Sagarika Biswas | Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Sagarika Biswas | Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Chief Scientist at CSIR-IGIB, AcSIR, India

Dr. Sagarika Biswas is a distinguished Chief Scientist and Professor at the Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, CSIR-Institute of Genomics & Integrative Biology (IGIB), Delhi, India. With a solid academic foundation and a rich research career spanning over three decades, she has become a recognized leader in the field of biotechnology, particularly in proteomics, bioinformatics, and metabolomics. Her research contributions, particularly in the areas of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, have earned her national and international recognition. Dr. Biswas’s expertise lies in elucidating disease mechanisms through proteomic and metabolomic profiling, and she has successfully led numerous research projects funded by prominent Indian and international agencies.

Professional Profile

Education

Dr. Biswas completed her Ph.D. in Biomedical Science from Bundelkhand University, Jhansi, India, in 2007, focusing on legume lectins and their role in soil fertilization. She holds an M.Tech. in Chemical Engineering/Technology from Laxminarayana Institute of Technology, Nagpur University, India, completed in 1991, and a B.Sc.Tech in Chemical Engineering/Technology from the same institution in 1989. Her foundational education in chemical engineering and technology, combined with advanced studies in biomedical science, has provided a strong interdisciplinary base for her subsequent research in biotechnology.

Professional Experience

Dr. Sagarika Biswas has held various prestigious positions, most notably as a Chief Scientist and Professor at the Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, CSIR-IGIB, since 2007. Over the years, she has led various groundbreaking research projects, including those focused on rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and cardiovascular diseases. She has also served as Principal Investigator for several nationally and internationally funded projects, collaborating with leading institutions such as AIIMS and the University of Leeds. Her work has significantly impacted our understanding of autoimmune disease mechanisms and the identification of potential biomarkers for early diagnosis and therapy.

Research Interests

Dr. Biswas’s research primarily focuses on biotechnology, with a specific emphasis on proteomics, bioinformatics, and metabolomics. Her work seeks to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying autoimmune diseases, particularly rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, through proteomic profiling. Additionally, her research involves investigating the role of glycoproteins, phosphoproteins, and metabolites in disease progression, with a focus on developing diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic strategies. She has also explored the therapeutic potential of plant-based formulations in modulating inflammation and improving disease outcomes.

Research Skills

Dr. Biswas possesses advanced research skills in proteomics, bioinformatics, and metabolomics, with a deep understanding of high-throughput proteomic and metabolic profiling techniques. She is proficient in the use of mass spectrometry, phosphoproteomics, and glycoproteomics to identify biomarkers and understand disease mechanisms. Her expertise extends to data analysis using bioinformatics tools and software, enabling her to interpret complex biological data sets. Additionally, Dr. Biswas is skilled in managing large-scale research projects, securing funding, and leading interdisciplinary teams to drive impactful research in the biomedical sciences.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Sagarika Biswas has received numerous prestigious awards and honors throughout her career. Notable international accolades include the Women in Science Award at the International Conference on Biotechnological, Chemical, and Environmental Sciences in 2023, the ICMR International Fellow Award in 2008, and the Helmholtz Fellowship in 2012. She has also received several national awards, such as the Professor MP Khare Memorial Lecture Award in 2022, for her contributions to glycobiology. Furthermore, Dr. Biswas has been recognized with numerous best oral and poster presentation awards at international and national conferences, showcasing the impact and relevance of her research in the scientific community.

Conclusion

Dr. Sagarika Biswas is a well-qualified candidate for the Best Researcher Award, with her considerable achievements in biotechnology, awards at both international and national levels, and successful management of interdisciplinary projects. Her dedication to autoimmune and inflammatory disease research, combined with her specialized expertise in proteomics, positions her as a strong contender. Emphasizing continued high-impact publishing and broader outreach could further enhance her candidacy for future recognition.

