SRINAGAR: Two postgraduate scholars from the Division of Vegetable Science, Faculty of Horticulture, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K), have secured prestigious research internships at the National Changhua University of Education (NCUE), Taiwan, under the Taiwan Experience Education Program (TEEP).
Navneet Singh and Dhirender have been selected as Research Assistants under the globally competitive programme, marking a significant international achievement for the Division of Vegetable Science and highlighting the growing recognition of SKUAST-K’s academic and research capabilities.
The selection assumes added significance as more than 80 applications were received from across the world for only two available positions. The candidates were assessed on academic performance, research experience, technical laboratory skills, curriculum vitae and the alignment of their research interests with the proposed programme.
Following an intensive screening process, 20 candidates were shortlisted for interviews. Both positions were eventually secured by scholars from SKUAST-K’s Division of Vegetable Science.
The five-month research internship will run from August 15, 2026, to January 15, 2027. During the programme, the scholars will work on an interdisciplinary research project titled “Advancing Blue Carbon Sequestration and Intertidal Biodiversity under Climate Change through Interdisciplinary Research and Industry-Academia Collaboration.”
Each scholar will receive a monthly research assistantship of NT$15,000.
The achievement also reflects the Division’s emphasis on research-oriented training and academic mentorship. Navneet Singh was mentored by Dr Feroz Ahmad Parray, while Dhirender was guided by Dr Baseerat Afroza. Their supervision and scientific guidance helped the scholars prepare for the highly competitive international research opportunity.
Congratulating the scholars, Dr Ishfaq Abidi, Professor and Head of the Division of Vegetable Science, said the achievement reflected the Division’s commitment to nurturing globally competitive professionals through focused mentorship and research excellence.
He said the selection demonstrated the growing reputation of SKUAST-K as a centre for quality agricultural education and international research collaboration.
Dr Abidi also expressed gratitude to Vice-Chancellor Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganai and Director Extension and Dean, Faculty of Horticulture, Prof Rihana Habib Kanth, for their leadership in strengthening the University’s academic ecosystem, expanding international collaborations and creating opportunities for students to compete on global platforms.
The selection of both candidates from the same division, despite intense international competition, is being seen as a notable achievement for SKUAST-K’s postgraduate research programme and its efforts to build stronger international academic linkages.
