Srinagar, Feb 20: SKUAST-Kashmir has achieved yet another significant milestone in the pursuit of scientific excellence. Five newly recruited scientists successfully obtained the highly competitive Prime Minister Early Career Research Grant from the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) of the Government of India.
This initiative provides early career researchers to be part of the transformative journey of leading the country to the forefront of scientific excellence. This prestigious grant attracted a total of 5,760 applications from across the country, with only 700 grants available nationwide.
SKUAST scientists were able to secure five of these limited grants. Pertinent to mention that three out of the five grants have been awarded to the newly established and future-centric Center for Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (CAIML), SKUAST Kashmir.
These sanctioned research projects will focus on critical problem areas, including the application of advanced artificial intelligence algorithms in animals, the development of frequency-diverse microwave imaging systems, marker-assisted breeding programs for Pashmina goats, building newer approaches for combating antimicrobial resistance in food animals as well as the development of nano vaccines for improving reproductive performances in rainbow trout. The projects have been secured by Dr Ambreen Hamadani (Asst. Professor, CAIML), Dr Zamir Wani (Asst. Professor, CAIML), Dr Basharat A Bhat (Asst. Professor, CAIML), Dr Sahar Saleem (Asst. Prof., FVSc and AH) and Dr Irshad Ahmad (Asst. Prof., Faculty of Fisheries).
Congratulating the awardees, Vice-Chancellor Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganai hailed their success as a testament to the varsity’s robust research ecosystem. “These highly competitive grants reaffirm our belief that the future of SKUAST-K and the region is in capable hands. Our approach has positioned SKUAST-K as a preferred destination for agricultural and transdisciplinary research. With redefined vision and mission, we have fostered an enabling environment that motivates NextGen scientists to take on global challenges”, he added. This achievement not only highlights their calibre, vision and scientific temperament but also exemplifies our path of attracting and retaining young, motivated and bright minds to the region for finding solutions to the pressing societal issues, said Prof Ganai. The scientist who secured the grant expressed their gratitude to the University headed by Prof Nazir A Ganai for its continued support and encouragement. They said it is the conducive environment of the University that brings out the best in the faculty and the students.
