirms its pride in the talent and impact of its academic community.