Publication Top Notes

  • Chronic disease management via modulation of cellular signaling by phytoestrogen Bavachin
    • Authors: Chakraborty, D., Malik, S., Mann, S., Joshi, L., Biswas, S.
    • Journal: Molecular Biology Reports
    • Year: 2024
    • Volume: 51(1)
    • Pages: 921
    • Citations: 0
  • ITIH4 in Rheumatoid Arthritis Pathogenesis: Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking Analysis Identify CXCR4 as a Potential Receptor
    • Authors: Joshi, L., Chakraborty, D., Kumar, V., Biswas, S.
    • Journal: Pathophysiology
    • Year: 2024
    • Volume: 31(3)
    • Pages: 514–530
    • Citations: 0
  • Clo-miR-14: a medicinally valued spice-derived miRNA with therapeutic implications in rheumatoid arthritis
    • Authors: Sarkar, A., Saquib, M., Chakraborty, D., Malhotra, R., Biswas, S.
    • Journal: Bioscience Reports
    • Year: 2024
    • Volume: 44(9)
    • Article Number: BSR20240311
    • Citations: 0
  • Targeting TNF-α-induced expression of TTR and RAGE in rheumatoid arthritis: Apigenin’s mediated therapeutic approach
    • Authors: Monu, Agnihotri, P., Saquib, M., Biswas, S.
    • Journal: Cytokine
    • Year: 2024
    • Volume: 179
    • Article Number: 156616
    • Citations: 1
  • Mitochondrial functioning in Rheumatoid arthritis modulated by estrogen: Evidence-based insight into the sex-based influence on mitochondria and disease
    • Authors: Malik, S., Chakraborty, D., Agnihotri, P., Sharma, A., Biswas, S.
    • Journal: Mitochondrion
    • Year: 2024
    • Volume: 76
    • Article Number: 101854
    • Citations: 1
  • Functional Significance of miR-4693-5p in Targeting HIF1α and Its Link to Rheumatoid Arthritis Pathogenesis
    • Authors: Saquib, M., Agnihotri, P., Sarkar, A., Malhotra, R., Biswas, S.
    • Journal: Non-coding RNA
    • Year: 2024
    • Volume: 10(2)
    • Article Number: 22
    • Citations: 1
  • Unveiling the Nexus: Cellular Metabolomics Unravels the Impact of Estrogen on Nicotinamide Metabolism in Mitigating Rheumatoid Arthritis Pathogenesis
    • Authors: Malik, S., Chakraborty, D., Agnihotri, P., Kumar, V., Biswas, S.
    • Journal: Metabolites
    • Year: 2024
    • Volume: 14(4)
    • Article Number: 214
    • Citations: 1
  • Computational Approaches for the Discovery of New Drugs for Inflammatory and Infectious Diseases
    • Authors: Dalal, V., Biswas, S.
    • Book Title: Computational Approaches in Bioengineering: Volume 1: Computational Approaches in Biotechnology and Bioinformatics
    • Year: 2024
    • Pages: 1–34
    • Citations: 0
  • Differential Expression of Fibrinogen Alpha and Its Potential Involvement in Osteoarthritis Pathogenesis
    • Authors: Kumavat, R., Kumar, V., Biswas, S.
    • Journal: Molecular Biotechnology
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 1
  • Phytochemical profiling of polyphenols and thyroid stimulatory activity of Ficus religiosa leaf extract in 6-propyl-thiouracil-induced hypothyroid rats
    • Authors: Kar, A., Mahar, D., Biswas, S., Efferth, T., Panda, S.
    • Journal: Journal of Ethnopharmacology
    • Year: 2023
    • Volume: 313
    • Article Number: 116479
    • Citations: 3

Noushina Iqbal | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Noushina Iqbal | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, India 

Dr. Noushina Iqbal is an accomplished researcher with extensive experience in plant biology, currently serving as an Assistant Professor (Contractual) at Jamia Hamdard’s Department of Botany. Her research focuses on plant stress physiology, with notable contributions to understanding the role of phytohormones like jasmonic acid and ethylene in abiotic stress tolerance. She has held prestigious positions such as Post-Doctoral Fellow under SERB-NPDF and DS Kothari Fellowship, receiving several accolades, including the Young Scientist Award and being listed among the top 2% of scientists globally. Dr. Iqbal has published 70 research papers, 12 book chapters, and 5 books, amassing over 8,500 citations, an h-index of 39, and an i10-index of 62. Her work has earned her recognition for publishing in high-impact journals. With a strong teaching portfolio and a commitment to mentoring M.Sc. students, Dr. Iqbal’s contributions to plant science make her a strong candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award.

