By Syed Sammar Mehdi

At the University of Kashmir, a research centre built around scientists from different disciplines has earned national recognition, opening a new chapter in its effort to advance biomedical science and address health challenges in Jammu and Kashmir.

The Centre for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovations, known as CIRI, has received Centre of Excellence status from the Indian Council of Medical Research in New Delhi, the Government of India’s biomedical research body. 

The recognition acknowledges the centre’s growing scientific capabilities and its work to strengthen biomedical research in the region.

Vice-Chancellor Nilofer Khan said the distinction highlighted the quality of research at CIRI and the commitment of its researchers. 

She pledged continued university support for expanded research and collaboration, saying the recognition would encourage new scientific directions and evidence-based approaches to biomedical challenges.

The achievement recognises years of work to build a research environment equipped with advanced scientific infrastructure, trained faculty and expertise spanning multiple disciplines.

Altaf Bhat, CIRI’s coordinator, described the recognition as a proud moment for the centre and the university. 

He said its multidisciplinary environment and scientific facilities had strengthened its ability to investigate complex biomedical questions.

International expertise has added another dimension to that effort. 

Through the national Brain Gain initiative, accomplished scientists from Harvard University, the Max Planck Institutes in Germany, the University of California and Laval University in Canada have joined CIRI. Their participation has strengthened scientific skills, expanded research capacity and encouraged international collaboration.

The centre now aims to build on those connections while developing research relevant to pressing health challenges in Jammu and Kashmir.

Khan congratulated Bhat and researchers Abdul Wajid, Javaid Bhat, Ayub Qadri and Tanzila Mukhtar on the achievement. 

Senior university officials, including Dean Academic Affairs Shariefuddin Pirzada, Dean Research Bashir Ganaie and Registrar Naseer Iqbal, also welcomed the recognition and stressed the value of interdisciplinary research.

The distinction gives CIRI greater national standing as it works to establish itself as a regional hub for biomedical innovation. 

Its lasting significance will depend on how effectively its growing scientific capacity translates into research that advances medical understanding and addresses the health needs of people in Kashmir.