KU secures prestigious FIST research grant in Physics

Srinagar, Dec 25: The Department of Physics, University of Kashmir (KU), has been awarded a prestigious research grant under the FIST (Fund for Improvement of S&T Infrastructure) Program by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India.

This grant, recommended under Level B category, will provide significant financial support to augment research facilities in the department over the next five years.

Vice-Chancellor KU Prof. Nilofer Khan, congratulated the Department of Physics on this significant achievement.

"This recognition shows the commitment and excellence of our faculty, scholars and students in advancing scientific research. The grant will empower the department to make significant contributions to the field of science and technology," she said.

Dean, Academic Affairs KU, Prof. Shariefuddin Pirzada and Registrar KU, Prof. Naseer Iqbal also extended their congratulations to the department and its faculty for this remarkable accomplishment.

Head, Department of Physics KU, Prof. Gowhar Bashir Vakil, expressed gratitude for this achievement and said that this grant will greatly enhance the department's research infrastructure and allow them to explore new frontiers in science and technology.

The grant includes an allocation of around `1 crore for various research activities, upgradation of high-performance computing facilities and procurement of advanced scientific software such as MATLAB with Simulink and tools like Mathematica and Gaussian 16.

The funds will also support the purchase of cutting-edge optical equipment, including a Celestron C-14 Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope, a high-resolution CCD camera, and a NexStar 8 SE Telescope, to enhance observational research, and help the department strengthen its research capabilities, making it a hub for advanced scientific inquiry and innovation.

The University of Kashmir remains committed to nurturing a research-driven academic environment and contributing to the nation’s scientific progress.