Examiner Bureau | Srinagar:
Four students and scholars from the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) have secured competitive research fellowships in Japan, marking a significant achievement for the university and strengthening its international academic and research ties.
The selections come at a time when India and Japan are expanding cooperation in education and research, including a framework aimed at creating opportunities for 10,000 Indian students and researchers in Japan over five years.
Among the selected scholars are Tabish Jaan, a doctoral student, and Misbah Fayaz, a master’s student, both from the Division of Plant Biotechnology. They are working under the supervision of Dr Sajad Majeed Zargar, Head of the Division of Plant Biotechnology.
From the Division of Plant Pathology, doctoral scholar Sayima Nargis, supervised by Dr Tariq Rasool, and Nulevino Iralu, a master’s graduate who worked under Dr Aflaq Hameed, have also secured research opportunities in Japan.
Tabish Jaan, Misbah Fayaz and Sayima Nargis have been awarded the JST-LOTUS Fellowship for two, one and three years, respectively. Iralu has received the four-year Japanese Government MEXT Scholarship.
The scholars will undertake research at institutions across Japan, focusing on molecular biology and biotechnology applications aimed at addressing biotic and abiotic stresses affecting crops and contributing to improved nutritional security.
Their programmes will also provide them with access to advanced Japanese laboratory facilities, research methodologies and collaborative scientific projects, offering valuable international exposure and opportunities for academic exchange.
SKUAST-K Vice Chancellor Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganai congratulated the selected scholars and their supervisors, describing the fellowships as an important step in the university’s efforts to build sustained partnerships with global scientific and research organisations.
The university also said that the Director of Education and Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture and Horticulture congratulated Sayima Nargis and appreciated her academic commitment and research work.
The achievement is expected to further enhance SKUAST-K’s international research profile while providing its young scholars with opportunities to contribute to globally relevant agricultural and biotechnology research.
