Srinagar, July 11, 2025: In a bid to address the rising cancer burden and promote timely detection, the Centre for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation (CIRI), University of Kashmir (KU), in collaboration with the Kashmir Oncology Forum (KOF), organized a one-day national symposium titled “Bridging Knowledge and Practice: The Power of Early Cancer Diagnosis” at the university’s main campus.
The event was sponsored by DBT-Builder, ANRF, and BDR Pharmaceutical, and brought together leading experts from SKIMS, GMC Srinagar, KOF, and other public and private healthcare institutions.
In her inaugural address, KU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nilofer Khan stressed the significance of early diagnosis in improving survival and quality of life for cancer patients. She highlighted the need for interdisciplinary research and academic-medical collaborations, and also emphasized the importance of healthy lifestyle practices for prevention.
Dean Research KU, Prof. Mohammad Sultan Bhat, called for a dedicated cancer hospital and research centre in Kashmir and urged greater integration between scientific research and clinical expertise.
KOF President Dr. Shad Salim Akhter emphasized the need for community-level awareness and routine screening, calling early detection a key strategy in reducing cancer-related mortality.
Welcoming participants, Dr. Altaf Bhat, CIRI Coordinator and Symposium Organising Secretary, said the event aligns with CIRI’s mission to encourage evidence-based interdisciplinary dialogue on critical health challenges.
The symposium was attended by faculty, scholars, and students from various departments, with Dr. Javid Rasool Bhat, Vice-President of KOF, delivering the vote of thanks.
