Prof. Dr. Golam Abu Zakaria, a prominent figure in medical physics, has significantly contributed to the field through various leadership roles and accolades, including founding key working groups and receiving prestigious awards. He holds a PhD in Medical Physics and has been recognized globally for his efforts in enhancing cancer treatment education and infrastructure, particularly in developing countries. His numerous honors reflect his impactful work in medical physics, both in academia and practical applications.

Education

• 1973-1978: Studied Physics at University Halle-Wittenberg, Germany, earning a Diplom-Physiker (master’s degree in physics) with a specialization in Medical Physics
• 1979-1980: Research fellow and post graduate study at the Dept. of Radiation Physics and Biology, University Hospital (Prof. Dr. B. Markus), University of Goettingen, Germany.
• 1980-1986: Earned PhD in Medical Physics with Magna Cum Laude from University of Heidelberg, Germany.

Research and Publications

• Scientific Contributions: Published over 120 scientific papers in German and international journals and conference proceedings. His key research areas includes: Medical Physics Dosimetry, Radiation Therapy Technologies, International Medical Physics Education, Cancer Research Infrastructure, Standardization of Medical Physics Practices etc.
• Academic Mentorship: Supervised more than 150 academic theses (bachelor’s degree theses, Master’s degree dissertations, Doctoral (PhD) research projects). Supported and guided students across multiple institutions. Contributed to developing the next generation of medical physics professionals.

Professional Experience

• 1979-1980: Research Fellow, Residency and PhD work, Dept. of Radiation Physics, University of Heidelberg.
• 1987-2019: Chairman and Chief Medical Physicist, Dept. of Medical Radiation Physics, Gummersbach Hospital, University of Cologne.
• 1993-2001: Vice Chairman, DGMP Task Group “Medical Physics in Developing Countries”, German Society for Medical Physics.
• 2001-2021: Founder, Visiting Professor and Coordinator for International Cooperation, Dept. of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Gono Bishwabidyalay (University), Dhaka.
• 2003-present: Professor of Clinical Engineering, Anhalt University of Applied Sciences, Köthen, Germany.

Humanitarian Activities

• Established a Rural Cancer Screening Centre for Cancer Prevention and Detection.
• Established the Alo Bhubon Trust (2017) and its prime project, the South Asia Centre for Medical Physics and Cancer Research (SCMPCR) (2018).
• Facilitated education and training opportunities for around 70-80 students and medical professionals from Bangladesh at universities in Germany, under the German government’s DAAD scholarship program.
• Spearheaded the establishment of a Rabindranath Tagore statue in Potisar, Bangladesh, on the occasion of his 150th birthday in 2011.
• Initiated the “Health Mobile Service under the Mother-Child Health Centre” (2011) project to provide healthcare support in the Naogaon region.
• Launched the “TARANGO Solar Energy, Build a Better Bangladesh” (2011) project to bring solar-powered LED lighting to schools and hospitals.
• Established a “Mother-Child Health Centre” (2008) near schools in rural Naogaon to serve around 50,000 underprivileged people.
• Established Primary and Secondary School for the students of Rural Bangladesh.

Awards & Honors

• 2023: Awarded the “Federal Cross of Merit” – Highest Distinction from the Federal Republic of Germany.
• 2023: Honorary Fellow, German Medical Physics Society (DGMP).
• 2021:  Fellow “FIOMP” of the International Organization for Medical Physics (IOMP) for his outstanding contribution to medical physics development in Asian and African countries.
• 2019: “Global Radiation Oncology Distinguished Leader Award 2019” by Global Health Catalyst of the Harvard Medical School.
• 2013 “Fellow” of the Academy of Sciences (BAS) in Bangladesh.
• 2012: “Honorary Fellow” of the Bangladesh Medical Physics Society (BMPS) 2012: “Fellow” of the Bangladesh Physical Society (BPS).
• 2011: First non-physician to be awarded “Honorary Fellow” of the Bangladesh Cancer Society (BCS) for his important contribution to develop oncology in Bangladesh.
• 2010: Honorary Advisor at the National Institute of Cancer Research and Hospital (NICRH), Dhaka.
• 2009: The Oncology Club & SAARC / the South Asian Federation of Oncologists honored with a highly prestigious award – Outstanding Personalities of the Decade 2000 – 2010 – for his unique contribution to establish Medical Physics in Bangladesh.
• 2001: Chairman of the DGMP working group “Medical Physics in Developing Countries”.
• 1993: Founding member (1993) of the DGMP working group “Medical Physics in Developing Countries.