KU’s HoD Bioresources figures among top global scientists - Greater Kashmir

Srinagar, Sep 20: Dr Manzoor Ahmad Mir, Head of the Department of Bioresources at Kashmir University, has once again been named in Stanford University’s prestigious list of the top 2% global scientists, marking his second consecutive inclusion. This recognition underscores his substantial contributions to cancer research, particularly in the field of Triple Negative Breast Cancer.

Mir earned his PhD in Cancer Immunology from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) through the IMTECH-CSIR programme. His academic journey began when he topped the Assistant Professor examination conducted by the J&K Public Service Commission in 2009.

He was appointed as the first nodal officer for the Kupwara University campus of Kashmir University in 2011, a position that allowed him to lay the groundwork for future academic initiatives. Since joining the Department of Bioresources in 2012, he has held various positions, becoming Coordinator in 2019 and then Head of the Department in 2024.

A prolific author, Dr Mir has published over twenty international books with esteemed publishers such as Springer, Elsevier, and Taylor & Francis, along with 74 book chapters. His research output includes more than 75 peer-reviewed articles, amassing a cumulative impact factor exceeding 350. With an h-index of 25 and an i10 index of 70, he has achieved over 2,000 citations on Google Scholar in the past five years alone.

Dr Mir’s mentorship has been instrumental in the development of more than seven PhD students and 40 master’s students, guiding them through their academic and research endeavors.His pioneering work in Triple negative breast cancer, ethnopharmacology, drug repurposing, drug resistance, combination therapy and bioinformatics has earned him several prestigious awards including the Kashmir Exo Award 2022.

In addition to his research accomplishments, Dr Mir has received numerous grants and awards from national funding agencies, enabling him to explore innovative research projects that address critical health issues. His commitment to raising awareness about breast cancer has led to the organisation of numerous camps, workshops, faculty development programs, seminars, and conferences, aimed at educating both the public and the scientific community.

Recently, he successfully hosted the DST-INSPIRE Science Camp for students from the Kashmir Valley, inspiring a new generation of scientists and fostering interest in scientific inquiry.

Dr Mir is also preparing for the inaugural JK International Conference on Breast Cancer and a large-scale screening camp at Kashmir University, scheduled for October, which aims to provide vital health services to the local community.

His contributions to the field have not gone unnoticed, as Dr Mir has received various accolades, including the Teachers Associate Research Excellence Fellowship (TARE) from SERB-DST, Government of India, and the Summer Research Fellowship Programme (SRFP-2019) from the Indian Academy of Sciences and the National Science Academy. His professional affiliations include memberships in several prestigious organisations, such as the American Association for Cancer Research, the American Society of Clinical Oncology, and the European Society for Medical Oncology, among others.

As Head of the Department, Dr Mir is dedicated to transforming Bioresources into a multidisciplinary research and teaching hub that fosters interdisciplinary research in applied life sciences. His vision includes creating a vibrant academic environment that encourages collaboration between various scientific disciplines, ultimately leading to breakthroughs in health care and treatment methodologies. He is actively working to establish research partnerships with leading national and international institutes, thereby enhancing the quality of research and expanding the opportunities available to students and researchers.

Dr Mir’s commitment to excellence in research and education is evident in his efforts to equip the next generation of scientists with the tools and knowledge necessary to tackle pressing health challenges. Through innovative teaching methods, hands-on research experiences, and community engagement, he aims to cultivate a new breed of scientists who are not only skilled researchers but also compassionate advocates for health and wellness in their communities. His ongoing initiatives and leadership are poised to make a lasting impact on the scientific landscape, not just in Kashmir, but globally.