Dr. Irfat Jan | Agricultural Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award
Post Doctoral Fellow | SKUAST Kashmir | India
Dr. Irfat Jan is a dedicated plant scientist currently serving as a Women Scientist under the WISE-Post Doctoral Fellowship (WISE-PDF), supported by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India. Her primary domain lies within genetics and plant breeding, with a distinct focus on disease resistance and crop improvement in wheat. Through a series of prestigious fellowships and funded projects, she has accumulated extensive expertise in molecular breeding, bioinformatics, and advanced genomics. Her work is well recognized in both national and international academic platforms, where she has made significant contributions to wheat improvement programs through gene pyramiding and marker-assisted selection.
Profile
Orcid
Education
Dr. Irfat Jan has achieved notable academic milestones, beginning with a Bachelor of Science in Life Sciences from the University of Kashmir. She then pursued a Master’s degree in Biotechnology from Chaudhary Charan Singh University (CCSU), Meerut, graduating. Her academic trajectory continued with an M.Phil. in Genetics and Plant Breeding from the same university, where she was recognized as a faculty topper. She completed her Ph.D. in Genetics and Plant Breeding from CCSU. Her academic background laid a strong foundation in genomics, bioinformatics, and molecular biology, equipping her with skills essential for cutting-edge research in crop science.
Experience
Dr. Jan has gathered diverse research experience through her involvement in national-level projects funded by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT). As a Research Fellow, she contributed to genomic-based germplasm characterization and trait discovery initiatives focused on enhancing climate resilience and nutritional quality in wheat. During her Ph.D., she conducted a comprehensive study on pyramiding rust resistance genes into high-quality wheat lines under the guidance of eminent scientists, including Prof. P.K. Gupta and Prof. H.S. Balyan. Her work extended to in silico studies of gene families, meta-QTL analysis, and the practical application of marker-assisted breeding. Currently, she is spearheading a WISE-PDF project aimed at introgressing multiple disease resistance meta-QTLs into elite wheat cultivars specific to the Kashmir valley.
Research Interest
Her primary research interests revolve around genetic enhancement of wheat through molecular breeding, with a focus on rust resistance, nutritional biofortification, and drought tolerance. She is particularly engaged in exploring QTL meta-analysis, gene pyramiding, and bioinformatic modeling of functional genes. Dr. Jan is proficient in employing a variety of tools including qRT-PCR, genotyping, genome-specific primer design, and protein modeling. The integration of molecular biology with field-based plant breeding has defined her interdisciplinary approach, enabling the development of resilient and high-performing wheat genotypes suited for regional agro-ecologies.
Award
Dr. Jan’s contributions have been consistently acknowledged through several awards and fellowships. Most recently, she was honored with the WISE-PDF award by the DST. She received the Young Achiever Award in from the Institute of Scholars (InSc). Earlier, she held JRF and SRF positions under DBT-funded projects. Her academic excellence was previously recognized with the Former President Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma Gold Medal and Vice-Chancellor Gold Medal. She also cleared the ICAR NET and was awarded the National Merit-cum-Means Scholarship.
Publication
Dr. Jan has authored and co-authored numerous high-impact scientific papers. Selected seven include:
Pyramiding of Genes/QTL for Resistance Against Three Rusts, High Grain Protein Content and Pre‐Harvest Sprouting Tolerance in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Using Marker‐Assisted Selection
Year: 2025
Marker‐Assisted Introgression of High Grain Protein Content and Leaf Rust Resistance Genes into HD3086 for Improving Nutritional Quality and Disease Resistance in Wheat
Year: 2023
Marker‐Assisted Pyramiding of Leaf Rust and Stripe Rust Resistance Genes into Wheat Variety HD2967
Year: 2022
Citations: 8
Marker‐Assisted Pyramiding of Genes for Resistance Against Leaf Rust and Karnal Bunt in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Year: 2022
Citations: 4
Validation of Molecular Markers Linked with Grain Protein Content in Diverse Genetic Backgrounds of Wheat
Year: 2022
Citations: 6
Marker‐Assisted Improvement for Resistance Against Rusts and High Grain Protein Content in HD2733 Wheat Variety
Year: 2022
Citations: 7
Marker‐Assisted Introgression of Leaf Rust and Stripe Rust Resistance Genes into Wheat Variety HD3086
Year: 2021
Citations: 28
Conclusion
Dr. Irfat Jan stands out as a promising young scientist in the realm of genetics and plant breeding, with her work directly contributing to agricultural sustainability and food security. Her research has bridged theoretical knowledge with practical breeding solutions through advanced molecular techniques. By integrating bioinformatics with field-based breeding, she aims to develop high-yielding, disease-resistant wheat cultivars tailored for vulnerable agro-ecological zones. Her robust academic background, extensive project involvement, and a strong publication record underscore her eligibility for scientific recognitions and awards, as she continues to make impactful contributions to the agricultural biotechnology sector.