SRINGAR: SKUAST-K scientist, Dr. Syed Sheraz Mahdi from central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district presently working as an Assistant Professor (Sr. Scale) at the division of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Wadura, Sopore has been awarded SERB-International Research Experience (SIRE) Award to undertake high-end research in the field of climate change. The Award enables the outstanding scientists to undertake research in frontier areas of Science and Technology by providing opportunity to visit leading institutions/universities across the globe for a period of 06 months. Selection process involves rigorous application review and interview process. Once selected, awardees receive a research grant, as well as a comprehensive pre-departure orientation. Dr Sheraz is the only candidate from J&K who has been selected for this prestigious fellowship for the year 2022-23.
Dr. Sheraz will be visiting to School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, United Kingdom for the period of 06 months and will work with Dr Alexandre Gagnon for developing of region-specific simulation models for field crops and will also examine the impacts of current and future climate change using Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Tools. Subject experts from collaborating institute-The University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada will also be assisting in research and development of these important models for field crops of Kashmir. The research collaboration between three institutes (SKUAST-Kashmir, India, Liverpool John Moores University, United Kingdom and The University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada) shall be highly fruitful on long term basis.
An active researcher, Dr Sheraz has published 61 research and review papers in high-impact reputed international journals. His publications have attracted over 870 citations and h-index 15. He has also to his credit 14 books published by renowned international publishers (SPRINGER, TAYLOR & FRANCIS and APPLE ACADEMICS). He is a recipient of several prestigious awards such as the SERB-DST, Young Scientist Award, Indian Ecological Society-Best Scientific Writing Award, Excellence in Teaching Award (Agronomy), ASPEE, Senior Fellowship Award for pursuing PhD program and several best paper awards.
Vice Chancellor, SKAUST-K, Prof. Nazir Ahmed Ganai congratulates Dr Sheraz Mehdi for bagging the prestigious International fellowship.

KR Desk