Giriprasad Venugopal | Genetics | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Giriprasad Venugopal | Genetics | Best Researcher Award

Believers Church Medical College and Hospital, Kerala- India

Author Profile

Early Academic Pursuits 🎓📚

Dr. Giriprasad’s fascination with life sciences took root during his undergraduate studies in Biochemistry at the University of Madras (2004–2007). This foundational period ignited a curiosity about human biology at the molecular level. His decision to pursue a Master of Science in Biochemistry (2009–2011), also from the University of Madras, signaled a deeper commitment to the field. Here, he gained exposure to advanced laboratory techniques, biochemical pathways, and emerging disease mechanisms.

His academic pursuits culminated in a PhD in Biochemistry 🧬 from SRM Medical College and Hospital (SRM Institute of Science and Technology), where he worked under the Department of Medical Gastroenterology. His dissertation, titled “Serological Prevalence of Celiac Disease (CeD) and HLA-DQA1/B1 Genotypes in the General Population”, became a cornerstone study contributing to the epidemiological understanding of celiac disease in India. This research combined clinical biochemistry with molecular genetics, setting the stage for his future research path.


Professional Endeavors 💼🔬

Following his doctoral studies, Dr. Giriprasad began working as a Research Scientist at the Central Advanced Research Laboratory of Believers Church Medical College Hospital. In this role, he has been involved in cutting-edge translational research, contributing to diagnostic advancements and biomarker discovery for gastrointestinal and systemic diseases.

His professional work bridges the gap between clinical medicine and bench-side research. He collaborates with physicians, laboratory scientists, and geneticists to develop evidence-based solutions for better patient care. His responsibilities include molecular diagnostics, serological analysis, HLA genotyping, and supervising ongoing research studies. This integrated approach supports both individualized patient diagnosis and large-scale population health strategies.


Contributions and Research Focus 🔬📊

Dr. Giriprasad’s research is defined by its clinical relevance and molecular depth. His PhD dissertation explored the seroprevalence of celiac disease (CeD) and the association of HLA-DQA1/B1 genotypes, a combination that provides both diagnostic and genetic insight. This study is one of the first of its kind in India to address the genetic predisposition to CeD in the general population, offering crucial data for gastroenterologists and policy-makers.

Additionally, he has contributed to laboratory assay development and the refinement of HLA typing protocols, enhancing the precision and efficiency of diagnostic workflows. His work supports the early detection of autoimmune diseases, particularly in underdiagnosed and underserved populations.

Dr. Giriprasad’s expertise in biomolecular techniques, including PCR, ELISA, and genotyping, has significantly strengthened the research capacity of the institution. His commitment to evidence-based practice ensures that research findings are not just academic but impactful in clinical settings. 🔍


Accolades and Recognition 🏅🌟

Over the years, Dr. Giriprasad has been acknowledged for his meticulous research and scholarly contributions. His PhD work, backed by clinical collaboration, has received recognition in academic forums and has informed diagnostic standards for CeD across various labs in India.

His role at a prominent hospital laboratory further amplifies his reputation as a dependable and skilled research scientist. He is regularly invited to contribute to scientific discussions, participate in multi-center studies, and co-author research papers in reputed biomedical journals. 📝


Impact and Influence 🌐💥

Dr. Giriprasad’s research holds particular importance in the context of public health in India, where autoimmune and gastrointestinal disorders are often underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed. By establishing standardized protocols for serological and genetic testing, he has enhanced diagnostic clarity and provided avenues for early intervention.

His efforts contribute directly to precision medicine, enabling physicians to tailor treatments based on genetic and serological profiles. Moreover, his work on HLA genotyping has implications for organ transplantation, disease risk assessment, and population genetics—broadening the scope of his influence in biomedical research.


Legacy and Future Contributions 🌱🔮

Dr. V. Giriprasad’s legacy is being shaped through a career of meaningful research, mentorship, and clinical collaboration. He stands as a role model for young biochemists and research students, often guiding junior colleagues in laboratory techniques, research design, and critical analysis.

Looking ahead, Dr. Giriprasad is expected to lead multi-disciplinary projects focused on autoimmune diagnostics, genetic screening, and biomarker validation. With evolving technologies and the rise of personalized medicine 🧠, his work will continue to gain importance in both national and global health contexts.

In the years to come, his ambition is likely to include international collaborations, patent-worthy innovations, and the expansion of biochemical diagnostics in India’s tier-2 and tier-3 healthcare centers. This vision aligns with the nation’s goals of universal health coverage and accessible medical research. 🌍

Citations

A total of 147 citations for his publications, demonstrating the impact and recognition of his research within the academic community.

