ALIGARH - Renowned scientists Obaid Siddiqi and Syed Zahoor Qasim will jointly receive the Sir Syed Ahmad Khan International Award, instituted by the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), for 2009 in the field of life sciences, the university said Saturday.

A seven-member jury comprising eminent scientists and academicians unanimously recommended the award be given to Siddiqi, who has carried out research in molecular biology, behaviour genetics and neurobiology, and Qasim, who led the first Indian expedition to Antarctica in 1981 and was instrumental in setting up the environment ministry, AMU Vice Chancellor P.K. Abdul Azis said.

The award, instituted by the AMU last year, carries a cash prize of Rs.5 lakh, a citation and plaque. The award will be conferred on them Oct 17, Sir Syed Day. New and Renewable Energy Minister Farooq Abdullah will be the chief guest at the function, he added. (IANS)