Dr. Ahmed's major interests are in the areas of industrial catalysis, inorganic synthesis, total quality management and instrumental analysis. He managed several client funded research projects in area catalysis for petroleum refining and petrochemical applications. He has authored and co-authored over 180 papers in international journals and conference proceedings. He is also co-inventor of over 75 patents related to industrial catalysts for various refining processes. He received several national and international awards including the Chancellor's Gold Medal for standing first in M.Sc., chemistry, 1987 by the president of Pakistan, Engineering Services award 2007 from Vice President, Saudi Armco, best research paper award from Japan Petroleum Institute, Japan 2002, distinguished researcher-RI award 2007, and several Patent Incentive Award, KFUPM.