Central University of Kashmir | India
Dr. Zahir Ahmad Shah is a researcher in astrophysics specializing in the spectral and temporal properties of blazars. He works at the Central University of Kashmir in the Department of Physics, where his research bridges observational data and theoretical models. His work involves multi-wavelength data analysis from astrophysical observatories and modeling of high-energy phenomena. Dr. Shah has contributed significantly to the study of blazars through collaborations with national and international institutions. He has published widely in reputed journals and delivered invited talks at major conferences, establishing himself as a recognized expert in high-energy astrophysics and active galactic nuclei studies.
Professional Profiles
Scopus | Orcid
Education
Dr. Shah completed his academic journey in physics and astrophysics at the University of Kashmir, where he pursued undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral studies. He obtained his master’s degree in physics followed by advanced research training in astrophysics. His doctoral thesis focused on understanding the spectral and temporal behavior of high-energy blazars under the guidance of distinguished supervisors. During this period, he gained expertise in both observational and theoretical astrophysics, particularly in high-energy emission processes. Alongside formal education, he participated in specialized workshops and schools in astronomy and astrophysics, enhancing his skills in advanced data analysis, modeling techniques, and astrophysical simulations.
Professional Experience
Dr. Shah has served as a researcher and faculty member in leading astrophysics institutions. He began his professional career as a research fellow supported by national research projects, where he developed strong expertise in data analysis and spectral modeling. He later pursued post-doctoral research at the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics, working on broadband spectral and temporal studies of blazars. Currently, he holds a faculty position at the Central University of Kashmir, supported by prestigious fellowships. His professional career includes collaborations with universities and research institutes across India and abroad, contributing to multi-institutional astrophysical research projects and scientific proposals.
Awards and Recognition
Dr. Shah has received several fellowships, research grants, and awards in recognition of his contributions to astrophysics. He was awarded a prestigious national fellowship under the INSPIRE Faculty Program, which provided both research support and academic recognition. He also secured research funding from the Indian Space Research Organisation for projects related to AstroSat data utilization. His expertise has been acknowledged through invitations as a peer reviewer for international journals, including Nature Communications, The Astrophysical Journal, and Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. He has also been invited as a resource person and speaker at prominent national and international workshops.
Research Skills
Dr. Shah’s research expertise spans both observational and theoretical astrophysics. He is skilled in multi-wavelength data analysis from facilities such as Fermi-LAT, Swift, NuSTAR, AstroSat, and ground-based telescopes. His work involves spectral energy distribution modeling, solving Fokker-Planck equations, and simulating light curves for blazars. He is proficient in computational tools and programming languages such as Python, FORTRAN, XSPEC, and related scientific software. His research integrates statistical analysis, simulation techniques, and numerical modeling. By combining observational data with theoretical frameworks, he provides valuable insights into high-energy astrophysical processes, particle acceleration mechanisms, and the variability of active galactic nuclei across broad energy ranges.
Notable Publications
Study of multi-wavelength variability, emission mechanism and quasi-periodic oscillation for transition blazar S5 1803+784
Author: Javaid Tantry, Ajay Sharma, Zahir Shah, Naseer Iqbal, Debanjan Bose
Journal: Journal of High Energy Astrophysics
Year: 2025
Comprehensive variability analysis of blazars using Fermi light curves across multiple timescales
Author: Zahir Shah, Athar A. Dar, Sikandar Akbar, Anjum Peer, Zahoor Malik, Aaqib Manzoor, Sajad Ahanger, Javaid Tantry, Zeeshan Nazir, Debanjan Bose et al.
Journal: Physical Review D
Year: 2025
Statistical Insights into flux and photon index distributions of VHE FSRQs from Fermi-LAT observations
Author: Zahoor Malik, Sikandar Akbar, Zahir Shah, Ranjeev Misra, Athar A Dar, Aaqib Manzoor, Sajad Ahanger, Zeeshan Nazir, Naseer Iqbal, Seemin Rubab et al.
Journal: Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Year: 2025
Insights into the Long-term Flaring Events of Blazar PKS 0805-07: A Multiwavelength Analysis Over the Period of 2009–2023
Author: Sikandar Akbar, Zahir Shah, Ranjeev Misra, Naseer Iqbal
Journal: The Astrophysical Journal
Year: 2024
Probing broadband spectral energy distribution and variability of Mrk 501 in the low flux state
Author: Javaid Tantry, Zahir Shah, Ranjeev Misra, Naseer Iqbal, Sikandar Akbar
Journal: Journal of High Energy Astrophysics
Year: 2024
Conclusion
Dr. Zahir Ahmad Shah has established himself as a dedicated astrophysicist whose work has significantly advanced the understanding of blazars and high-energy astrophysics. Through his publications, conference presentations, and collaborations, he has contributed to both the theoretical and observational aspects of the field. His professional journey reflects a strong commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and mentorship. With experience in advanced data analysis, modeling, and simulation, he continues to explore the dynamics of active galactic nuclei. His academic and research contributions place him among the promising scientists in astrophysics, and he remains engaged in addressing key questions in high-energy astrophysical research.