Snehasikta Swarnakar | Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Snehasikta Swarnakar | Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award

University of Calcutta- India

Author Profile

Early Academic Pursuits 📚

Dr. (Miss) Snehasikta Swarnakar’s academic journey began with a strong foundation in chemistry, physics, and mathematics during her Bachelor’s degree at Calcutta University from 1980 to 1983. Her academic curiosity and drive for excellence propelled her into a diverse educational path, culminating in an MSc in Biochemistry with a special paper on Advanced Microbiology from Calcutta University (1985–1987). The thirst for deeper scientific inquiry led her to pursue a Ph.D. from Jadavpur University, Kolkata, from 1988 to 1993. Her doctoral research focused on “Studies on a sialic acid-binding lectin from the albumin gland of apple snail Pila globosa,” which contributed significantly to the understanding of biochemistry and microbiology.

Her educational path also included specialized training in Physical Education (Dip P. Ed), which enriched her holistic approach to science and well-being. This broad spectrum of academic qualifications in chemistry, microbiology, and biochemistry laid the groundwork for her highly successful scientific career. 🧬🔬

Professional Endeavors 💼

Dr. Swarnakar’s professional career has spanned prestigious institutions across the world, making significant contributions to the field of biochemistry, immunology, and infectious diseases. After completing her Ph.D., she joined JNU, New Delhi as a Senior Research Fellow in 1994. This was followed by post-doctoral fellowships at renowned institutions like the University of California, Davis (1994–1997), Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, USA, and State University of New York, Stony Brook (1997–1999). These positions provided her with global exposure and advanced training in biochemistry and molecular biology.

Dr. Swarnakar returned to India and joined CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology (CSIR-IICB) in Kolkata in 2002. Here, she climbed the ranks from Scientist-C to Scientist-G, taking on leadership roles. As the Chief Scientist and Head of the P&I Division and Infectious Diseases and Immunity Division, she has led numerous groundbreaking research projects. Her interdisciplinary expertise and leadership have shaped her as a key figure in the scientific community. 🌍💉

Contributions and Research Focus 🔬

Dr. Swarnakar’s research spans the fields of biochemistry, immunology, and infectious diseases, with particular focus on understanding immune responses and developing therapeutic interventions. Her early research on sialic acid-binding lectins, which helped unlock new biochemical mechanisms, laid the foundation for her later work on immunity and infectious diseases.

Her ongoing work includes leading the Infectious Diseases and Immunity Division at CSIR-IICB, where her contributions in the field of vaccine development, immune system understanding, and disease pathology have garnered international attention. Dr. Swarnakar’s collaborations with global institutions, including a Fulbright Fellowship at Emory University, have further expanded her influence in cutting-edge research on immunity and infectious diseases. 🌱🧬

Accolades and Recognition 🏆

Dr. Swarnakar’s work has earned her widespread recognition within the scientific community. She is a Fellow of the National Academy of Sciences (FNASc) and the Academy of Sciences for the Developing World (FAScT). These prestigious honors reflect her contributions to science and her role in advancing research in the fields of immunology and biochemistry. In addition, her career has been marked by numerous fellowships and international collaborations, enhancing her reputation as a leading scientist in her field.

Her recognition is not limited to academic circles; Dr. Swarnakar has also been honored for her leadership and mentorship of young scientists. These accolades attest to her outstanding contributions to science and society. 👩‍🔬💡

Impact and Influence 🌍

Dr. Swarnakar’s impact extends beyond the laboratory. Through her leadership roles, both at CSIR-IICB and in international collaborations, she has influenced the direction of research in immunology, infectious diseases, and vaccine development. Her research has helped enhance our understanding of the immune system, which is crucial for the development of vaccines and therapeutic strategies for combating infectious diseases.

Her work continues to inspire young scientists and researchers, particularly women in science, to pursue careers in biochemistry and immunology. As a mentor and leader, she fosters an environment of scientific inquiry, integrity, and innovation. Dr. Swarnakar’s influence has shaped the scientific landscape in India and abroad. 🌏🔬

Legacy and Future Contributions 🌟

As a trailblazer in her field, Dr. Swarnakar’s legacy is defined by her dedication to research, her pioneering contributions, and her mentorship of the next generation of scientists. Her future contributions are expected to drive advancements in immunology, vaccine research, and infectious diseases. By continuing her interdisciplinary approach and global collaborations, she aims to unlock new therapeutic targets for combating diseases and improving public health.

