Srinagar, Oct 1: The sandwich-mode postgraduate research programme of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K), under which a PG student spends up to one semester undertaking research or coursework at an agricultural institution in the country other than the parent university, has helped M.Sc. graduate Umer Fayaz secure an opportunity for advanced research at the University of Queensland, Australia.

Umer completed his M.Sc. in Genetics and Plant Breeding at SKUAST-K under the guidance of Dr. Showkat A. Waza, Associate Professor-cum-Senior Scientist. As part of the sandwich-mode programme, he undertook a component of his research at the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), working under the guidance of Dr. Prakash Gangashetty, Global Lead – Pigeonpea Breeding, and Dr. Manzoor Dar, Global Lead – Seed Systems. He will now pursue advanced research at the University of Queensland under the supervision of Professor Mark Cooper, Chair of Prediction Based Crop Improvement.
The sandwich-mode programme, promoted under the leadership of Prof. Nazir A. Ganai, Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-K, provides students with opportunities to gain research exposure beyond their parent institution and work with scientists and advanced research facilities at other institutions.
Prof. Nazir A. Ganai congratulated Umer on his achievement and wished him success in his forthcoming research pursuits. He mentioned that the achievement is a matter of pride for SKUAST-Kashmir and Umer’s mentors, and reflects the potential of the University's students when provided with quality mentorship, international research exposure, and visionary institutional support