Itanagar, April 28: In a significant achievement for Arunachal Pradesh and Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU), Miss Taba Jirpu, a Ph.D. research scholar in the Department of Zoology, has been selected for the highly prestigious Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowship 2026–2027.
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| Taba Jirpu, a PhD scholar at Rajiv Gandhi University, who has been selected for the prestigious Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowship 2026–27. |
The fellowship, jointly administered by the governments of India and the United States, is one of the most competitive international academic programmes, providing exceptional Indian scholars the opportunity to conduct advanced research at leading universities and research institutions in the United States.
Jirpu, who is pursuing her doctoral studies under the supervision of Dr. Arnab Ghosh, has become the first scholar from Rajiv Gandhi University and the first from Arunachal Pradesh to receive the coveted fellowship. Her selection marks a historic milestone for the university and highlights the growing academic and research excellence emerging from the state.
Her research focuses on cancer biology, with particular emphasis on developing improved therapeutic strategies for pancreatic cancer, one of the most aggressive and difficult-to-treat forms of cancer. The study explores the role of extracellular vesicles—tiny particles naturally released by cells—in enhancing targeted treatment methods and improving outcomes for pancreatic cancer patients.
Through the fellowship, Jirpu will have the opportunity to collaborate with internationally renowned scientists and researchers in the United States, gaining access to advanced research facilities and expertise. She is scheduled to travel to the US in August 2026 to begin her fellowship programme and further her research in the field of cancer therapeutics.
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Congratulating the young scholar on her achievement, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu described the accomplishment as a proud moment for the state. He noted that her success reflects the growing potential of Arunachal Pradesh's youth in academic research and scientific innovation.
Khandu expressed confidence that Jirpu's work would contribute meaningfully to advancements in cancer research while bringing recognition to Arunachal Pradesh on the global academic stage. He also hoped that her achievement would inspire more students and researchers from the state to pursue excellence in higher education and scientific research.
Academicians and researchers at Rajiv Gandhi University have also hailed the achievement, describing it as a landmark moment for the institution. They noted that Jirpu's selection demonstrates the quality of research being undertaken at the university and reinforces its growing reputation as a centre of academic excellence in Northeast India.
The achievement is expected to inspire a new generation of researchers from Arunachal Pradesh to engage in cutting-edge scientific research and pursue opportunities at the international level.