Her ongoing projects at CSIR-IICB will likely leave a lasting legacy in the scientific community, and her influence will continue to inspire research innovations for many years to come. Dr. Swarnakar’s commitment to bridging the gap between basic science and practical applications in healthcare ensures that her future work will have a lasting impact on global health. 🌱💉.In conclusion, Dr. Snehasikta Swarnakar’s career exemplifies excellence in scientific research, leadership, and mentorship. Her work continues to shape the future of biochemistry, immunology, and infectious disease research, marking her as one of the foremost scientists in her field.

Citations

A total of 5740 citations for his publications, demonstrating the impact and recognition of his research within the academic community.

  • Citations        5740
  • h-index          42
  • i10-index       81

Notable Publications 

  • Melatonin Inhibits AGS Cell Proliferation by Binding to the ATP Binding Site of CDK2 Under Hyperglycemic Conditions
    • Authors: A Chatterjee, T Roy, D Jyothi, VK Mishra, UP Singh, S Swarnakar
    • Journal: Cell Biochemistry and Biophysics
    • Year: 2024.
  • 3-indolyl furanoids as inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinase-9 for prevention of gastric ulcer and other inflammatory diseases
    • Authors: P Jaisankar, S Swarnakar, S Chatterjee, S Verma, M Mandal, …
    • Journal: US Patent 10,590,116
    • Year: 2020.
  • Curcumin regulates expression and activity of matrix metalloproteinases 9 and 2 during prevention and healing of indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer
    • Authors: S Swarnakar, K Ganguly, P Kundu, A Banerjee, P Maity, AV Sharma
    • Journal: Journal of Biological Chemistry
    • Year: 2005.
  • The Plasma-Based Cytolytic System of the American Horseshoe Crab, Limulus polyphemus: Cooperative Interaction of the Sialic Acid-Binding Lectin Limulin and …
    • Authors: S Swarnakar, JP Quigley, PB Armstrong
    • Journal: The Biological Bulletin
    • Year: 1996.
  • Shatavarin-IV, a steroidal saponin from Asparagus racemosus, inhibits cell cycle progression and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in AGS cells under hyperglycemic conditions
    • Authors: A Chatterjee, T Roy, VK Mishra, S Swarnakar
    • Journal: Steroids
    • Year: 2024.

Asimul Islam | Biochemistry | Lifetime achievement Award

Prof Dr. Asimul Islam | Biochemistry | Lifetime achievement Award

Jamia Millia Islamia (a Central University), India

Author Profile

Early Academic Pursuits 📚

Dr. Asimul Islam’s academic journey reflects his dedication to biosciences, with a foundation laid in Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) and Cambrian Hall School. Completing his B.Sc. in Biosciences with First Division in 1999 from JMI, he moved to an M.Sc. in Biosciences from the same university, also graduating with distinction in 2001. His M.Sc. dissertation, which focused on PCR amplification of the chr A gene from Indian isolates of E. coli, marked the beginning of his focus on molecular biology and bioinformatics. Dr. Islam’s formative years were enriched at Cambrian Hall School, where he consistently achieved high honors, earning distinctions in multiple subjects, a foundation that set the stage for his exceptional career in biosciences.Dr. Islam’s Ph.D., completed at JMI, further showcased his growing expertise in biophysics and biochemistry. His doctoral work, “Studies of Conformation and Conformational Stability of Nef Protein of HIV-1,” explored protein structure and stability—a critical area in understanding HIV biology and treatment. This phase allowed Dr. Islam to develop technical acumen and establish a research foundation that continues to influence his work in molecular biophysics.

Professional Endeavors and Leadership 🔬

As a professor at JMI, Dr. Islam brings over 17 years of teaching experience across a wide spectrum of courses, including interdisciplinary sciences, biotechnology, bioinformatics, and biophysics. His diverse teaching portfolio spans course work at all levels—from Ph.D. and M.Phil. programs to the ten semesters of the integrated M.Sc. programs. This extensive involvement has allowed Dr. Islam to shape the academic trajectories of numerous students, emphasizing critical scientific approaches and hands-on research skills.Dr. Islam has made significant contributions as a Co-Ordinator of Extension Activities at the Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, JMI, organizing multiple initiatives aimed at engaging the community and fostering scientific collaboration. His role in JMI’s Institutional Animal Ethics Committee also reflects his commitment to ethical scientific practices and the responsible use of animal models in research, a critical element of modern biosciences.