Profile

Scopus

Education 

Dr. Noushina Iqbal’s academic journey reflects her commitment to the field of botany. She began her education with an outstanding performance in high school, securing 80.6% in the ICSE Board in 1998, followed by 66.8% in the CBSE Board during her Intermediate studies in 2000. Dr. Iqbal pursued her Bachelor’s degree in Botany and Chemistry at DDU, Gorakhpur University, achieving an impressive 69.9% in 2004. She continued her academic pursuit with a Master’s degree in Botany from Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), where she earned 73.4% in 2006, showcasing her expertise and dedication to the subject. Dr. Iqbal was awarded a Ph.D. in Botany from AMU in 2012, further solidifying her position as a scholar. Her strong academic foundation, combined with extensive research, has allowed her to make significant contributions to the scientific community, as evident in her multiple post-doctoral fellowships and high-impact research output.

Professional Experience

Dr. Noushina Iqbal is currently an Assistant Professor (Contractual) in the Department of Botany at Jamia Hamdard, where she actively contributes to both teaching and research. With a strong academic background and vast research experience, she has held prestigious post-doctoral fellowships, including the SERB-NPDF (2020–2021) and DS Kothari Fellowship (2013–2016). Her work has spanned multiple areas of plant stress physiology, notably focusing on antioxidative defense mechanisms and stress resilience in plants under various abiotic conditions. Dr. Iqbal has also served as a Research Assistant for a UPCST-funded project investigating the protective role of the ascorbate-glutathione system in mustard plants under cadmium stress. In addition to her research expertise, she has a proven record in academic mentorship, supervising and co-supervising M.Sc. students’ dissertations. With over 80 publications, five books, and numerous awards, Dr. Iqbal’s work has significantly contributed to advancing plant biology and biotechnology.

Research Interests

Dr. Noushina Iqbal’s research interests are centered on understanding plant responses to environmental stress, particularly the mechanisms that plants use to tolerate abiotic stressors such as drought, salinity, and heavy metal toxicity. Her work extensively explores the role of plant hormones like ethylene, melatonin, salicylic acid, and nitric oxide in regulating antioxidant defense systems, photosynthesis, and secondary metabolite production. She is particularly interested in how these signaling molecules interact to enhance plant resilience under stress conditions, as demonstrated through her studies on mustard and wheat. Her research also extends to understanding nutrient uptake, nitrogen-use efficiency, and carbohydrate metabolism in plants under stress. Additionally, she investigates the synergistic effects of beneficial microbes, such as plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), on enhancing stress tolerance. Dr. Iqbal’s studies contribute significantly to advancing knowledge in plant physiology and stress biology, with implications for sustainable agriculture and crop productivity under changing climatic conditions.

Research Skills

Dr. Noushina Iqbal possesses exceptional research skills honed through extensive academic and professional experiences. Her expertise spans advanced plant biology, with a focus on plant stress physiology, ethylene signaling, and antioxidant defense mechanisms. She has demonstrated proficiency in molecular biology techniques, including gene expression analysis, biochemical assays, and plant tissue culture. Dr. Iqbal’s work integrates complex experimental designs to investigate plant responses to abiotic stresses such as drought, heat, and salt stress. She is adept at handling statistical tools for data analysis and interpretation. Her strong publication record, with over 80 peer-reviewed papers and significant contributions to high-impact journals, highlights her ability to generate novel insights and advance scientific understanding. Dr. Iqbal is also skilled in collaborative research, having co-authored numerous interdisciplinary studies. Her research has significantly contributed to sustainable agriculture by enhancing plant resilience, positioning her as a leading expert in her field.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Noushina Iqbal has received several prestigious awards and recognitions throughout her academic career. She was honored with the Young Scientists Award by the Environmental Science Development Association (ESDA) for her outstanding research contributions. Additionally, her work in the field of antioxidants was recognized with the Best Paper Award in the journal Antioxidants, which has a significant impact factor of 7. Dr. Iqbal’s numerous high-impact publications earned her a certificate of appreciation from Jamia Hamdard on National Science Day. Her contributions to the scientific community have also led to her inclusion in the global list of 2% scientists, further establishing her reputation as a leading researcher. Her impressive citation metrics, including an h-index of 39 and over 8,500 citations, reflect the far-reaching influence of her work in botany and plant sciences. Dr. Iqbal’s numerous accolades underscore her commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and excellence in her field.

