SRINAGAR: In a significant achievement, the Centre for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovations (CIRI), University of Kashmir (KU), has been awarded the Center for Advanced Research (CAR) by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), New Delhi, Government of India.
This prestigious recognition comes with an initial funding support of ₹6 crores to advance cancer research.
Vice-Chancellor KU, Prof. Nilofer Khan, congratulated the varsity’s CIRI team including its coordinator Dr. Altaf Bhat and researchers- Dr. Abdul Wajid, Dr. Rafiq Mir, Dr. Javaid Bhat, and Dr. Gulzar Ahmad Bhat, for securing this competitive status & funding.
“This recognition strengthens our commitment to cutting-edge biomedical research, enhancing student training and capacity building. The university is determined to develop CIRI as a hub for interdisciplinary scientific innovation and research,” she stated.
She further added that the high-end instrumentation facility established at CIRI is playing a crucial role in student training and has uplifted the research quality at the University.
Dean Academic Affairs KU, Prof. Shariefuddin Pirzada, and Registrar KU, Prof. Naseer Iqbal, also congratulated the team and said that this recognition will enrich the university’s academic and research ecosystem.
In his remarks, Dean Research KU, Prof. Mohammad Sultan Bhat, while congratulating the team said, “The funding will accelerate groundbreaking studies in cancer research and contribute to meaningful scientific advancements.”
Coordinator CIRI KU, Dr. Altaf Bhat, highlighted that CAR will focus on Cancer Omics and the development of new therapeutic strategies. He also noted that under the national Brain Gain initiative, accomplished scientists from global institutions like Harvard University, Max Planck Germany, MRC UK, Laval University Canada, and Texas A&M USA have joined CIRI, enhancing its research capabilities and global collaborations.