Srinagar: Parvaiz Yousuf from Pampore, Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, has secured a fully funded PhD scholarship at James Cook University in Australia, marking a significant achievement as the first Kashmiri to be awarded in the field of Ecology and Evolution.

According to Kashmir Media Service, Yousuf, a recent graduate with an integrated BSc-MSc in Zoology from the Central University of Kashmir, was granted the James Cook University Postgraduate Research Scholarship, which includes full tuition, a stipend, and overseas health coverage. His work primarily focuses on ornithology, stimulated by his experiences at the Chatlam Wetland Reserve.

Yousuf’s academic journey is complemented by his role as Director of the Wetland Research Centre for the Wildlife Conservation Fund, where he has dedicated efforts to studying migratory birds and promoting ecotourism and environmental protection. His publication, Birds of Jammu and Kashmir Including Ladakh, stands as the first extensive catalog of the region’s avian species.

This accolade not only underscores the global academic potential of Kashmiri youth but also sets a precedent for aspiring students in the region to pursue their academic and research interests with zeal and determination.