Srinagar : Two researchers from Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) have been awarded the prestigious Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) National Post-Doctoral Fellowships, recognized as one of India’s most competitive funding programs for early-career scientists.
Dr. Aasiya Nabi and Dr. Sofi Imtiyaz Ali received these fellowships for their innovative research in crop disease resistance and diabetic wound care, respectively, thereby enhancing SKUAST-K’s reputation in agricultural and biomedical research. Dr. Aasiya Nabi, a graduate of the Division of Plant Pathology, will focus on her project concerning the molecular mechanisms of resistance to bean anthracnose, specifically investigating race-73-specific effector proteins and their interaction with the Co-12 resistance gene. This research aims to facilitate the development of disease-resistant bean varieties. Meanwhile, Dr. Sofi Imtiyaz Ali’s project in biomedical engineering involves creating a bioengineered wound dressing that utilizes an earthworm-derived scaffold combined with multifunctional therapeutics to enhance healing in diabetic ulcers, offering a cost-effective and scalable solution. The Vice Chancellor of SKUAST-K, Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, praised the achievements of the researchers and their mentors, highlighting the significance of these fellowships in showcasing the university’s vibrant research environment and its commitment to addressing complex challenges in agriculture and healthcare. He emphasized that these projects align with the university’s mission to translate fundamental research into impactful solutions for society and industry.
