Jamia prof elected as Fellow of National Academy of Sciences

NEW DELHI, SEPTEMBER 27: Jamia Millia Islamia faculty Dr. Mohammad Zahid Ashraf has been elected as Fellow of the prestigious National Academy of Sciences, India (FNASc) for his seminal research on thrombosis problem (blood clotting) inflicting soldiers positioned at high altitude.

The Academy awards every year the prestigious Fellowships to recognize the outstanding scientific contributions of the scientists and academicians. More than 50 scientists working in different areas of Science & Technology were selected from across the country in 2018.

Dr. Ashraf is Professor in the Department of Biotechnology at Faculty of Natural Sciences. He is pioneer in the field of high altitude thrombosis and has done novel work in resolving the mystery of blood clotting on exposure to hypoxia at high altitudes in soldiers posted at places like Siachen Glacier. His research has unraveled many problems associated with high altitude thrombosis and mechanism associated with its pathology.

He has explored the role of platelet proteome in development of blood clot and discovered the role of novel regulator “Calpain” in pathogenesis of thrombosis at Himaliyan mountain range.

This is for the first time ever his research established the cause of venous thrombosis (formation of blood clots in legs, brain, lungs etc.) among soldiers posted at high altitudes of Siachen. This work has significantly contributed in developing strategy for an early diagnosis and treatment of thrombosis in Indian Army Jawans posted at extremely hostile environmental conditions at high altitudes.

His work has been published in high impact journal ‘Blood’ with an editorial commentary and media coverage. In addition, Dr. Ashraf has revealed a unique role of inflammatory molecule NLRP3 inflammasome in potentiating venous thrombosis under hypoxic settings. This has been published in high esteem journal ‘Proceedings of National Academy of Sciences, USA. Furthermore, he has also developed a specific micro based therapy against thrombosis. These pre-clinical findings were validated in patients.

Dr. Ashraf has received the 2014 PA Kurup Oration from Indian Society for Atherosclerosis Research; Surg. Rear Admiral M. S. Malhotra Awards, 2014 from DRDO for best paper; and Innovations Award, 2008 from Cleveland Clinic Foundation, USA. Dr. Ashraf is the member of prestigious National Academy of Medical Sciences, India and Invited member of Pulmonary Vascular Research Institute, UK. Dr. Zahid had four patents for his discoveries; one from USA and three as principal Investigator from India.