Director of CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu, Dr. Zabeer Ahmed today assumed the additional charge as Director of the Lucknow-based institute, CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal Plants.The additional responsibility has been assigned to him upon completion of the tenure of former Director, Dr. Prabodh Kumar Trivedi. According to an official order issued, the arrangement has come into effect from February 14, 2026, he will hold the additional charge until a regular Director is appointed or until further orders are issued.

CSIR-CIMAP, Lucknow, is a premier national laboratory dedicated to research on medicinal and aromatic plants, while CSIR-IIIM Jammu is known for its work in natural products, drug discovery and integrative medicine. Officials stated that the interim arrangement is aimed at ensuring leadership continuity and the smooth progress of ongoing scientific programmes.

With over 28 years of research experience in drug discovery, Dr. Ahmed has made significant contributions in inflammatory and metabolic disorders, including diabetes, obesity and rheumatoid arthritis. He has led the implementation of major Government of India missions such as the CSIR Phytopharmaceutical Mission, Aroma Mission and Floriculture Mission, and has played a key role in the Purple Revolution through lavender cultivation. Several successful start-ups and translational projects have emerged under his leadership. He has also been instrumental in establishing two Industrial Biotech Parks at Ghatti (Kathua) and Handwara in Jammu and Kashmir. An accomplished scientist, Dr. Ahmed has published over 150 peer-reviewed research papers, guided 15 PhD and 65 postgraduate students, and holds 15 patents. His recognitions include the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar (as a Team Member for the CSIR Aroma Mission), UT-level Science and Technology Award by the J&K Government, the Maharaja Hari Singh Award for Excellence, and an Award of Appreciation for excellence in Science and Technology by the Indian Army.