RAVI VARALA | Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by Shen Awards

Dr. RAVI VARALA | Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

SCIENTIST from SCRIPS PHARMA, India

Dr. Ravi Varala is a seasoned researcher in synthetic organic chemistry, with over 25 years of academic and industrial experience. He currently serves as an R&D Scientist at Scrips Pharma, Hyderabad, and as Director of Marketing at Swastha Biosciences. His career spans international postdoctoral roles, visiting researcher positions, and teaching appointments in reputed institutions across India, Portugal, Spain, Malaysia, and Brazil. Dr. Varala’s work includes the synthesis of biologically relevant heterocyclic compounds, sigmatropic rearrangements, and anticancer agents like Staurosporinone. He has made impactful contributions through his interdisciplinary collaboration, student mentorship, and laboratory innovation. His training includes hands-on expertise with modern chemical instrumentation and cheminformatics. With a Ph.D. from the Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT-CSIR), Hyderabad, and multiple roles as a scientific investigator and researcher, he brings a unique combination of scholarly excellence and industrial insight. Dr. Varala has demonstrated strengths in problem-solving, manuscript writing, and research guidance. His professional journey reflects a commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and fostering academic-industry synergy. With a focus on meaningful scientific innovation, he stands out as a distinguished professional in the field of pharmaceutical and chemical sciences. He is currently active in international collaborations and continues to contribute significantly to his domain.

Professional Profile

Education

Dr. Ravi Varala holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT-CSIR), Hyderabad, awarded in 2006. His doctoral thesis, titled “A Facile Synthesis of Biologically Active Phthalimides & Its Analogues – A Study,” involved the development of novel heterocyclic compounds with therapeutic relevance, emphasizing the design and synthesis of N-phthaloyl-based structures. Prior to his doctorate, he completed his M.Sc. in Organic Chemistry from Kakatiya University (1997–1999), where he earned a First Class distinction. His undergraduate degree, B.Sc., was completed at Osmania University between 1993 and 1996, also with First Class distinction. He began his academic journey with distinction in his Intermediate (1991–1993) and SSC (1991) under the Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education respectively. Dr. Varala’s educational path reflects a consistent record of academic excellence and specialization in synthetic organic chemistry. His strong foundation in organic synthesis laid the groundwork for his future research in pharmaceutical and medicinal chemistry. His academic journey has not only been marked by scholarly rigor but also by early exposure to research, which has greatly influenced his research direction and professional trajectory in chemical sciences.

Professional Experience

Dr. Ravi Varala’s professional experience is both diverse and expansive, encompassing academic research, teaching, and industrial roles. He is currently working as an R&D Scientist at Scrips Pharma, Hyderabad, while also serving as the Director of Marketing at Swastha Biosciences, a dual role that showcases his versatility in both scientific innovation and strategic business development. Since December 2023, he has been a Research Fellow at INTI International University, Malaysia. His academic contributions include a significant tenure as a Contract Lecturer at TS-IIIT from January 2011 to July 2019, where he contributed to undergraduate education in chemistry. Internationally, he served as a Visiting Researcher at the prestigious University of São Paulo, Brazil (2015–2016), working under Prof. Osvaldo N. Oliveira Jr., an eminent scientist with an h-index of 85. His earlier industry experience includes positions as Associate Scientist at Laxai-Avanti Pharma and Research Scientist at Sapala Organics. Between 2007 and 2009, he worked as a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Portugal and Spain. Dr. Varala’s professional journey demonstrates his capacity to contribute across multiple sectors—academic, industrial, and global research—highlighting a comprehensive and impactful career in chemistry and pharmaceuticals.

Research Interest

Dr. Ravi Varala’s research interests lie predominantly in the field of synthetic organic chemistry, with a strong focus on heterocyclic compounds, natural product synthesis, and anticancer molecules. His early doctoral and postdoctoral research focused on the design and development of biologically active molecules such as N-phthaloyl analogues, and indolocarbazole alkaloids like Staurosporinone and K252d, which are known for their anticancer properties. He has also worked extensively on sigmatropic rearrangements, a crucial mechanism in modern organic synthesis. Dr. Varala’s work combines classical synthetic methods with modern catalytic processes and aims at building structurally complex, bioactive molecules. He is passionate about developing efficient synthetic pathways that improve yield and reduce environmental impact. In addition, his role as a research guide has allowed him to shape the research interests of young scholars, fostering innovation in both academia and the pharmaceutical industry. His interests also extend to structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies and target-based drug design, making his research valuable for therapeutic development. With international experience and a collaborative mindset, he is keen on multidisciplinary research that bridges chemistry with life sciences, aiming for translational impact in medical and pharmaceutical applications.

Research Skills

Dr. Ravi Varala possesses a robust skill set tailored to modern chemical research and pharmaceutical development. He is highly trained in multi-step organic synthesis, utilizing contemporary techniques and methodologies to construct complex molecular frameworks. His operational expertise includes sophisticated analytical and structural elucidation instruments such as NMR, IR, UV spectroscopy, and Polarimeter, essential for validating synthetic products. Dr. Varala is adept at cheminformatics tools including SciFinder, Beilstein, Web of Knowledge, and ISIS-based software, which he uses to plan, model, and refine synthetic strategies. He also demonstrates strong capabilities in manuscript writing, research proposal development, and experimental planning, reflecting his academic rigor. His experience spans both bench-level chemistry and supervisory roles, making him well-versed in managing research teams and guiding students through problem-solving in laboratory settings. In teaching and curriculum development, he shows an innovative approach by integrating modern pedagogical strategies like TLET/SSDP. His balanced experience in academic mentoring, industrial application, and research publication positions him as a highly skilled and versatile researcher. His comprehensive understanding of chemical synthesis and analytical techniques makes him a valuable asset to any scientific or industrial organization.