  • Citations        147
  • h-index              7
  • i10-index           7

Notable Publications 

Title: A novel nutraceutical supplement lowers postprandial glucose and insulin levels upon a carbohydrate-rich meal or sucrose drink intake in healthy individuals—a randomized …
Authors: G. Venugopal, R. Dash, S. Agrawal, S. Ray, P. Kumar Sahoo, B. Ramadass
Journal: Nutrients, Volume 16 (14), Article 2237
Year: 2024.


Title: Exploring the role of acylated ghrelin and gut microbiome in delineating cognitive health in the elderly
Authors: S. Rout, R. Dash, V. Satish, G. Venugopal, B.N. Rao, D. Bandhyopadhyay, …
Journal: Aging (Albany NY), Volume 17 (2), Page 393
Year: 2025.


Title: Gut Microbiota and Genetic Polymorphisms appear to drive Disease Expression of Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Lean Individuals
Authors: S.P.S. Prajna Anirvan, Zaiba Hasan Khan, Pallavi Bhuyan, Sujata Dixit, …
Journal: Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hepatology
Year: 2025.


Title: LEAN NON-ALCOHOLIC FATTY LIVER DISEASE IS NOT A DISTINCT PATHOPHYSIOLOGICAL ENTITY
Authors: P. Anirvan, Z. Khan, P. Bhuyan, S. Dixit, R. Dash, P. Mishra, G. Venugopal, …
Journal: Hepatology, Volume 80, Pages S443–S444
Year: 2024.


Title: WED-554 Lean and non-lean non-alcoholic fatty liver disease patients differ significantly with regard to gut microbiota expression: results of an observational study
Authors: P. Anirvan, Z. Khan, P. Bhuyan, G. Venugopal, M.K. Panigrahi, B. Ramadass, …
Journal: Journal of Hepatology, Volume 80, Page S285
Year: 2024.

Navin Chandra Gupta | Genetics | Best Research Award

Dr. Navin Chandra Gupta | Genetics | Best Research Award

ICAR-National Institute for Plant Biotechnology, India

Author Profile

Early Academic Pursuits 🎓

Dr. Navin C. Gupta, an eminent scientist in the field of Molecular Biology & Biotechnology, embarked on his academic journey with a deep-rooted passion for agricultural sciences. He completed his Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Sciences from Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi, in 2003. His keen interest in plant biochemistry led him to pursue a Master’s degree in Biochemistry from the prestigious Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi, in 2005.

Determined to further explore the genetic and molecular aspects of plants, Dr. Gupta pursued a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology from IARI, New Delhi, which he successfully completed in 2012. During his Ph.D., he focused on cutting-edge research in plant molecular mechanisms, which later shaped his remarkable contributions to plant biotechnology.

Professional Endeavors 🌿🌍

Dr. Gupta’s professional journey took a significant leap when he joined the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) as a Scientist on June 23, 2009. His dedication and expertise in plant biotechnology earned him successive promotions:

  • Scientist (Senior Scale) in 2015
  • Senior Scientist in 2019
  • Senior Scientist (Senior Scale) in 2022 (from June 24 onwards)

Currently serving as a Senior Scientist at ICAR-National Institute for Plant Biotechnology (NIPB), New Delhi, Dr. Gupta continues to contribute significantly to the advancement of plant genomics, molecular breeding, and genetic engineering. His work plays a pivotal role in enhancing crop resilience, disease resistance, and sustainable agricultural practices.

Contributions and Research Focus 🤖🌱

Dr. Gupta’s research primarily revolves around molecular mechanisms of plant responses to biotic and abiotic stressors. His key contributions include:

  • Genetic engineering for crop improvement: Developing stress-resistant crops to combat climate change.
  • Molecular markers and functional genomics: Identifying key genes responsible for enhanced productivity and resistance.
  • CRISPR-Cas-based genome editing: Pioneering research in precision breeding techniques.
  • RNA interference (RNAi) applications: Developing novel strategies for pest and pathogen control in crops.
  • Biochemical pathways in plants: Investigating plant metabolism to improve nutritional quality and yield.

His research findings have been published in high-impact journals, influencing global scientific advancements in plant biotechnology.

Accolades and Recognition 🏆🎉

Dr. Gupta’s groundbreaking work has been widely recognized in the scientific community. Some of his notable achievements include:

  • Recipient of ICAR Best Scientist Award for his outstanding contributions to plant biotechnology.
  • Fellowships and grants from prestigious scientific bodies for advanced research projects.
  • Invited speaker at international conferences, sharing his expertise on plant genomics and molecular breeding.
  • Reviewer for leading scientific journals, ensuring high-quality research dissemination.

