Onlykashmir.in News Desk
Srinagar, December 22: The Department of Bioresources, University of Kashmir, on Monday organised the 2nd J and K International Conference on Breast and Allied Cancers at Gandhi Bhawan, marking a significant initiative towards strengthening cancer awareness, research collaboration and multidisciplinary strategies for effective cancer management.
The three day international conference is sponsored by the Anusandhan National Research Foundation under the Department of Science and Technology, Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India. The event has attracted participation from eminent oncologists, clinicians, researchers, academicians and young scholars from across the country and abroad.
The inaugural session was attended by several distinguished dignitaries. Organising Secretary of the conference and faculty member, Department of Bioresources, Dr Manzoor Ahmad Mir, formally welcomed the gathering and outlined the objectives of the conference. He highlighted the increasing incidence of breast and allied cancers in the region and stressed the urgent need to integrate basic scientific research with clinical practice, early diagnosis and sustained community awareness. On the occasion, the abstract book and conference souvenir featuring research contributions from participants was formally released.
Addressing the gathering, Vice Chancellor University of Kashmir Prof Nilofer Khan emphasised that cancer research must adopt a multidisciplinary approach involving life sciences, clinical medicine, engineering, artificial intelligence and public health. She underscored the importance of taking awareness initiatives beyond academic platforms to institutions, communities and international forums in order to create a meaningful global impact.
Registrar University of Kashmir Prof Naseer Iqbal reaffirmed the University’s commitment to supporting research collaboration and innovation, particularly in health related domains. He highlighted the need to encourage women scientists and called for wide dissemination of the conference outcomes among academic institutions, healthcare systems and society at large.
Principal and Dean Government Medical College Srinagar Prof Iffat Hassan Shah highlighted the availability of advanced diagnostic technologies and specialised facilities at GMC Srinagar. She noted that trained female medical professionals are available to ensure patient friendly breast cancer screening and care, and appreciated the collaborative efforts between the University of Kashmir and medical institutions in addressing cancer related challenges.
Deputy Director General CCRUM New Delhi Dr Younus Iftekhar Munshi emphasised the importance of natural resources in healthcare, stating that nearly seventy percent of therapeutic raw materials are derived from plants. He assured financial and institutional support for research initiatives and informed that CCRUM provides multiple funding avenues to promote interdisciplinary and translational research in cancer.
Delivering the keynote address, Senior Consultant Oncologist Apollo Hospitals New Delhi Prof Sameer Koul stressed the need to involve external experts and institutions in cancer research and awareness programmes. He particularly emphasised extending such initiatives to remote and underserved areas of Jammu and Kashmir to ensure equitable access to cancer awareness and early diagnosis.
Earlier, Head Department of Bioresources University of Kashmir Dr Riaz ul Rehman highlighted the department’s sustained efforts in advancing cancer focused basic and translational research. He stressed the importance of institutional collaboration and capacity building to translate laboratory research into clinical and societal benefits.
On the occasion, a book authored by Dr Manzoor Ahmad Mir on retinoids was also formally released, highlighting the therapeutic potential of retinoids in cancer biology and treatment.
The inaugural session concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr Manzoor Ahmad Mir, who expressed gratitude to the Vice Chancellor, distinguished guests, speakers, sponsors, organising team and participants for their valuable contributions. He reiterated the conference’s commitment to fostering meaningful dialogue, collaboration and awareness in the fight against breast and allied cancers.
