Dr Nuzhat Parveen, Assistant Professor in the Zoology Section of AMU’s Women’s College, has won a research grant of Rs 14.36 lakh from the Council of Science and Technology, Uttar Pradesh (CSTUP). The three-year project will study how mixtures of PFAS, the so-called “forever chemicals”, damage DNA and harm the body.
Prof G.G.H.A. Shadab, In-charge of the Section of Genetics, Department of Zoology, AMU, will be the Co-Principal Investigator. The grant was announced by the AMU Public Relations Office on 7 November 2026.
What the project will study
The project is titled “Mechanistic Evaluation of Genotoxic and Systemic Toxicity Induced by Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Mixtures In Vivo”. It will look at how mixtures of these long-lasting synthetic chemicals cause DNA damage and wider toxicity in a mammalian model.
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PFAS are used in non-stick cookware, water-resistant fabrics, food packaging and firefighting foam. They are called forever chemicals because they break down very slowly and can build up in water, soil and the human body.
Why it matters for Uttar Pradesh
The findings are expected to help pollution control and public health agencies in Uttar Pradesh frame evidence-based rules on chemical safety, water quality monitoring and industrial discharge.
About Dr Nuzhat Parveen
- Works in cytogenetics, genotoxicology and environmental toxicology
- Has published over 27 research papers
- Earlier received a Rs 32.79 lakh grant under the Young Scientist Scheme of the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), Government of India
- Also received a Rs 10.80 lakh Young Scientist Project grant from CSTUP
For students at Women’s College, it is another sign that serious funded research is happening on their own campus. Read about the faculties and departments of AMU, and this week’s report on Aligarh’s air pollution, another environmental health worry for the city.
Source: AMU Public Relations Office.
Frequently asked questions
Who received the CSTUP research grant at AMU?
Dr Nuzhat Parveen, Assistant Professor, Zoology Section, Women’s College, AMU, received Rs 14.36 lakh from CSTUP.
What are PFAS or forever chemicals?
PFAS are synthetic chemicals used in non-stick, water-resistant and stain-resistant products. They break down very slowly and can build up in the environment and the body.
How long is Dr Nuzhat Parveen’s CSTUP project?
It is a three-year project, with Prof G.G.H.A. Shadab as Co-Principal Investigator.
