Rakesh Singh | Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Rakesh Singh | Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, India

Author Profile

Early Academic Pursuits 🎓

Dr. Singh’s academic journey began with a B.Sc. in Chemistry Honours from Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi, in 1991. Following his initial studies, he pursued an M.Sc. in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology at G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, where he developed a thesis focused on the cloning of the gln A gene from Bacillus brevis. His work demonstrated early promise in genetic research and laid a foundation for his future endeavors in biotechnology. In 1996, he completed an M.Tech in Biochemical Engineering at the Institute of Technology, BHU, specializing in the optimization of processes for producing thermostable alkaline protease through the bacterium Bacillus coagulans. His research set the stage for his Ph.D. work and his entry into the field of molecular biology.Dr. Singh’s pursuit of higher education culminated with a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology in 2007 from the National Research Centre on Plant Biotechnology, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi. His thesis, which focused on the fine mapping of genes responsible for aroma and grain dimensions in Basmati rice (Oryza sativa L.), marked a significant milestone in the genetic study of a crop of immense cultural and economic importance to India. 🍚

Professional Endeavors and Career Progression 🌐

Dr. Singh’s professional career took root in 1997 when he joined the Agricultural Research Services (ARS) as a Scientist at the National Research Centre on DNA Fingerprinting, NBPGR, New Delhi. For over a decade, he progressed through various positions within the organization, eventually becoming a Senior Scientist in 2007. In this role, he was instrumental in advancing the division’s research focus on DNA fingerprinting and genomic resources. His expertise in DNA analysis, fingerprinting, and molecular markers contributed to India’s growing capabilities in genomic research, especially in areas that impact agricultural biodiversity and food security. 🌾In 2013, Dr. Singh was promoted to Principal Scientist/Professor within the Division of Genomic Resources at NBPGR, where he continued his leadership in plant genomics. His promotion to Head of the Division in 2023 underscored his achievements and the trust placed in his vision for advancing genomic resources at the national level. His post-doctoral training at Washington State University under the prestigious DBT-CREST Fellowship further enhanced his skills, allowing him to bring cutting-edge functional genomics techniques back to India. 🏛️

Contributions and Research Focus 🔬

Dr. Singh’s research portfolio reflects a deep commitment to preserving plant genetic diversity. His work on the DNA fingerprinting of plant species has been instrumental in building comprehensive databases of genetic resources, which are crucial for breeding programs and the conservation of indigenous plant varieties. He has focused extensively on molecular markers, genomics, and functional genomics, aiming to identify traits that enhance agricultural resilience and productivity. Through projects that decode the molecular signatures of various crops, he has helped farmers and scientists gain insights into crop adaptation, disease resistance, and nutritional content. 🌍

Accolades and Recognition 🏆

Dr. Singh’s contributions have not gone unnoticed. His work has been widely recognized by the scientific community, earning him several awards and accolades. His participation in prominent conferences and workshops, as well as his role as a mentor to numerous Ph.D. and M.Tech students, has further cemented his reputation. Dr. Singh’s students have gone on to make significant contributions to the field, carrying forward his legacy of excellence and innovation in plant genomics. 🥇

Impact and Influence 🌱

Dr. Singh’s research has had a profound impact on agricultural practices in India. By developing genomic tools and resources, he has empowered the farming community to adopt more resilient and productive crop varieties. His contributions have not only enhanced the understanding of genetic traits in crops but also ensured the conservation of India’s unique genetic heritage. Through his guidance, the Division of Genomic Resources at NBPGR has become a cornerstone for genomic research, influencing policies and practices in agriculture and food security across the country. 🌾

Legacy and Future Contributions 🌏

As a visionary leader, Dr. Singh is committed to the future of plant genomics in India. His work at NBPGR continues to drive advancements in genetic conservation and sustainable agriculture. Looking ahead, Dr. Singh aims to expand the scope of genomic research to address global challenges, such as climate change and food security. By developing genetic resources that can withstand environmental stresses, he hopes to make Indian agriculture more sustainable and resilient for generations to come. 🌿

Citations

A total of 2032 citations for his publications, demonstrating the impact and recognition of his research within the academic community.

