Lucknow: Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, Director of CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, has assumed additional charge as Director of CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CSIR-CIMAP), Lucknow. The additional responsibility has been assigned following the completion of the tenure of former Director Dr. Prabodh Kumar Trivedi.
According to an official order, the arrangement has come into effect from February 14, 2026, and Dr. Ahmed 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 widely recognized for its work in natural products, drug discovery, and integrative medicine. Officials stated that the interim arrangement aims to ensure continuity of leadership 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 the areas of inflammatory and metabolic disorders, including diabetes, obesity, and rheumatoid arthritis. He has led the implementation of key Government of India initiatives such as the CSIR Phytopharmaceutical Mission, the CSIR Aroma Mission, and the Floriculture Mission. He also played a pivotal role in promoting lavender cultivation under the “Purple Revolution,” boosting farmer incomes in the region.
Under his leadership, several successful start-ups and translational research projects have emerged. Dr. Ahmed has also been instrumental in establishing two industrial biotech parks at Ghatti (Kathua) and Handwara in Jammu and Kashmir.
An accomplished scientist, he has published over 150 peer-reviewed research papers, supervised 15 PhD scholars and 65 postgraduate students, and holds 15 patents.
His recognitions include the National Science Award (as part of the CSIR Aroma Mission team), the UT-level Science and Technology Award from the Government of Jammu and Kashmir, the Maharaja Hari Singh Award for Excellence, and a commendation from the Indian Army for excellence in science and technology.
The appointment is expected to further strengthen research coordination and innovation initiatives at CSIR-CIMAP during the interim period.