Conclusion 

Dr. Noushina Iqbal’s extensive research output, high citation metrics, and experience in teaching and mentoring make her a suitable candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. Her work has advanced the field of plant physiology, and her contributions to understanding plant responses to environmental stress are crucial for addressing global agricultural challenges. Her achievements in academia and research align perfectly with the goals of this award.

Publication Top Notes

  • “Exploring the role of jasmonic acid in boosting the production of secondary metabolites in medicinal plants: Pathway for future research”
    • Authors: Khan, V., Jha, A., Princi, …, Iqbal, N., Umar, S.
    • Journal: Industrial Crops and Products, 2024, 220, 119227
    • Citations: 0
  • “Salicylic Acid with Phosphorus Strengthens Antioxidative System, Secondary Metabolite Accumulation, and Limited Resource Enrichment to Enhance Photosynthesis Under Drought in Mustard”
    • Authors: Shinde, M., Khan, V., Umar, S., Iqbal, N.
    • Journal: Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition, 2024, 24(1), pp. 956–974
    • Citations: 0
  • “Methyl Jasmonate and Pseudomonas fluorescens Synergistically Boost Antioxidative Defense, Secondary Metabolites, and Osmolyte Production to Enhance Drought Resilience in Mustard”
    • Authors: Khan, V., Princi, Mubashshir, M., Umar, S., Iqbal, N.
    • Journal: Journal of Plant Growth Regulation, 2024
    • Citations: 1
  • “Green-synthesized gold nanoparticles induce adaptation in photosynthetic responses, sugar and nitrogen metabolism, and seed yield of salt-stressed mustard plants”
    • Authors: Khatoon, S., Mahajan, M., Kumari, S., …, Wahid, I., Khan, M.I.R.
    • Journal: Clean Technologies and Environmental Policy, 2024
    • Citations: 1
  • “The Ethylene Biosynthetic Enzymes, 1-Aminocyclopropane-1-Carboxylate (ACC) Synthase (ACS) and ACC Oxidase (ACO): The Less Explored Players in Abiotic Stress Tolerance”
    • Authors: Khan, S., Alvi, A.F., Saify, S., Iqbal, N., Khan, N.A.
    • Journal: Biomolecules, 2024, 14(1), 90
    • Citations: 8
  • “A new perspective of melatonin in stress tolerance through regulation of nutrients”
    • Authors: Seth, T., Asija, S., Khatoon, S., …, Umar, S., Khan, M.I.R.
    • Journal: South African Journal of Botany, 2023, 163, pp. 316–329
    • Citations: 3
  • “Sulfur supplementation enhances nitric oxide efficacy in reversal of chromium-inhibited Calvin cycle enzymes, photosynthetic activity, and carbohydrate metabolism in wheat”
    • Authors: Fatma, M., Sehar, Z., Iqbal, N., …, Proestos, C., Khan, N.A.
    • Journal: Scientific Reports, 2023, 13(1), 6858
    • Citations: 7
  • “Synergistic action of Pseudomonas fluorescens with melatonin attenuates salt toxicity in mustard by regulating antioxidant system and flavonoid profile”
    • Authors: Khan, V., Umar, S., Iqbal, N.
    • Journal: Physiologia Plantarum, 2023, 175(6), e14092
    • Citations: 8
  • “Brassinosteroid modulates ethylene synthesis and antioxidant metabolism to protect rice (Oryza sativa) against heat stress-induced inhibition of source‒sink capacity and photosynthetic and growth attributes”
    • Authors: Nazir, F., Jahan, B., Kumari, S., …, Sofo, A., Khan, M.I.R.
    • Journal: Journal of Plant Physiology, 2023, 289, 154096
    • Citations: 5
  • “Melatonin Reverses High-Temperature-Stress-Inhibited Photosynthesis in the Presence of Excess Sulfur by Modulating Ethylene Sensitivity in Mustard”
    • Authors: Iqbal, N., Sehar, Z., Fatma, M., …, Masood, A., Khan, N.A.
    • Journal: Plants, 2023, 12(17), 3160
    • Citations: 5