Cytogenetics

Prof. Mahammad Niamat Ali

Former Director: Centre of Research for Development (CORD) and Former Officer-in-charge: P. G. Programme in Microbiology, University of Kashmir, Srinagar-190006, J & K, India.

 Prof. Md. Niamat Ali is a senior academician, cytogeneticist, and molecular biologist with more than three decades of experience in teaching, research, and academic leadership. He specializes in cytogenetics, molecular biology, human genetics and toxicogenomics, and he has contributed profoundly to higher education and interdisciplinary biological research in India through 30 years of university-level teaching—7 at Aligarh Muslim University and 24 at the University of Kashmir—and 32 years of active research. He mentored 8 awarded M.Phil., 21 awarded and 2 submitted Ph. Ds, with 6 ongoing, in cytogenetics, molecular biology, toxicogenomics, insect genetics, environmental mutagenesis and DNA barcoding. His work is bolstered by administrative roles, resource person engagements, consultancy projects, and national academic responsibilities. He has earned 5500 citations, an h-index of 35, an i10-index of 120, and a cumulative impact factor over 250. Academically, he holds a B.Sc. (Hons.) and M.Sc. in Zoology with specialization in Cytogenetics and Molecular Biology from the University of Burdwan, West Bengal. He pursued M.Phil. and Ph.D. in Zoology from Aligarh Muslim University, focusing on cytogenetics and molecular biology. This foundation underpinned his expertise in genetic research, molecular diagnostics, environmental toxicology, and genomics. He has laboratory proficiency in PCR technologies, chromosomal analysis, FISH, gene expression, and molecular profiling. Currently, he leads a RUSA-funded major researchproject on morphological and molecular profiling via DNA barcoding of Coccinellidae and Syrphidae species for pest management in Kashmir. He also directs CORD consultancy for environmental impact assessments and conservation. A proponent of digital education, he coordinated MHRD-SWAYAM-MOOCs including Basic Human Genetics (2021, 2 credits, 25 modules, 2331 learners), Cytogenetics (2018, 4 credits, 50 modules, 563+ learners), and an updated Cytogenetics (July 2025, 4 credits, 1034 learners). He reviewed 35 video modules for EMMRC. Consultancy highlights include establishing the Conservation Science and Innovation Laboratory (COSI Lab) with CSIR-CCMB, AIC-CCMB, and IKP Knowledge Park via ₹1.85 crore REC Foundation CSR. He led a Environmental Impact Assessment for houseboat relocation at Doledem Dal Lake, showcasing aquatic toxicology and ecological risk assessment. He is honored with CSIR Pool Officer and Research Associate positions, ICAR SRF, UGC JRF, West Bengal National Merit Scholarship, and Dr. Navin Chandra Award for top B.Sc. (Hons.) marks. He attended over 20 national workshops at institutions like Tata Memorial Centre, AIIMS, NDRI, and RGCB. He gained skills in molecular biology, DNA barcoding, stem cells, microscopy, tissue culture, diagnostics, and bioinformatics. He holds a one-year Diploma in Statistics from AMU for biostatistics expertise. He delivered 10 invited talks and 15 presentations. He organized workshops, seminars, and training on DNA isolation, qPCR, microbiology, biodiversity, environmental pollution, microbiome, wildlife reproduction, and conservation in collaboration with CCMB and IKP. He published 112 peer-reviewed papers in journals like Environmental Chemistry Letters, Journal of Clinical Medicine, Chromosoma, International Immunopharmacology, Drug and Chemical Toxicology, Microbial Pathogenesis, Mutation Research, and Chemosphere (impact factors 0.5 – 20.40), plus 10 chapters and 3 books. Administratively, he served on roster, pre-BORS, and DRC committees. He was Vice-Chancellor’s nominee for selection committee and inquiries. He evaluated DST R&D projects for Jammu and Kashmir Government. He handled faculty recruitment and oversight. His expertise covers cytogenetics, molecular biology, toxicogenomics, human genomics, proteomics, stem cell biology, regenerative medicine, radiation biology, gene therapy, cell culture, biostatistics, and bioinformatics. He holds life memberships in the Indian Science Congress Association and Environmental Mutagen Society of India. His career marks enduring scholarly excellence, mentorship, and institutional advancement in biological sciences and higher education in India.