  • Citations        2032
  • h-index          102
  • i10-index       23

Notable Publications 

  • Title: New insights into QTNs and potential candidate genes governing rice yield via a multi-model genome-wide association study
    Authors: Sachdeva, S., Singh, R., Maurya, A., Kumar, A., Singh, G.P.
    Journal: BMC Plant Biology
    Year: 2024.
  • Title: Screening diverse cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) germplasm for Callosobruchus chinensis (L.) resistance and SSR based genetic diversity assessment
    Authors: Kumar, K.B.C., Tripathi, K., Singh, R., Bhardwaj, R., Gupta, K.
    Journal: Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution
    Year: 2024.
  • Title: Discovering New QTNs and Candidate Genes Associated with Rice-Grain-Related Traits within a Collection of Northeast Core Set and Rice Landraces
    Authors: Roy Choudhury, D., Maurya, A., Singh, N.K., Singh, G.P., Singh, R.
    Journal: Plants
    Year: 2024.
  • Title: SpeedFlower: a comprehensive speed breeding protocol for indica and japonica rice
    Authors: Kabade, P.G., Dixit, S., Singh, U.M., Sinha, P., Singh, V.K.
    Journal: Plant Biotechnology Journal
    Year: 2024.
  • Title: Isolation, Characterization, and Expression Analysis of NAC Transcription Factor from Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f.) Nees and Their Role in Andrographolide Production
    Authors: Kumar, R., Kumar, C., Roy Choudhury, D., Singh, G.P., Singh, R.
    Journal: Genes
    Year: 2024.

Vudata Venkata Basava Rao | Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Prof Dr. Vudata Venkata Basava Rao | Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

University College of Technology, Osmania University, India

Author Profile

Early Academic Pursuits 🎓

Born on July 7, 1964, Prof. V. Venkata Basava Rao’s academic journey began with a solid foundation in Chemical Engineering. His quest for knowledge led him to pursue a B.Tech in Chemical Engineering from Andhra University, graduating in 1986. Following this, Prof. Rao’s thirst for advanced learning took him to the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur (IIT-Kharagpur), where he obtained his M.Tech in 1988 and Ph.D. in 1991. His early academic accomplishments were just the beginning of an illustrious career that would leave a lasting imprint on the field of chemical engineering.During these formative years, Prof. Rao not only mastered the core principles of chemical engineering but also developed a strong interest in research, particularly in areas that would later shape his career such as Reactive Separations and Fluidized Bed Technology. These early academic pursuits gave him the intellectual rigor needed to contribute to both academia and industry, building a firm base for his future endeavors.

Professional Endeavors 🚀

With 4 years of industrial experience and an impressive 27 years of teaching, Prof. Rao’s career reflects a perfect blend of academia and real-world application. His professional journey began in industry, where he honed his practical skills, but his passion for teaching and research drew him back to academia. Today, Prof. Rao serves as a Professor of Chemical Engineering and Director of Academics, Research & Development at the University College of Technology (Autonomous), Osmania University, Hyderabad.Over the years, Prof. Rao has supervised 23 Ph.D. candidates and guided 72 M.Tech theses, shaping the careers of budding engineers and researchers. His students recognize him not just for his technical expertise, but for his unwavering dedication to teaching. His leadership and academic insight have also been instrumental in shaping the research direction of the University College of Technology, where he continues to drive innovation.

Contributions and Research Focus 🔬

Prof. V. Venkata Basava Rao’s research contributions are vast and varied, with a special focus on Reactive Separations, Circulating & Tapered Fluidized Bed Technology, and Adsorption using special adsorbents. His research is centered around optimizing chemical processes, intensifying operations, and discovering novel applications of existing technologies. His work in Process Intensifications aims at making industrial processes more efficient, sustainable, and eco-friendly.One of his significant contributions has been in the area of Fluidized Bed Technology, where he explored its applications for novel processes. Fluidized beds are widely used in industries for processes like combustion, gasification, and chemical reactions, and Prof. Rao’s research has enhanced the understanding of their mechanics, thereby improving their industrial application. Additionally, his work in Adsorption using special adsorbents has paved the way for new materials that can be used in separation processes, a critical aspect of industries ranging from water treatment to pharmaceuticals.His research output is well-documented, with 66 technical papers published in reputed international journals. Furthermore, Prof. Rao has presented his findings at 16 international conferences, having traveled to the United States, Canada, Germany, and Singapore, contributing to global discussions on chemical engineering innovations.