Contributions and Research Focus 🌐

Dr. Islam’s research is marked by extensive contributions in protein biophysics, structural biology, and molecular biosciences. With over 280 peer-reviewed publications, his research covers various topics, including protein conformational studies, peptide stability, and biophysical interactions—areas essential to understanding disease mechanisms and potential therapeutic avenues. His work on HIV-1 Nef protein conformation, for instance, has been instrumental in uncovering structural insights with potential implications for HIV research.Over the years, Dr. Islam has successfully led six major research projects funded by prestigious Indian science agencies, including DST-SERB, DBT, CSIR, and UGC. His ongoing projects further expand his contributions to biochemistry, involving areas that are central to developing treatments for complex diseases. His mentorship extends to 8 Ph.D. students currently enrolled under him, along with another 12 working under his co-supervision. To date, Dr. Islam has supervised over 100 M.Sc. dissertations and summer training projects, providing a critical learning ground for students to gain practical research experience.

Accolades and Recognition 🏆

Dr. Islam’s scientific achievements and professional dedication have earned him a place in the National Academy of Sciences, India (NASI), one of the country’s most prestigious scientific organizations. He is also a life member of various national and international scientific bodies, including the Iranian Society of Biophysical Chemistry (ISOBC), Indian Immunology Society, and Society of Biological Chemists. His active engagement in these bodies reflects his contributions to the broader scientific community, where he regularly collaborates and shares his expertise.Dr. Islam has published abstracts in more than 50 conferences, delivering invited talks at premier institutions, both in India and abroad. His role as a coordinator in organizing national and international conferences at JMI, including the National Symposium on Biophysics and the Golden Jubilee Meeting of the Indian Biophysical Society, has further cemented his reputation as a leader in his field. His organization of two three-week Refresher Courses in Basic Sciences has contributed significantly to faculty development and academic excellence.

Impact and Influence 🌍

Dr. Islam’s work has had a substantial impact on the academic and research communities. His dedication to training and mentorship has influenced generations of students, many of whom have continued to contribute to the biosciences in their careers. His ability to foster interdisciplinary collaboration has also led to innovative approaches and novel insights within molecular biophysics and structural biology.Beyond academia, Dr. Islam’s research on protein structure and stability, especially his work with HIV-1, contributes to fields with direct implications for health and medical research. His extensive publication record and active engagement in scientific societies exemplify his commitment to advancing biosciences, promoting rigorous scientific standards, and encouraging collaborative research.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🚀

Dr. Asimul Islam’s legacy is rooted in his commitment to teaching, his vast research output, and his leadership within academic and scientific communities. His influence extends beyond JMI, impacting the broader bioscience field through his contributions to structural biology and his involvement in professional organizations. Looking forward, Dr. Islam aims to expand his research portfolio and continue to train and mentor the next generation of scientists.With a strong foundation in interdisciplinary sciences and a passion for advancing molecular biosciences, Dr. Islam is well-positioned to leave a lasting legacy. His future endeavors will likely focus on groundbreaking research projects, contributing to advancements in biophysics, bioinformatics, and disease research—areas that will benefit from his vast expertise and dedication to scientific exploration. Through his enduring contributions, Dr. Islam continues to inspire a legacy of innovation and excellence in biosciences.

Citations

A total of 6455 citations for his publications, demonstrating the impact and recognition of his research within the academic community.