Impact and Influence 🌱📚

Dr. Gupta’s research has far-reaching implications in global food security and sustainable agriculture. His work has influenced:

  • Development of high-yielding, climate-resilient crops, ensuring food security in challenging environments.
  • Integration of biotechnology into traditional breeding programs, accelerating crop improvement.
  • Collaborations with international research institutes, fostering knowledge exchange in plant sciences.
  • Training and mentoring young scientists, inspiring the next generation of researchers in molecular biology and plant biotechnology.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🌍🌿

Looking ahead, Dr. Gupta aims to expand his research in:

  • Advanced gene-editing technologies for next-generation crop development.
  • Sustainable agricultural solutions through plant-based innovations.
  • Interdisciplinary collaborations to integrate AI and computational biology in plant research.
  • Policy advocacy for biotech-driven agriculture, influencing government policies on genetically modified crops.

Dr. Navin C. Gupta’s journey is an inspiring testament to scientific excellence and dedication to plant biotechnology. His research continues to pave the way for a more resilient and sustainable agricultural future, making a profound impact on global food security and environmental sustainability.

His unwavering commitment to scientific innovation, mentorship, and knowledge dissemination will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy in the field of molecular biology and plant biotechnology. 🌟🌱

Citations

A total of 438 citations for his publications, demonstrating the impact and recognition of his research within the academic community.

  • Citations        438
  • h-index          11
  • i10-index       13

Notable Publications 

  • Serogroup distribution, antibiogram patterns & prevalence of ESBL production in Escherichia coli

    • Authors: R Thakur, Y Kumar, V Singh, N Gupta, VB Vaish, S Gupta

    • Journal: Indian Journal of Medical Research

    • Year: 2016.

  • Metabolomic profiling and its association with the bio-efficacy of Aspergillus niger strain against Fusarium wilt of guava

    • Authors: R Gangaraj, A Kundu, VS Rana, A Das, G Chawla, G Prakash, …

    • Journal: Frontiers in Microbiology

    • Year: 2023.

  • Morpho-biochemical responses of Brassica coenospecies to glyphosate exposure at pre-and post-emergence stages

    • Authors: A Kashyap, S Kumari, P Garg, R Kushwaha, S Tripathi, J Sharma, …

    • Journal: Agronomy

    • Year: 2023.

  • Multi-hazard vulnerability of the vernacular houses of Supaul, Bihar, India

    • Authors: S Kumar, A Gupta, N Gupta, A Sharma, S Dutta

    • Journal: ISVS e-Journal

    • Year: 2023.

  • Nutritional and morpho-physiological studies of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum causing stem rot of Indian Mustard (Brassica juncea)

    • Authors: P Sharma, PD Meena, NC Gupta, L Prasad, PK Rai

    • Journal: Annals of Plant Protection Sciences

    • Year: 2018.

Aneesh Chandrasekharan | Genetics and Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Aneesh Chandrasekharan - Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology - Genetics and Molecular Biology🏆

Dr. Aneesh Chandrasekharan : Genetics and Molecular Biology

Professional Profiles:

Early Academic Pursuits :

He embarked on his academic journey with a Bachelor's in Microbiology from Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, followed by a Master of Science in Microbiology from Bangalore University. His zeal for research led him to complete his Ph.D. in Microbiology from Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerala, under the guidance of Dr. V. B Manilal, a distinguished Retd. Chief Scientist.

Professional Endeavors :

With over seven years of post-doctoral research experience in biomedical research, He serves as a Research Associate at the Cancer Biology Division, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Trivandrum. His expertise lies in light microscopy and single molecule spectroscopy, focusing on apoptosis-autophagy crosstalk and mitochondrial-ER redox dynamics using various imaging modalities.

Contributions and Research Focus in Genetics and Molecular Biology :

His research concentrates on studying protein-protein interactions in cell-fate decision-making processes using Fluorescence Lifetime (Fast-FLIM) Imaging. He has contributed significantly to the development of genetically encoded cell lines and has conducted high-throughput screening experiments with cancer drugs and compound libraries to assess their impact on cell death processes.

Accolades and Recognition :

His impactful research has earned him prestigious awards and fellowships, including the Best Oral Presentation Award at the Conference on Alternative Animal Research for Translational Research (SAAE-India, 2022). He has been a recipient of various fellowships, including those from the Indian Council for Medical Research and the Kerala State Council for Science Technology and Engineering.

