Srinagar, Oct 09: Dr Manzoor Ahmad Mir, a renowned breast cancer researcher in the Department of Bioresources at the University of Kashmir and an adjunct professor at the Indian Institute of Sustainability (IIS), Gujarat University, Ahmedabad, has earned international recognition for his contributions to scientific research, particularly in breast cancer research.
He has been featured in the list of the world’s top 2% of scientists associated with Stanford University, USA, for the fourth consecutive year, from 2023 to 2026, in the Health Sciences category.
The achievement marks a significant milestone in Dr Mir’s scientific career and highlights his sustained contributions to research, academic scholarship, online content creation, postgraduate and doctoral mentoring, scientific outreach and community services. His inclusion in the prestigious global ranking reflects his research visibility and scholarly contributions to the international scientific community.
Dr Mir’s research focuses on drug repurposing for breast cancer, the molecular mechanisms underlying cancer development and progression, metastasis and drug resistance. His work aims to advance scientific understanding of cancer and explore potential therapeutic strategies, contributing to broader efforts to improve cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment through interdisciplinary research and evidence-based approaches.
Dr Mir has an outstanding academic and research record. He obtained his master’s degree in Life Sciences with a gold medal and qualified the CSIR Junior Research Fellowship and National Eligibility Test (CSIR-JRF-NET) four times. He subsequently completed his PhD through Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi, and the CSIR-Institute of Microbial Technology, Chandigarh.
Over the course of his academic career, Dr Mir has established a substantial research and publication record. He has published more than 100 research papers, with a cumulative journal impact factor exceeding 750, an h-index of 40 and an i10-index of 118. His research publications have received more than 4,900 citations in the last five years, reflecting the reach and influence of his scientific contributions.
In addition to research papers, Dr Mir has authored 22 books and 85 book chapters published by leading international publishers, including Elsevier, Taylor & Francis and Springer Nature. He has also developed four massive open online courses (MOOCs) for the SWAYAM platform under the Consortium for Educational Communication (CEC) and the University Grants Commission (UGC), Government of India. The courses cover Immunology, Endocrinology, Human Genetics and Human Population Genetics and have reportedly reached more than 20,000 students worldwide over the past seven years.
Dr Mir has made significant contributions to breast cancer research, awareness, communication and education across the Kashmir Valley. Through research publications, scientific collaborations, academic engagement and community outreach activities, he has contributed to the growing body of knowledge in cancer biology and allied biomedical sciences.
In recognition of his research and awareness initiatives in breast cancer, Dr Mir received the Best Cancer Researcher Award at Kashmir Expo-2022 from the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir. The event was organised by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India, and the Jammu and Kashmir Science, Technology and Innovation Council (JKST&IC), Government of Jammu and Kashmir.
In 2019, he received the Teacher Associateship for Research Excellence award from the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), Department of Science and Technology, Government of India. In 2020, he received the Summer Research Fellowship for Teachers from the Indian National Science Academies.
In 2026, Dr Mir received the Breast Cancer Awareness and Care Excellence Award at the seventh Cancer Summit Awards in New Delhi in recognition of his contributions to cancer research and public health initiatives. The award acknowledged his work in breast cancer research and awareness and reinforced his commitment to addressing cancer-related challenges through scientific research and public engagement.
These awards and recognitions highlight Dr Mir’s dedication to scientific research, awareness, education and care initiatives. His work has established him as a prominent contributor to regional and national efforts to advance cancer research, promote preventive measures and explore effective therapeutic strategies.
His research activities are also supported by externally funded projects. He has successfully completed six research projects and is currently leading two ongoing projects funded by the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India.
Dr Mir has also made significant contributions to teaching, mentorship and research training. He has guided eight PhD scholars, while five doctoral scholars are currently pursuing research under his supervision. He has also guided 60 master’s students in their dissertation projects, mentoring them in scientific inquiry, research methodology and evidence-based analysis.
His commitment to technology-enabled education is reflected in the development of four MOOCs for the SWAYAM platform under the UGC, Ministry of Education, Government of India. The courses have helped extend access to specialised scientific knowledge and provide flexible learning opportunities for students.
Dr Mir has further contributed to student enrichment and scientific outreach by organising national and international conferences and DST-INSPIRE Science Camps. These initiatives provide platforms for scientific discussion, interdisciplinary collaboration and the encouragement of young students to pursue careers in science and research.
He is actively engaged with the international scientific community and is a member of several prominent professional and scientific organisations. These include the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO), the American Oncology Association, the International Immunology Association, the Indian Cancer Society, the Indian Immunology Society and the Indian Immuno-oncology Society, among others. He is also a Fellow of the Royal British Society (FRBS).
Dr Mir serves on the editorial boards of several scientific journals, contributing to peer review and the maintenance of scientific quality and integrity. He has also completed guest-edited collections for internationally recognised scientific journals, including Scientific Reports and Frontiers in Immunology.
His participation in international scientific conferences and research presentations has taken him to more than 10 countries, including the United States, China, the United Kingdom, Spain, Singapore, Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates. These engagements have facilitated scientific exchange, strengthened professional networks and created opportunities for research collaboration across institutions and countries.
In addition to his research and teaching responsibilities, Dr Mir has contributed to institutional development and academic coordination. He served as the first nodal officer and coordinator of the Kupwara University Campus, contributing to the development and coordination of academic activities there.
He is also the coordinator of the collaboration between the Indian Institute of Sustainability at Gujarat University and associated academic initiatives. He served as coordinator and head of the Department of Bioresources from 2019 to 2025.
His work reflects a commitment to strengthening the research ecosystem, promoting interdisciplinary engagement and expanding educational and collaborative opportunities for students and researchers.
Dr Mir’s inclusion in the world’s top 2% scientists list for four consecutive years marks an important professional milestone. His record combines sustained research output, scholarly publications, doctoral mentoring, the development of online learning resources, competitive research awards and participation in international scientific forums.
His achievements also highlight the contributions of researchers at universities in Jammu and Kashmir to the broader national and international scientific landscape. Through continued research in breast cancer and allied biomedical sciences, Dr Mir remains engaged in advancing scientific knowledge, mentoring future researchers and supporting efforts to address important challenges in human health.
The recognition is a source of pride for the University of Kashmir and the wider academic and research community of Jammu and Kashmir. It also serves as an inspiration for emerging researchers and students to pursue rigorous scientific inquiry, innovation and excellence in research.
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