Dr. Riffat John, Associate Professor at the Department of Botany, University of Kashmir (KU), has been selected as a member of the Founding Batch of INSA Women Associates (IWA) by the Indian National Science Academy (INSA), New Delhi.

The IWA initiative, recently launched by INSA, aims to foster greater inclusion and diversity by recognizing the outstanding contributions of top-performing women scientists across academia, industry, R&D, NGOs, and start-ups. Through this initiative, selected women scientists will actively connect with the academy and contribute to its ongoing and new scientific activities.

Congratulating Dr. Riffat on this prestigious selection, Vice-Chancellor KU, Prof. Nilofer Khan, in her message, said, “This is a moment of great pride for the University. Dr. Riffat’s recognition by INSA not only reflects her outstanding academic and research credentials but also highlights the strength of scientific talent at our institution. Her work serves as an inspiration to aspiring women scientists across the country.”

Dr. Riffat leads an active research group focused on the integrative understanding of plant responses to cold stress using genomic, proteomic, and physiological tools, with a focus on maize and Brassica species.

As a member of this founding cohort, Dr. Riffat will play a key role in shaping the vision, structure, and future programs of IWA. Her inclusion in INSA’s Women Associates group is a notable recognition for the University of Kashmir and a step forward in strengthening women’s participation in national scientific endeavours.