Impact and Influence :

His expertise in light microscopy, drug screening methodologies, and cell biology has enabled him to contribute significantly to understanding mitochondrial and cytosolic redox dynamics, protein-protein interactions, and cell cycle-dependent responses to drug treatments. He has extensively utilized advanced imaging techniques to unravel complex cellular mechanisms.

Legacy and Future Contributions :

His current research focus involves studying slow-progressing changes in redox during cell division, protein-protein interactions, and implications of chronic mitophagy in cancer drug resistance. His dedication to establishing Fast-Fluorescent lifetime Imaging (Fast-FLIM) Facility at RGCB reflects his commitment to advancing research infrastructure. His visionary approach is anticipated to further elevate understanding in cellular biology and aid in the development of targeted cancer therapies.

Notable Publications :

Bhagyalaxmi Mohapatra | Genetics and Molecular Biology | Excellence in Research

Bhagyalaxmi Mohapatra | Excellence in Research Award Winner 2023🏆

Assoc Prof. Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Mohapatra : Genetics and Molecular Biology

Assoc Prof. Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Mohapatra is an Associate Professor in the Department of Zoology at Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi, India.

Congratulations, Assoc Prof. Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Mohapatra, on winning the esteemed Excellence in Research from Research! Your dedication, innovative research, and scholarly contributions have truly made a significant impact in your field. Your commitment to advancing knowledge and pushing the boundaries of research is commendable. Here's to your continued success in shaping the future of academia and making invaluable contributions to your field. Well done!

She currently serves as an Associate Professor in the Department of Zoology at Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi, India. With an illustrious career spanning over a decade, she has contributed significantly to the fields of Cytogenetics and Human Molecular Genetics. Her expertise lies in cardiovascular genetics, focusing on genetic analyses of congenital heart diseases (CHD) and cardiomyopathies. She leads a dedicated research laboratory at BHU, aiming to map, isolate, and characterize genes associated with familial cardiomyopathies and congenital heart diseases prevalent in the Indian population. Her primary goal is to establish DNA-based diagnostics for these disorders, a pursuit that aligns with her commitment to advancing genetic diagnostics and therapies in cardiovascular health. She continues to inspire through her dedicated teaching, extensive research, and impactful contributions to the field of genetics and cardiovascular medicine.

Professional Profiles:

Early Academic Pursuits :

She embarked on her academic journey by earning a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Science from Utkal University, India, in 1982 and 1984, respectively. Subsequently, she pursued her Ph.D. at Banaras Hindu University, India, obtaining her doctoral degree in 1994.

Professional Endeavors :

She has a profound professional trajectory spanning prestigious institutions. She initiated her post-doctoral fellowships at the National Institute of Immunology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, and Baylor College of Medicine, focusing on genes associated with spermatogenesis, radiation oncology, and genetic screening in cardiology. Her academic tenure includes appointments as Assistant Professor and subsequently as Associate Professor in the Department of Zoology at Banaras Hindu University.

Contributions and Research Focus in Genetics and Molecular Biology:

Her professional journey is marked by significant contributions in the fields of Cytogenetics and Human Molecular Genetics, specializing in cardiovascular genetics, congenital heart diseases, and cardiomyopathies. Her research thrust revolves around mapping, isolating, and characterizing genes responsible for familial cardiomyopathies and congenital heart diseases. Dr. Mohapatra aims to establish DNA-based diagnostics for these disorders, emphasizing their prevalence in the Indian population.

Accolades and Recognition :

Her outstanding contributions to genetic analysis and her relentless pursuit of understanding congenital heart diseases have earned her recognition within the scientific community. Her work in cardiovascular genetics and DNA diagnostics has been acknowledged for its innovation and potential impact on healthcare.

Impact and Influence :

Her research in cardiovascular genetics holds promising implications for understanding and diagnosing congenital heart diseases and cardiomyopathies prevalent in the Indian population. Dr. Mohapatra's work can potentially influence advancements in genetic diagnostics and healthcare approaches, particularly in cardiovascular diseases.

Legacy and Future Contributions :

Her legacy resides in her pioneering research in cardiovascular genetics and her relentless quest for developing DNA-based diagnostics. Her ongoing commitment to unraveling the genetic underpinnings of heart diseases underscores her potential for future contributions to improving healthcare through advanced genetic diagnostics and targeted therapies.

Notable Publications :

Citations:

A total of  3982 citations for his publications, demonstrating the impact and recognition of his research within the academic community.

  • Citations    3073     909
  • h-index       19       14
  • i10-index    28       20