Dr Zabeer Ahmed, Director of CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR-IIIM), Jammu, and Director of CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute (CSIR-NBRI), Lucknow, has been elected as a Fellow of the National Academy of Sciences, India (NASI) for 2026, in recognition of his distinguished contributions to drug discovery, biomedical research, translational science and technology-led innovation. The prestigious fellowship places Dr Ahmed among the distinguished fraternity of scientists recognised by one of India’s premier scientific academies for sustained and significant contributions to science and technology. The National Academy of Sciences, India has a long-standing mandate of promoting scientific knowledge and providing a national platform for scientists and researchers across disciplines.

Dr Ahmed brings more than 29 years of research experience in drug discovery, with his work focused particularly on inflammatory and metabolic disorders and health conditions including diabetes, obesity and rheumatoid arthritis. He is also steering the CSIR Phytopharmaceutical Mission, under which two Investigational New Drug (IND) applications for rheumatoid arthritis and Alzheimer’s disease have been filed, while a candidate for pancreatic cancer is undergoing clinical trials. His scientific work has extended beyond laboratory research to the implementation of major Government of India missions through the CSIR system. He has been closely associated with the CSIR Phytopharmaceutical Mission, CSIR Aroma Mission and Floriculture Mission, initiatives aimed at harnessing India’s biological resources, scientific expertise and traditional knowledge for value-added products, technologies and livelihood opportunities.

Dr Ahmed’s contribution to the Purple Revolution, particularly through the promotion of lavender cultivation, has also been widely acknowledged. Through scientific interventions, technology support and promotion of lavender-based entrepreneurship, the initiative has helped establish lavender as an alternative crop while creating opportunities for farmers and entrepreneurs, particularly in the Himalayan region. It has also demonstrated the potential of linking scientific research with agriculture, entrepreneurship and local economic development. He has further played a key role in establishing two Industrial Biotech Parks at Ghatti in Kathua and Handwara in Jammu and Kashmir. The facilities are intended to provide a platform for biotechnology-based industries, start-ups, technology development and commercialisation of research, while strengthening collaboration among researchers, entrepreneurs, industry and other stakeholders.

Under his leadership, several start-ups and translational projects have emerged, strengthening the link between laboratory research and practical applications. His efforts have focused on promoting innovation, entrepreneurship and technology transfer and ensuring that scientific outcomes reach society and industry. An accomplished scientist, Dr Ahmed has authored more than 150 peer-reviewed research papers and guided 15 PhD scholars and 65 postgraduate students. He also holds 15 patents, reflecting his sustained contribution to research, innovation and technology development as well as his role in mentoring young researchers. His scientific contributions have earned him several recognitions, including the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar as a team member for the CSIR Aroma Mission, the UT-level Science and Technology Award conferred by the Government of Jammu and Kashmir, the Maharaja Hari Singh Award for Excellence and an Award of Appreciation for Excellence in Science and Technology by the Indian Army.

Dr Ahmed’s election as NASI Fellow-2026 marks another significant recognition of his more than two decades of work in drug discovery and biomedical research, as well as his efforts to translate scientific research into technologies, start-ups, national missions and initiatives with wider societal and economic impact.