Dr Zabeer Ahmed Given Additional Charge as Director of CSIR-CIMAP

Lucknow, Feb 14: Dr Zabeer Ahmed, currently serving as Director of the CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM), Jammu, has assumed additional charge as Director of the Lucknow based CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP).

The arrangement follows the completion of the tenure of former Director Dr Prabodh Kumar Trivedi. As per an official order, the new responsibility has come into effect from February 14, 2026, and will continue until a regular appointment is made or further directives are issued.

CSIR-CIMAP is a premier national laboratory engaged in research and development of medicinal and aromatic plants, while CSIR-IIIM Jammu focuses on natural products, drug discovery and integrative medicine. Officials said the interim move is intended to maintain administrative continuity and ensure the steady progress of scientific initiatives.

With more than 28 years of experience in biomedical research, Dr Ahmed has contributed extensively to drug discovery programmes targeting inflammatory and metabolic disorders, including diabetes, obesity and rheumatoid arthritis. He has spearheaded several flagship Government of India initiatives such as the CSIR Phytopharmaceutical Mission, Aroma Mission and Floriculture Mission, and played a pivotal role in promoting lavender cultivation under the Purple Revolution in Jammu and Kashmir.

Under his leadership, multiple start-ups and translational research ventures have been launched. He has also overseen the establishment of Industrial Biotech Parks at Ghatti in Kathua and Handwara in Jammu and Kashmir.

An accomplished academic, Dr Ahmed has authored over 150 research papers, supervised 15 doctoral scholars and 65 postgraduate students, and secured 15 patents. His honours include the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar (as part of the CSIR Aroma Mission team), the UT-level Science and Technology Award from the J&K Government, the Maharaja Hari Singh Award for Excellence, and a commendation from the Indian Army for contributions to science and technology.