In a remarkable achievement for the University of Kashmir, (KU) Umer Majeed Khaja, a researcher from the Department of Clinical Biochemistry, has been awarded the prestigious Global Scholar-in-Training Award (GSITA) 2025 by the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR).

The highly competitive GSITA award, granted to only 15 researchers worldwide, recognizes Umer’s outstanding contributions to colorectal cancer research. He is among just two researchers from India selected this year, the other being from AIIMS, New Delhi.

The award provides full sponsorship for Umer to attend the AACR Annual Meeting 2025 in Chicago, USA (April 25–30), where he will present his research, engage with leading cancer scientists, and explore advancements in cancer research.

Vice-Chancellor KU Prof. Nilofer Khan congratulated Umer on this international recognition, stating

"This prestigious recognition reflects the high-quality research emerging from the University of Kashmir in collaboration with reputed institutions. Umer’s success is a proud moment for the university and will inspire future scholars to aim for international recognition in their respective fields."

Prof. Mohamad Sultan Bhat, Dean Research, KU also lauded Umer’s achievement, emphasizing "This accomplishment highlights the significance of collaborative research in addressing global health challenges. Umer’s work in colorectal cancer research is commendable, and his recognition at an international platform like AACR speaks volumes about the caliber of research conducted at our institution."

Umer’s PhD research, conducted under the supervision of Dr. Reena Singh (Lovely Professional University, Punjab) and Dr. Showkat Ahmad Ganie (University of Kashmir), focuses on colorectal cancer. His work investigates the chemopreventive potential of Rheum webbianum rhizome extracts against colorectal carcinogenesis, offering valuable insights into cancer biology and therapeutic strategies.

Beyond his research, Umer has published extensively in reputed international journals, serves as a peer reviewer for leading scientific publications, and actively raises cancer awareness in Kashmir.

His success is expected to strengthen the research ecosystem in Jammu & Kashmir, encouraging greater academic collaborations and motivating young scholars to contribute to impactful scientific studies. As he prepares to represent India on a global platform, his journey stands as a testament to the power of perseverance, dedication, and scientific excellence.