  • Citations        6455
  • h-index          278
  • i10-index       43

Notable Publications 

  • Title: Recent advancement in understanding of Alzheimer’s disease: Risk factors, subtypes, and drug targets and potential therapeutics
    Authors: Prabha, S.; Sajad, M.; Hasan, G.M.; … Imtaiyaz Hassan, M.; Thakur, S.C.
    Journal: Ageing Research Reviews
    Year: 2024.
  • Title: Targeting prostate cancer via therapeutic targeting of PIM-1 kinase by Naringenin and Quercetin
    Authors: Rathi, A.; Chaudhury, A.; Anjum, F.; … Hassan, M.I.; Haque, M.M.
    Journal: International Journal of Biological Macromolecules
    Year: 2024.
  • Title: Navigating the Maze of Alzheimer’s disease by exploring BACE1: Discovery, current scenario, and future prospects
    Authors: Iram, F.; Shahid, M.; Ansari, J.; … Hassan, M.I.; Islam, A.
    Journal: Ageing Research Reviews
    Year: 2024.
  • Title: Improving faster R-CNN generalization for intestinal parasite detection using cycle-GAN based data augmentation
    Authors: Kumar, S.; Arif, T.; Ahamad, G.; … Ali, M.A.M.; Islam, A.
    Journal: Discover Applied Sciences
    Year: 2024.
  • Title: Probing protein aggregation through spectroscopic insights and multimodal approaches: A comprehensive review for counteracting neurodegenerative disorders
    Authors: Bashir, S.; Aiman, A.; Chaudhary, A.A.; … Hassan, M.I.; Islam, A.
    Journal: Heliyon
    Year: 2024.

Md Azaharuddin | Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award

Mr .Md Azaharuddin | Biochemistry | Best Researcher Award

University of Kalyani- India

Author Profile

Early Academic Pursuits

Md Azaharuddin began his academic journey with a strong foundation in Botany, graduating with distinction from Jiaganj Sripat Singh College under the University of Kalyani in 2016. His passion for botanical sciences led him to pursue a Master’s degree in Botany from the Department of Botany, University of Kalyani, where he graduated in 2018. Building on his expertise, Azaharuddin embarked on his Ph.D. journey in Biochemistry at the Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, University of Kalyani, demonstrating exceptional academic performance with an impressive coursework score of 81.25% in 2020.

Professional Endeavors

Currently serving as a Senior Research Fellow (SRF) at the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Kalyani, Md Azaharuddin brings over 4 years of dedicated research experience. Under the joint guidance of Dr. Rakhi Dasgupta and Prof. Tarakdas Basu, he specializes in the study of Heat Shock Proteins (HSPs) within bacterial systems. His research spans proteomics, stress biochemistry, chaperone systems, and molecular biology, focusing on elucidating the roles and functions of HSPs in cellular stress responses.

Contributions and Research Focus

Azaharuddin’s research contributions are marked by his keen exploration of Heat Shock Proteins, particularly their oligomeric polydispersity and chaperone activities in Escherichia coli. His notable publications include a comprehensive review titled “A review on oligomeric polydispersity and oligomers-dependent holding chaperone activity of the small heat-shock protein IbpB of Escherichia coli,” published in Cell Stress and Chaperones. This work has significantly contributed to understanding how these proteins facilitate cellular adaptation under stress conditions.

Accolades and Recognition

Md Azaharuddin’s academic achievements have been acknowledged through various accolades, including his exceptional performance in the GATE 2019 examination, where he secured a score of 367 conducted by IIT-Madras. Additionally, he successfully cleared the 22nd State Eligibility Test (SET) in 2020 conducted by the West Bengal College Service Commission, further affirming his expertise and qualification in biochemistry.

Impact and Influence

Azaharuddin’s research is poised to make a profound impact on the field of molecular biology and biochemistry, particularly in enhancing our understanding of cellular stress responses mediated by Heat Shock Proteins. His work not only contributes to fundamental research but also holds potential applications in biotechnology, agriculture, and medicine, where stress tolerance mechanisms are crucial for improving crop yield and developing therapeutic interventions.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking ahead, Md Azaharuddin aims to continue advancing his research on Heat Shock Proteins, with a focus on unraveling novel aspects of their structure-function relationships and their applications in biotechnological innovations. His dedication to scientific inquiry and his proactive approach to tackling complex biological questions position him as a promising scientist poised to leave a lasting legacy in the realm of molecular biology.In conclusion, Md Azaharuddin’s academic journey and research achievements underscore his commitment to advancing scientific knowledge, particularly in the intricate mechanisms of cellular stress responses. With a robust foundation in botany and biochemistry, coupled with his research acumen and scholarly contributions, Azaharuddin continues to shape the future of microbiological research through his innovative pursuits and dedication to scientific excellence.