CSIR-IIIM Jammu Director Zabeer Ahmed Takes Additional Charge of CIMAP Lucknow
Zabeer Ahmed Assumes Additional Charge as CIMAP Lucknow Director

CSIR-IIIM Jammu Director Zabeer Ahmed Takes Additional Charge of CIMAP Lucknow

In a significant administrative development within India's premier scientific research network, Zabeer Ahmed, the Director of the CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM) in Jammu, has officially assumed the additional charge as Director of the CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP) located in Lucknow. This appointment was formalized on Sunday, marking a strategic interim leadership arrangement.

Transition Following Completion of Previous Director's Tenure

The additional responsibility was assigned to Ahmed upon the completion of the tenure of the former director, Prabodh Kumar Trivedi. According to official statements, Ahmed will hold this additional charge until a regular director is appointed or until further orders are issued by the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR).

Officials emphasized that this interim arrangement is specifically aimed at ensuring leadership continuity and the smooth progress of ongoing scientific programmes at CIMAP. The move is designed to maintain operational stability and research momentum during the transition period.

Ahmed's Distinguished Scientific Career and Contributions

Zabeer Ahmed brings to this role an impressive 28 years of research experience in drug discovery, with notable contributions in the fields of inflammatory and metabolic disorders. His work has significantly advanced understanding and treatment options for conditions such as:

  • Diabetes
  • Obesity
  • Rheumatoid arthritis

Under his leadership at CSIR-IIIM Jammu, Ahmed has been instrumental in driving several key government initiatives, including:

  1. The CSIR Phytopharmaceutical Mission
  2. The Aroma Mission
  3. The Floriculture Mission

He played a pivotal role in the Purple Revolution through the promotion and expansion of lavender cultivation, which has transformed agricultural practices in certain regions.

Entrepreneurial and Infrastructure Development Achievements

Ahmed's leadership has fostered innovation and commercialization, with several successful start-ups and translational projects emerging under his guidance. Furthermore, he was instrumental in establishing two Industrial Biotech Parks at Ghatti (Kathua) and Handwara in Jammu and Kashmir, enhancing regional biotechnology infrastructure and economic opportunities.

Academic and Intellectual Property Accomplishments

As an accomplished scientist, Ahmed's academic output is substantial. He has:

  • Published over 150 peer-reviewed research papers
  • Guided 15 PhD students and 65 postgraduate students
  • Secured 15 patents, underscoring his innovative contributions to scientific knowledge and application

This interim leadership role at CIMAP Lucknow is expected to leverage Ahmed's extensive expertise in medicinal and aromatic plant research, aligning with CSIR's mission to advance scientific excellence and national development through cutting-edge research and innovation.