Awards and Honors

While specific awards and honors have not been explicitly detailed in the provided profile, Dr. Ravi Varala’s career reflects significant international recognition and academic trust, as demonstrated by his appointments and research fellowships. His selection as a Visiting Researcher at the University of São Paulo, Brazil—ranked among the world’s top 100 universities—is a prestigious academic endorsement. Moreover, his postdoctoral positions at the University of New Lisbon, Portugal, and ICIQB, Spain, underscore his strong reputation within European academic circles. These appointments are highly competitive and typically awarded based on a rigorous selection process evaluating scientific merit, publication record, and potential for collaboration. His role as a Research Fellow at INTI International University, Malaysia, further signifies recognition of his ongoing contributions to chemical sciences. Additionally, his continued involvement as a research guide, project lead, and director-level professional indicates professional trust and leadership standing. Though direct awards such as national honors or competitive research grants are not listed, the combination of his appointments, leadership roles, and international affiliations point to a career distinguished by peer recognition and academic achievement at a global level.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Dr. Ravi Varala exemplifies the qualities of a high-caliber researcher whose contributions span both academic excellence and industry relevance. With over two decades of dedicated work in synthetic organic chemistry, he has cultivated a unique blend of deep scientific knowledge, hands-on research expertise, and collaborative international experience. His consistent academic track record, involvement in cross-continental research initiatives, and leadership in both teaching and industry reflect a well-rounded professional trajectory. Dr. Varala’s work in anticancer drug development, heterocyclic synthesis, and sigmatropic rearrangements highlights his focus on impactful, application-driven science. His ability to train and mentor young researchers, paired with his fluency in modern chemical instrumentation and digital research tools, marks him as an asset to any academic or industrial setting. Although specific publication metrics or award citations could further support his profile, the depth and breadth of his career are unmistakable. Dr. Varala’s dedication to chemistry, his multidisciplinary approach, and his leadership across institutions make him a worthy candidate for the Best Researcher Award and a continued contributor to global scientific advancement.

Publications Top Notes

1. Recent Advances in Di-tert-butyl Peroxide (DTBP)-Promoted C-C Bond Formation Reactions

  • Journal: Mini-Reviews in Organic Chemistry

  • Contributors: Ravi Varala, Kamsali Murali Mohan Achari, Mohamed Hussien, Mohammed Mujahid Alam

2. Tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane [B(C₆F₅)₃]-catalyzed Organic Transformations: A Triennial Update (2021 Onwards)

  • Journal: Current Organic Chemistry

  • Contributors: Ravi Varala, Vittal Seema, Murali Mohan Achari Kamsali, Mohamed Hussein, Mohammed Mujahid Alam, Narsimhaswamy Dubasi

3. Research Progress of DBU in C─C, C–Heteroatom, and Heteroatom–Heteroatom Bond Formations

  • Journal: Chemistry & Biodiversity

  • Contributors: Ravi Varala, Murali Mohan Achari Kamsali, Hari Babu Bollikolla, Shreyas Shridharrao Mahurkar, Mohamed Hussein, Mohammed Mujahid Alam

4. Visible Light‐Driven Multicomponent Reactions for the Synthesis of Diverse Heterocyclic Frameworks

  • Journal: European Journal of Organic Chemistry

  • Contributors: Narsimhaswamy Dubasi, Ravi Varala, Murali Mohan Achari Kamsali, Mohammed Mujahid Alam

5. Recent Advances in the Chemistry of Tetrazole Derivatives—A Quinquennial Update [Mid-2019 to date]

  • Journal: Mini-Reviews in Organic Chemistry

  • Contributors: Mohamed Hussein, Ravi Varala, Murali Mohan Achari Kamsali, Vittal Seema, Durga Prasad Beda, Mastan Ali Syed, Mohammed Mujahid Alam

6. Applications of Selectfluor in Organic Synthesis—A Quadrennial Update

  • Journal: Current Organic Chemistry

  • Contributors: Ravi Varala, Vittal Seema, Murali Mohan Achari Kamsali, Mohamed Hussein, Mohammed Mujahid Alam

7. Di-tert-butyl Peroxide (DTBP)-Promoted Heterocyclic Ring Construction

  • Journal: Current Organic Chemistry

  • DOI: 10.2174/0113852728322422240816060345

  • Contributors: Ravi Varala, Murali Mohan Achari Kamsali, Ramanaiah Seella, Mohammed Mujahid Alam

8. Metal-free Oxidations with m-CPBA: An Octennial Update

  • Journal: Mini-Reviews in Organic Chemistry

  • Contributors: Ravi Varala, Vittal Seema, Mohamed Hussein, Mostafa A. Ismail, Mohammed Mujahid Alam

9. Biocatalysis in Bioorthogonal Reactions: Use of Hydrolases and Transferases for Selective Modifications

  • Journal: Mini-Reviews in Organic Chemistry

  • Contributors: Abir B. Majumder, Murali Mohan Achari Kamsali, Ravi Varala, Siddique Akber Ansari

10. Cesium Carbonate (Cs₂CO₃) in Organic Synthesis: A Sexennial Update (2018 to Date)

  • Journal: Current Organic Chemistry

  • Contributors: Ravi Varala, Kamsali Murali Mohan Achari, Mohammed Hussein, Mohammed Mujahid Alam, Seella Ramanaiah