Syed Abid Rasheed Shah (IAS), Secretary to the Government, Health and Medical Education Department, J&K, visited the Centre for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovations (CIRI) at the University of Kashmir (KU) and praised the cutting-edge research, human resource, and state-of-the-art infrastructure developed at the centre.

Dr. Shah was accompanied by Vice-Chancellor KU, Prof. Nilofer Khan; Registrar KU, Prof. Naseer Iqbal; Prof. Iffat Hassan Shah, Principal and Dean, GMC Srinagar, and  various other senior officials.

During his visit to the centre Dr Shah interacted with faculty members and researchers and was briefed by Dr. Altaf Bhat, Coordinator CIRI KU, about the ongoing biomedical research and its societal relevance.

Dr. Shah commended the University’s initiative in building a competitive interdisciplinary research centre and emphasized the need for collaboration between CIRI and medical institutes to address regional biomedical challenges.

“Centres like CIRI mark a shift from brain drain to brain gain. They are enabling scientists trained abroad to return and contribute their expertise to local research and innovation,” Dr. Shah noted.

Vice-Chancellor KU Prof. Nilofer Khan said that CIRI has created opportunities for overseas-trained scientists and researchers to return to the valley and join ongoing national efforts in science and technology.

Registrar KU Prof. Naseer Iqbal added that the University was among the first in the country to adopt a policy supporting the national brain gain mission. He said this approach has helped CIRI attract talent from abroad and build stronger research capacity at home.

Prof. Iffat Hassan Shah, Principal and Dean, GMC Srinagar, highlighted the importance of joint projects between CIRI and medical colleges to study health issues relevant to the region.

The visit ended with an understanding to strengthen institutional links and expand biomedical research partnerships across J&K.