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, strengthening the university’s international academic and research collaborations.
The selections come as India and Japan expand educational cooperation, including a framework aimed at facilitating opportunities for 10,000 Indian students and researchers in Japan over five years.
Among the selected scholars are doctoral student Tabish Jaan and master’s student Misbah Fayaz, both from biotechnology and working under the supervision of Dr Sajad Majeed Zargar, Head of the Division of Plant Biotechnology.
From 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 institutes across Japan, focusing on molecular biology and biotechnology applications to address biotic and abiotic stresses affecting crops and improve nutritional security. Their programmes will also provide access to Japanese laboratory facilities, research approaches and collaborative development projects.
SKUAST-K Vice Chancellor Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganai congratulated the scholars and their academic supervisors, saying the fellowships were in line with the university’s efforts to establish sustained institutional partnerships with global scientific organisations.
The university said the Director of Education and Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture and Horticulture also congratulated Nargis and appreciated her academic dedication and work.
