Ludhiana, January 8, 2025 (Yes Punjab News)
Ms. Jessica Kaur, a Ph.D. scholar at the School of Agricultural Biotechnology, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, has been awarded the prestigious “Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE) Fellowship” by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India.
This highly competitive Fellowship is granted to university rankers in basic and applied sciences, based on academic excellence, the quality of the research proposal, supervisor credentials, and the host institution.
The Fellowship provides funding equivalent to Junior Research Fellowship (JRF)/Senior Research Fellowship (SRF) of the Government of India, along with a contingency grant, for a duration of five years.
Jessica’s research focuses on “High-density mapping and identification of candidate gene(s) for root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne graminicola) resistance from Oryza longistaminata.” Under the supervision of Dr. Yogesh Vikal, Principal Molecular Geneticist and Director of the School of Agricultural Biotechnology, her study aims to identify nematode resistance genes and understand their molecular interactions. This research will aid in transferring these resistance genes into DSR (Direct Seeded Rice) or elite cultivars, thereby accelerating resistance breeding programs.
Congratulating Jessica on her achievement, Dr. Satbir Singh Gosal (Vice-Chancellor, PAU), Dr. Ajmer Singh Dhatt (Director of Research), Dr. M.I.S. Gill (Dean, Postgraduate Studies), Dr. C.S. Aulakh (Dean, College of Agriculture), Dr. Parveen Chhuneja (Director, GS Khush Institute), and Dr. Yogesh Vikal praised her for bringing laurels to the university. They encouraged her to continue her research with dedication and zeal, contributing further to agricultural innovation and sustainability.
