Aligarh: The Department of Botany at AMU, inaugurated the Global Initiative of Academic Networks (GIAN) course-2041030 on ‘Advanced Determination of Plant Hormones: Agriculture and Biotechnology’, sponsored by IIT Hyderabad.

This course exemplifies AMU’s dedication to academic excellence and cutting-edge research, offering an in-depth exploration of plant hormone dynamics.

The event was presided over by Prof Naima Khatoon, Vice Chancellor of AMU, with Prof Andrzej Bajguz from the University of Bialystok, Poland, as the Chief Guest.

Offered under GIAN 2025, this course provides a comprehensive understanding of plant hormones, covering their extraction, profiling, and applications in agriculture and biotechnology. Integrating theoretical lectures with hands-on tutorials equips participants with both knowledge and practical expertise in plant hormone research and its real-world applications.

Prof Naima Khatoon highlighted GIAN as a vital platform to host renowned international academicians, promoting advanced learning and global collaborations. She emphasized that subject experts of international repute would enhance students' understanding of research and innovation. Reaffirming the Department of Botany’s top ranking, she credited its faculty and researchers for their contributions.

The Chief Guest Prof Andrzej Bajguz from the University of Bialystok, offered an engaging brief on the lectures and discussions he would be conducting throughout the five-day program. His insights into plant hormone determination were highly anticipated by all participants. Prof Badruzzaman Siddiqui delivered the welcome address and briefed about the department's achievements.

Prof Vibha Sharma, Local GIAN Coordinator, praised the Department of Botany as the country's top-ranked and emphasized GIAN as a key national initiative for advancing research. She highlighted the deep connection between botany and literature, drawing a poetic parallel where the intricacy of languages mirrors the complexity of the plant world, making poetry akin to experiencing a flowering plant.

Prof Shamsul Hayat, the course coordinator, introduced the course with an overview and highlighted the Department of Botany’s rich history and its significant contributions to the field. Around 52 participants are expected to join the 5-day GIAN Course, he added.

On the occasion, a distinguished scholar and mentor Prof Aqil Ahmad was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to plant physiology. He has been a pioneer in plant hormone research at AMU. Prof Badruzzaman Siddiqui was honoured with a special award for his 35 years of excellence in teaching plant taxonomy and his leadership in shaping the department.

The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks by Prof Qazi Fariduddin, the Co-coordinator of the course.  The proceedings were conducted by Andleeb Anjum.