In a first, KU secures mega Indo-US research grant

SRINAGAR: In a first, the Centre for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovations (CIRI) at Kashmir University (KU), Monday announced that it has received a mega Indo-US research grant under the ‘Scheme for Promotion of Academic and Research Collaboration (SPARC)’.

“This is the first time any university in the region has been awarded with this prestigious scheme and has been proudly received by Dr Altaf Ahmad Bhat, Coordinator, CIRI,” an official spokesperson said in a statement issued here, adding that “this ground-breaking achievement marks a significant milestone in the academic landscape of the Valley”.

In collaboration with PURDUE University, USA, the project focuses on unravelling the biology of ‘Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease’, a rapidly growing metabolic disorder.

“The project not only aims at advancing scientific knowledge but also encourages joint workshops, conferences and student exchanges, thereby enriching the research ecosystem,” Dr Altaf was quoted in the statement as saying.

The university community has congratulated Dr Altaf and his team at CIRI for this prestigious accomplishment, the spokesperson said.

Appreciating the efforts of CIRI in uplifting the research landscape of the university, Vice Chancellor, Prof Nilofer Khan, also congratulated Dr Altaf for securing this prestigious grant.

“Such grants increase the visibility of university at the international level and help in developing collaborations and facilitate student and faculty exchange,” Prof Khan said.

The SPARC scheme is an initiative of the Ministry of Education (MoE) and aims at improving the research ecosystem of India’s Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) by facilitating academic and research collaborations between Indian institutions and the premier global counterparts from 28 empanelled nations to jointly solve problems of national and/or international relevance.

“Under the SPARC scheme top 100 HEIs as per the NIRF (National Institutional Ranking Framework, MoE) are eligible to submit proposals for funding. Over the years the Kashmir University has improved its NIRF ranking and currently stands at 33rd position,” the statement added.