Dr. Pragya Yadav Director In-charge of ICMR-NIOH Dr. Pragya Yadav is a Director In-charge of ICMR-NIOH, Nagpur an accomplished scientist & group leader, maximum containment laboratory at the National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune, with a specialized focus on viral diseases, diagnostics, and epidemiology. With extensive research experience in molecular virology, Dr. Yadav has made significant contributions to understanding emerging infectious diseases, particularly in the areas of viral surveillance, diagnostics, and vaccine development. Her work has been contributory in responding to public health challenges, including the monitoring and control of viral outbreaks like dengue, Zika, and COVID-19. Dr. Yadav has also been at the forefront of developing and implementing innovative diagnostic tools that are critical for rapid detection and containment of infectious diseases. A respected leader in her field, Dr. Yadav has contributed to numerous high-impact publications and collaborative research projects. Her expertise continues to guide national and international efforts in infectious disease control, prevention, and preparedness.

Prof. K.R.S. Sambasiva Rao Mangalyatan University, Jabalpur Prof. K.R.S. Sambasiva Rao is a renowned academician and researcher, currently serving as a Vice-Chancellor at Magalyatan University, Jabalpur. With extensive experience in the fields of biotechnology and molecular biology, Prof. Rao has made significant contributions to research in genetic engineering, microbiology, and environmental science. His work has focused on advancing the understanding of microbial interactions, biotechnology applications, and sustainable practices for addressing global challenges in health and the environment. As a committed educator, Prof. Rao has mentored numerous students and researchers, fostering innovation and academic excellence in the field of life sciences.

Dr. K Thangaraj JC Bose Fellow, CCMB, Hyderabad, India Dr. K. Thangaraj is a distinguished geneticist and a JC Bose Fellow, currently serving as a Senior Scientist at the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Hyderabad. With over three decades of research experience, Dr. Thangaraj is internationally recognized for his pioneering work in human genetics, population genomics, and evolutionary biology. His research has contributed significantly to understanding the genetic diversity of human populations in India, with a special focus on the molecular basis of complex diseases, human migration patterns, and ancestral origins. Dr. Thangaraj work in genomic medicine has opened new frontiers in personalized healthcare and the application of genomics in public health. As a thought leader in his field, Dr. Thangaraj has published extensively in prestigious scientific journals and has received numerous national and international awards for his groundbreaking contributions. He continues to mentor young scientists and is dedicated to advancing research in genomics, healthcare, and human genetics.

Dr. Krishna Mohan Medicherla Professor Emeritus, Jaipur National University Dr. Krishna Mohan Medicherla is a Professor of Bioengineering and Biotechnology with a distinguished career in the fields of metagenomics, transcriptomics, and bioinformatics. His groundbreaking research has significantly advanced our understanding of microbial communities, gene expression profiling, and computational approaches to biological data analysis. Dr. Medicherla contributions to metagenomics have paved the way for innovative applications in environmental microbiology, healthcare, and industrial biotechnology, particularly in understanding the role of microbiomes in human health and disease. His work in transcriptomics has provided key insights into gene regulation and cellular responses, with a focus on complex diseases and drug development. An expert in bioinformatics, Dr. Medicherla has developed novel algorithms and tools for the analysis of large-scale biological data, helping to accelerate discoveries in genomics and personalized medicine. His research has been instrumental in bridging the gap between biological data and practical clinical applications. As a respected educator and mentor, Dr. Medicherla continues to inspire students and researchers worldwide, advancing both scientific knowledge and technological innovations in biotechnology.

Dr. Kiran Katoch Former Director, ICMR-NJIL&OMD Dr. Kiran Katoch is a distinguished medical scientist and public health expert with a career spanning over four decades in the field of infectious diseases, particularly leprosy and tuberculosis. She served as the Director of the ICMR-National JALMA Institute for Leprosy & Other Mycobacterial Diseases (ICMR-NJIL&OMD), Agra, where she led numerous pivotal research initiatives focused on diagnostics, drug resistance, and disease control strategies. A renowned researcher and committed public health advocate, Dr. Kiran has made significant contributions to Indian national leprosy and TB control programs, working closely with both national and international health agencies. Her work has been implemental in policy formulation and the development of operational research frameworks. Post-retirement, Dr. Katoch continues to contribute her expertise to public health research and advisory roles. Her legacy in medical research and leadership in combating neglected tropical diseases remains a guiding force for future generations of scientists and clinicians.

Dr. VM Katoch Dr. Vishwa Mohan Katoch is a distinguished medical scientist and former Secretary to the Government of India, Department of Health Research, and Director-General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). With over four decades of research and leadership experience 30 of them dedicated to leprosy, tuberculosis, and mycobacterial diseases Dr. Katoch has been contributing in developing rapid diagnostic tools using molecular and immunological methods, including DNA chips, fingerprinting, and ATP bioluminescence. A pioneer in translating research into impactful public health initiatives, he spearheaded key national programs such as Virology Research Labs, and Model Rural Health Research Unit. Dr. Katoch has authored over 325 scientific publications and is a Fellow of all four major Indian science academies. His contributions have earned him numerous prestigious awards, including the Ranbaxy Science Foundation Award and the Excellence in Science & Technology Award by the Indian Science Congress. Dr. VM Katoch Ex-DG, ICMR, Delhi Dr. Vishwa Mohan Katoch is a distinguished medical scientist and former Secretary to the Government of India, Department of Health Research, and Director-General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). With over four decades of research and leadership experience 30 of them dedicated to leprosy, tuberculosis, and mycobacterial diseases Dr. Katoch has been contributing in developing rapid diagnostic tools using molecular and immunological methods, including DNA chips, fingerprinting, and ATP bioluminescence. A pioneer in translating research into impactful public health initiatives, he spearheaded key national programs such as Virology Research Labs, and Model Rural Health Research Unit. Dr. Katoch has authored over 325 scientific publications and is a Fellow of all four major Indian science academies. His contributions have earned him numerous prestigious awards, including the Ranbaxy Science Foundation Award and the Excellence in Science & Technology Award by the Indian Science Congress.