Women in Science 2025: Meet Sahar Niknam

With a shared commitment to highlighting the journeys of women in science and inspiring girls to pursue their scientific ambitions, Research Luxembourg presents “Women in Science”, a video series presenting researchers across different institutions and scientific disciplines.

Today, join Sahar Niknam on her journey to becoming doctoral researcher in computer sciences, specifically immersive technologies.

Portrait of Sahar Niknam with quote "We are not afraid to be bold"

From dreams to reality: Sahar, a Woman in Science

“I am Sahar. I am a woman in science.  

When I was 6, I wanted to be a painter. At 12, I wanted to become the queen of the whole world. But by 21, I had absolutely no idea what I wanted to do with my life.  

A few years later, during a master’s program in philosophy of science, while writing my thesis on defending the possibility of artificial general intelligence, I thought to myself: instead of arguing, why don’t I actually build it? 

That was when I realised who I really wanted to be and what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.  

Some people go after a purpose to give their life meaning, to feel part of something bigger. For me, that’s science. When I decided to become a researcher, for the first time in my life, I felt truly humble and selfless. I was ready to do everything I could, even if it meant only a small contribution toward a goal that thousands of other researchers are also working on, and to feel proud when someone else reaches the finish line. 

That, I believe, is a sacred mission: to push the boundaries of humanity’s knowledge and power.  

I had many sharp turns in pursuit of my dream and made many risky decisions—moves that are hard to survive without strong support. For me, that support always comes from my parents. They’re both strong, independent, resilient individuals who have made their own way against all odds and never expected anything less from me.”