Kashmiri Scholar’s Artwork Among World’s Top 10 at RANZCR’s 90th Anniversary Contest in Melbourne

SRINAGAR: Safiya Mehraj, a PhD scholar from Kashmir, has earned global recognition after her artwork was selected among the top ten entries at the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (RANZCR) ASM 2025 Art Contest, held in Melbourne.

The contest, part of RANZCR’s 90th anniversary celebrations, carried the theme “90 Years of Pushing Boundaries and Defining Tomorrow.” Safiya’s artwork, which explores the fusion of science, resilience, and compassion, was displayed at the College’s 75th Annual Scientific Meeting held from October 23 to 25 in Melbourne, Australia.

Currently pursuing her doctorate at the CSIR–Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM), Sanatnagar Branch, Safiya described the honour as “a humbling experience” and a “moment of pride” for Kashmir. “My artwork reflects how medical innovation continues to redefine human progress,” she said.

Safiya is among the first Kashmiri researcher-artists to achieve such recognition on an international platform. This marks her second international exhibition, following her participation at the Joint ICGEB–ALS Society of Canada Symposium in Rijeka, Croatia, in 2022.

She has previously won the first prize in poster presentation at the Primeasia University International E-Conference 2022, which featured 150 scientists from 25 countries.

Dedicating the achievement to her family, her late grandfather, her supervisor, the JKScientists Team, and her labmates, Safiya said their constant encouragement helped her “turn science into art.”

“From the valleys of Kashmir to the world stage, this journey reflects the power of passion, intellect, and creativity — proving that science too can be a masterpiece,” she said.