Dr. Sakardokht Jafari Recognized Among the World’s Most Inspiring Scientists
Dr. Sakardokht Jafari, the first female medical physicist from Afghanistan and a prominent inventor in the field of radiotherapy, has been recognized by the University of Surrey in the UK as one of the world’s most inspiring scientists.
The University of Surrey has showcased the images and scientific achievements of several distinguished scientists across various fields. Dr. Jafari's portrait is displayed among a circle of scientists introduced as role models for future generations.
In response to this recognition, Dr. Jafari wrote on her Facebook page:
“There was a time when I didn’t even have the confidence to believe I could pursue my master’s degree at this university alongside British students. But today, my image is displayed among the world’s leading scientists.”
In her message addressed to the “children of the homeland,” she said:
“Do not underestimate yourselves. Focus on enhancing your knowledge and skills at an international level. With effort, perseverance, and belief in your abilities, no obstacle can prevent you from reaching the highest peaks of science and honor.”
Dr. Jafari was born in 1977 in Daikundi Province, Afghanistan. Due to war, she migrated to Iran with her family at the age of six. After completing her primary and secondary education in Iran, she entered the Tabriz University of Medical Sciences to study physics. She received her master’s degree in radiation physics from Kabul University, and after migrating to the UK, she continued her master’s and doctoral studies in medical physics at the University of Surrey.
Dr. Jafari has registered several important inventions in the field of radiotherapy. In 2024, she won the Innovator of the Year award in the UK.
Her inventions include the DOSEmapper dosimeter and a three-dimensional radiation dose measurement system, both of which are used in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
In 2016, Dr. Jafari received the Women in Innovation Award in the UK for introducing a new radiotherapy method for cancer patients. This award is granted to pioneering women in the fields of science and entrepreneurship.
In 2014, she founded the company TrueInvivo, which focuses on the industrialization of innovative technologies in the radiotherapy field. Through this company, her devices have been tested in several hospitals in the UK with successful results, paving the way for their broader application worldwide.
In addition to her scientific work, Dr. Jafari is also active in the field of education and support for Afghan students. She founded the Education Bridge for Afghanistan foundation, which aims to provide access to education for underprivileged children and teenagers, especially girls, in Afghanistan.
