Prof Bashir Ahmad Ganai appointed Dean Research at KU
KINS Correspondent
Srinagar, May 5 (KINS): The University of Kashmir has appointed Bashir Ahmad Ganai as Dean Research following the superannuation of Mohd Sultan Bhat, with the order taking immediate effect.
According to an official order issued by the Administration Teaching Section, Prof Bhat from the Department of Geography and Disaster Management retired on April 30, 2026, after serving as Dean Research at the university. Consequent to his retirement, Prof Ganai—currently associated with the Centre of Research for Development (CORD)—has been assigned the charge of Dean Research for a period of three years or until he attains the age of superannuation, whichever is earlier.
The order further states that Prof Ganai will also function as In-charge Dean of the College Development Council (DCDC) in addition to his existing responsibilities. This arrangement will remain in place until Aneesa Shafi resumes her duties after availing leave. The directive has been issued with the approval of the competent authority and has come into effect immediately.
Born on February 4, 1966, in Kathairgund Chadoora in Budgam district, Prof Ganai completed his M.Sc (1988), M.Phil and Ph.D in Biochemistry from the University of Kashmir. He qualified the CSIR-UGC NET/JRF/SRF in 1989. At present, he is serving as Professor of Biochemistry at the Centre of Research for Development (CORD) and Dean of the School of Unani and Ayurvedic Medicine. He has also served as Head of the Department of Environmental Science and Director of the University’s North Campus.
With over 27 years of teaching experience at graduate and postgraduate levels, Prof Ganai has taught across several science departments at the University of Kashmir and other institutions in the Union Territory. His areas of specialization include protein biochemistry, enzymology, molecular biology, analytical instrumentation, environmental biochemistry, toxicology, medicinal plant research, and biotechnology. He has consistently received “Outstanding” ratings exceeding 92 percent in student feedback and has been honoured multiple times with Best Teacher awards.
An accomplished researcher with more than 25 years of research experience, Prof Ganai has guided 63 PhD scholars, 30 MPhil candidates, and around 80 M.Sc students in fields including biochemistry, clinical biochemistry, and environmental sciences. He has also supervised eight postdoctoral fellows under various fellowships.
Prof Ganai has authored 12 books aimed at simplifying complex biochemical concepts for students. His academic output includes over 300 research publications in reputed national and international journals such as Scientific Reports, Gene, Chemosphere, Environmental Research, PLOS One, Phytochemistry, Phytomedicine, Frontiers in Plant Science, and Frontiers in Microbiology. His work has been widely cited, with an H-index of 33, i-10 index of 118, and nearly 6,000 citations.
His research expertise lies in the isolation and characterization of enzymes and bioactive compounds, with studies validating their anti-diabetic, anti-cancer, anti-arthritic, and antimicrobial properties. He has handled multiple research projects funded by various agencies and has actively contributed to academic and administrative bodies, including Boards of Studies and Research, Central Administrative Affairs Committee, and institutional ethics committees at SKIMS and GMC Baramulla.
He has also participated in over 75 workshops, conferences, symposia, and seminars, and delivered numerous invited lectures on scientific research and societal issues.
The appointment of Prof Ganai as Dean Research is seen as a significant development for strengthening research activities at the University of Kashmir.