Accolades and Recognition 🏆

Prof. Rao’s distinguished career has earned him numerous accolades. In 1999, he was honored with the Young Scientist Award by the Andhra Pradesh Council for Science and Technology (APCOST), a recognition of his early contributions to the field. This marked the beginning of a series of awards that recognized his expertise and influence in chemical engineering.In 2008, Prof. Rao was ranked 5th out of 10 in a survey conducted by 24/7 Customer in Education to identify “The Best Professors,” an accolade bestowed by the student community for his excellence in teaching. His impact as an educator is well-recognized by his students, who have consistently praised his ability to make complex topics understandable and engaging.Another feather in his cap was the Outstanding Chemical Engineer of the Year 2009 (under 45 years) award, conferred by Hindustan Lever. This prestigious biennial award underscored his contribution to chemical engineering, solidifying his reputation as one of India’s leading engineers under the age of 45.In addition to these, Prof. Rao has been elected four times as a Council Member for the Indian Institute of Chemical Engineers (IIChE), and he has served as Registrar, Honorary Joint Secretary, Vice President, and eventually the National President of IIChE in 2020. His leadership roles within IIChE have allowed him to influence policies and initiatives that support chemical engineers across India.

Impact and Influence 🌍

Prof. V. Venkata Basava Rao’s influence extends beyond academia and research, as he is also a Fellow of the Institution of Engineers (FIE) and a Chartered Engineer. His contributions to the field of chemical engineering have earned him national and international recognition, and his participation in international conferences has helped shape the global discourse on chemical engineering technologies.His legacy is not just in the papers he has published or the students he has guided, but in the tangible impact of his research on industries and society. His work on adsorption and process intensification is particularly relevant in today’s world, where there is an increasing need for sustainable and efficient chemical processes.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🔮

As a leader in chemical engineering, Prof. Rao’s legacy is already well-established, but his contributions are far from over. His ongoing research in areas like Reactive Separations and Fluidized Bed Technology continues to break new ground, offering solutions to some of the most pressing challenges in industrial chemistry.Prof. V. Venkata Basava Rao is an inspiring figure whose work exemplifies the perfect combination of academic rigor, industrial application, and a passion for teaching. His journey from a young scholar at Andhra University to a global thought leader in chemical engineering serves as a testament to his dedication and intellectual brilliance. As he continues to contribute to the field, his future contributions are sure to leave an indelible mark on both academia and industry.

Citations

A total of 359 citations for his publications, demonstrating the impact and recognition of his research within the academic community.

  • Citations        359
  • h-index          19
  • i10-index        5

Notable Publications 

  • Chitosan Nanobubbles Development and Evaluation for the Delivery of Sunitinib-An Anticancer Agent
    Authors: Kishore Kumar, M., Jaya Prakash, D., Basava Rao, V.V.
    Journal: International Journal of Applied Pharmaceutics
    Year: 2022.
  • Formulation and Evaluation of Solid-Supersaturable-SNEDDS of Ibrutinib
    Authors: Navaneetha, K., Basava Rao, V.V.
    Journal: International Journal of Applied Pharmaceutics
    Year: 2022.
  • Proliposome: A Novel Solution for the Stability of Liposomes – A Review
    Authors: Shaik, N.B., Lakshmi, P.K., Basava Rao, V.V.
    Journal: International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Nanotechnology
    Year: 2022.
  • Formulation and Characterization of Carvedilol In situ Gels for Oral Delivery-In vitro and In vivo Pharmacokinetic Studies
    Authors: Madhavi Harika, S.K., Sudhakar, M., Basava Rao, V.V.
    Journal: Analytical Chemistry Letters
    Year: 2022.
  • Surface Modification of Sulfonated Polyethersulfone Membrane with Polyaniline Nanoparticles for Application in Direct Methanol Fuel Cell
    Authors: Nagar, H., Sahu, N., Basava Rao, V.V., Sridhar, S.
    Journal: Renewable Energy
    Year: 2020.