Srinagar, October 5, 2026: The three-day 3rd J&K International Conference on Breast and Allied Cancers (3rd JK-IBAC-26) began on Monday at Gandhi Bhawan, University of Kashmir, bringing together scientists, clinicians, researchers, policymakers and students from across India and abroad.

The conference, being held from October 5 to 7, has been organised by the Department of Bioresources, University of Kashmir, in collaboration with the Breast Cancer Patients Benefit Foundation. It is sponsored by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India, JKST&IC, Government of J&K, and J&K Bank.

The conference has also been approved by the J&K Medical Council for 12 CME credits.

The inaugural session began with the University Tarana, followed by a welcome address by Dr. Manzoor Ahmad Mir, Organizing Secretary of the conference and faculty member of the Department of Bioresources.

Prof. Nilofer Khan, Vice Chancellor, University of Kashmir, presided over the inaugural function as Chief Guest. Prof. Rana Pratap Singh, Vice Chancellor, Gautam Buddha University, attended as Guest of Honour.

Addressing the gathering, Prof. Nilofer Khan stressed the importance of strengthening collaboration within the university as well as with institutions outside the university to advance cancer research. She also emphasised the need for greater funding opportunities, particularly for cancer research, and appreciated the Department of Bioresources for organising the conference.

Prof. Rana Pratap Singh spoke about the application of DNA chips in cancer research and their role in understanding cancer at the molecular level.

The inaugural session also featured addresses by Prof. Fayaz Ahmad, Dean, School of Biological Sciences, and Prof. Bashir Ahmad Ganai, Dean Research, University of Kashmir, along with Dr. Sameer Koul, Senior Consultant, Surgical & Clinical Oncology, and Coordinator, Apollo Hospital, New Delhi.

On the occasion, the dignitaries released the Souvenir-cum-Abstract Book of the conference and a book titled “AI in Breast Cancer Stem Cells and Proteomics.”

A Breast Cancer Screening Camp was also organised for the public as part of the conference's focus on early detection and awareness. The camp was inaugurated by Vice Chancellor Prof. Nilofer Khan.

The technical sessions commenced with a keynote lecture by Dr. Sameer Koul titled “Can Humanity Outsmart Cancer? The Emerging Convergence of AI, Precision Medicine and Genetic Engineering.” He highlighted the growing role of artificial intelligence, precision medicine and genetic engineering in improving cancer diagnosis and personalised treatment.

Prof. Rana Pratap Singh delivered an invited keynote on DNA chips in cancer and the transcriptomic landscape and its biological relevance in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Prof. S. Dhanalakshmi, Gautam Buddha University, delivered a lead lecture on a novel small-molecule inhibitor of Peptidyl Arginine Deiminase 4 for cancer treatment.

Prof. Bashir Ahmad Ganai and Prof. Nazir Ahmad Dar, Acting Dean, School of Biological Sciences, University of Kashmir, highlighted the University's contribution to breast cancer research and called for stronger collaboration among departments such as Biotechnology, Bioresources and Biochemistry to develop research initiatives that could benefit cancer patients.

A dedicated session on funding opportunities and grant mechanisms in cancer research featured Dr. Anamika Gambhir (DBT), Dr. Nisha Jose (ICMR) and Pramod Kumar Prasad (ANRF), who outlined national programmes and funding opportunities available to cancer researchers.

The afternoon session, titled “Unravelling Cancer: New Insights, New Directions,” featured lectures by experts from different parts of the country. Parallel poster and oral presentation sessions were also held, providing researchers, clinicians, scholars and students an opportunity to present their latest findings and interact with experts.

The conference will continue on October 6 and 7 with sessions focusing on precision oncology and computational approaches, molecular profiling and targeted therapies, the cancer burden in Jammu & Kashmir, cancer prevention, awareness and public health policy.

The remaining programme will also include oral and poster presentations, a panel discussion on the current cancer scenario in J&K, and a quiz on breast cancer awareness.

The valedictory function and award distribution ceremony will be held on October 7, with Prof. Mohammad Ashraf Ganie, Director, SKIMS, scheduled to attend as Chief Guest.

Dr. Reiaz ur Rehman, Head, Department of Bioresources, proposed the formal vote