Share your story and shine at JK Monitor!🌟 Welcome to JK Monitor, where every story matters and every achievement is celebrated! We invite you to share the remarkable journey of your life and showcase your accomplishments to the world. Join our exclusive interviews that honor exceptional individuals just like you. KATRA: Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU) has taken another important steptoward strengthening research in women’s health with the approval of a sponsoredresearch project worth ₹20 lakh by the Jammu & Kashmir Science, Technology &Innovation Council (JKST&IC), Department of Science & Technology, Governmentof Jammu & Kashmir.
The project has been sanctioned under theSponsored Researchand Extension Programme (SREP) 2025–26 for a period of two years.The project will be led by Dr. Indu Bhushan, Associate Professor, School ofBiotechnology, SMVDU, as the Principal Investigator. The study addresses a criticaland underexplored public health concern, i.e., female infertility by focusing on therole of vaginal microbiota in women from Jammu & Kashmir, a region marked byunique socio-cultural, climatic, and geographic diversity.
The vaginal microbiome plays a crucial role in maintaining reproductive health byprotecting against infections and sustaining a balanced microbial environment.Disruptions in this balance can increase susceptibility to infections and infertility.Given the unique cultural practices, climatic variability, and demographic diversity of Jammu & Kashmir, region-specific scientific evidence is essential. This project aimsto generate such data using advanced molecular approaches to identify microbialsignatures linked with infertility.
In addition to microbiome profiling, the study willexamine lifestyle and hygiene-related practices that may adversely affect vaginalhealth and will emphasize awareness and early detection strategies. The findings areexpected to contribute to improved diagnostic approaches, informed public healthinterventions, and better reproductive health outcomes for women in the region.
The grant reflects JKST&IC’s confidence in SMVDU’s research capabilities andreinforces the university’s commitment to addressing regionally relevant healthchallenges through science and innovation. Principal Investigator Dr. Indu Bhushanalso expressed enthusiasm about initiating the project and conveyed confidence thatthe research would contribute meaningfully to improving women’s reproductivehealth in the region.