Who am I?

I’m Muhammad Umar Danish, a student aspiring to ease lives globally by mobilizing the power of Physics.

In 2008, I was born with clubfoot to a low-income family in the agrarian district Okara of Punjab. Over the first few years of my life, I experienced restriction of mobility, access and dreams alike. Lacking access to technology, whether it was a car to commute to the clinic or clubfoot braces to fix me, I felt almost paralyzed. Luckily, with borrowed amounts, I finally got the surgery that changed everything. Finally being able to walk, I felt that every boundary was made to be broken.

Today, I have represented Pakistan in the realm of Physics through multiple forums nationally and internationally.

Physics has given me the hope to make lives easier for several like me, who could then join the global movement of access through advancement against advancement over access.

Right now, I am working to develop an affordable and portable alpha-gamma spectroscopy system to enable the improvisation of undergraduate nuclear physics programs across Pakistan, all while teaching a Summer SAT Course to my school peers in order to afford my living expenses in Lahore.

A Life-Changing Opportunity

I have been accepted to University College London for MSci Physics (an undergraduate degree with integrated masters) - an opportunity nothing short of a miracle for someone who attended a religious seminary, Dar-e-Arqam, for middle school.

UCL’s Physics Program is recognized globally as one of the best, but my financial setbacks prevent me from attending. To fully embrace this opportunity, I need support to cover my living expenses.

I have been awarded UCL’s Global Undergraduate Scholarship, which covers my full tuition fee. Notably, I am the first student ever in Pakistan to have been awarded this scholarship for an integrated Master’s degree.

With your help, I’d be able to fully focus on my studies and actually make the most of this opportunity.

My Achievements:

Even though I was only 14 when I came alone to a city that was alien to me, I was grateful for the opportunity to achieve success in the field of Physics. Here are a few of the things I did over the two years:

Led Team Pakistan to a National Bronze at International Scientific Physics Olympiad and ranked third individually in Theory and Modelling.

Authored a research paper exploring, as a first, the use of certain new compounds as optimal hydrogen storage materials.

Volunteered with NASA’s Trees Around the Globe Campaign as the only contributor for tree cover data from Pakistan.

Ranked amongst Top 50 at the National Physics Talent Contest (Pakistan’s most prestigious Physics competition) - qualified for Pakistan’s Physics Camp for International Physics Olympiad 2025.

Developed a 3D Mechanical Arm aiming to eliminate injuries amongst carpenters.

Developing an Alpha-Gamma Spectroscopy System under 600$, 20% the price of the cheapest industry-made alternatives.

Fueled by a spirit to change the world for better, and the fear of not being able to utilise all chances given to me, I did everything I could get my hands on. Here’s a few things I did beyond the realm of Physics:

I was elected the Head Boy at his high school, The City School Ravi.

Founded Raastay - Pakistan’s only independent organization providing free legal aid to juveniles. Currently, Raastay has freed more than 5 wrongfully detailed juveniles.

Ranked amongst Top 5 Best Speakers at All Pakistan Urdu Debating Nationals - qualified for Pakistan’s Debate Camp for World Schools Debating Championship 2025.

Why UCL?

Few universities in Pakistan offer advanced Physics education, with lab-based learning and research being limited to non-existent. The MSci Physics program at UCL represents a transformative opportunity for me to:

Study at world’s 27th best Physics and Astronomy department (according to QS Rankings), ranked among the top globally for research impact and innovation

Gain hands-on experience in frontier areas such as quantum technologies, particle physics, and astrophysics, using state-of-the-art facilities like UCL’s Mullard Space Science Laboratory

Return to Pakistan equipped with the research training and interdisciplinary expertise necessary to contribute to national scientific advancement

The Hope

Returning from UCL, I aim to advance accessible tech through cost-effective innovation and human-centered invention. Additionally, I want to equip the coming generation with the belief that Physics has the power to break capitalism - with enough advancement, we can make technology equitably accessible. Even if we fail to advance to a level of no disparity, I am hoping that, together, we can set out to show the importance of learning and understanding - it’s supposed to be anything but discriminatory.

Financial Need

Program Cost (First Year):

Tuition: 53,920$

Living Expense: 17,915$

Immigration Health Surcharge (for entire duration upfront): 4160$

Already Secured:

UCL Global Undergraduate Scholar Full Tuition: 53,920$

Still Needed: $22,075← Your donation directly supports this amount

Every donation brings me closer to leading physical solutions that ease lives globally. If you wish to reach out to me, I’d be more than glad to respond.

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/muhammad-umar-danish