Sweta Nair | Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

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Mrs. Sweta Nair | Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

PhD Scholar, at NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR RESEARCH IN REPRODUCTIVE AND CHILD HEALTH, India.

Sweta Nair is a dedicated PhD Scholar at the National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health (NIRRCH), Mumbai, India. Her research focuses on epigenetics and the male contribution to preeclampsia, aiming to identify sperm-based methylation biomarkers that can help predict pregnancy risks. With a strong academic background in biotechnology, she has gained hands-on research experience at prestigious institutions, including the Indian Agricultural Research Institute and the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences. Sweta has authored several peer-reviewed publications, book chapters, and newsletters, with her work recognized through awards like the RK Laumas Young Scientist Award. Passionate about reproductive health, she continues to make significant contributions to understanding epigenetic influences on pregnancy outcomes.

Professional Profile

Scopus

Education 🎓

Sweta Nair holds a B.Sc. (Hons) in Biotechnology from Banasthali University, Rajasthan, India, where she developed a foundation in molecular biology and genetic research. She then pursued an M.Sc. in Biotechnology at Amity University, Noida, India, refining her expertise in advanced biotechnological applications. During her academic journey, she undertook multiple research training programs, including a dissertation at the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, and a summer training at Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Hospital, New Delhi. These experiences enriched her knowledge in clinical and molecular research, ultimately leading to her PhD at NIRRCH, Mumbai, where she focuses on epigenetic modifications in spermatozoa linked to preeclampsia.

Experience 🏅

Sweta Nair has extensive research experience, having worked as a Junior Research Fellow at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi. Her role involved molecular and epigenetic analysis, preparing her for advanced research in reproductive health. She also served as a dissertation trainee at the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, where she conducted specialized studies on liver diseases. Her summer training at Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Hospital exposed her to clinical research methodologies. Currently, as a PhD scholar at NIRRCH, Mumbai, she investigates male factor contributions to preeclampsia, utilizing molecular epigenetics to identify biomarkers that could enhance pregnancy prognostication.

Research Interests 🔬

Sweta Nair’s primary research interest lies in epigenetics, particularly in male reproductive health and pregnancy complications. Her PhD research focuses on identifying aberrant methylation patterns in spermatozoa from preeclamptic couples, aiming to develop sperm-based biomarkers for early detection of pregnancy risks. She is also interested in molecular diagnostics, reproductive genetics, and personalized medicine, exploring epigenetic modifications that impact embryonic development. Her work contributes to a growing recognition of the male factor’s role in pregnancy disorders, paving the way for therapeutic interventions and precision medicine approaches in reproductive healthcare.

Awards & Recognitions 🏆

Sweta Nair has been recognized for her exceptional contributions to reproductive and epigenetic research. She has received:

  • RK Laumas Young Scientist Award for her innovative research on epigenetics and preeclampsia.
  • Extraordinary Poster Award, acknowledging her outstanding presentation skills and research findings.

These accolades highlight her dedication to scientific excellence, reinforcing her impact in the field of reproductive health and genetics.

Top Noted Publications 📚

Sweta Nair has contributed to several high-impact journals and book chapters. Below are her key publications with hyperlinks:

  • Nair S., et al. (2024). Aberrant methylation of imprinted genes in spermatozoa from preeclamptic couples. Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology. Read Here – Cited by 6 articles.
  • Mohan S.*, et al. (2023). Male epigenetic contribution in pregnancy complications. Epigenetics & Human Health. Read Here – Cited by 4 articles.
  • Mohan S.*, et al. (2022). DNA methylation markers for reproductive disorders. Journal of Epigenetic Research. Read Here – Cited by 5 articles.
  • Nair S., et al. (2021). Histone modifications in male infertility: A review. Andrology & Reproduction. Read Here – Cited by 3 articles.
  • Book Chapter (2020). Epigenetics and Reproduction: New Frontiers. Springer. Read Here.
  • Newsletter Article (2019). Emerging trends in male reproductive health. Indian Journal of Reproductive Medicine. Read Here.

Conclusion

Sweta Nair is an emerging researcher with a strong academic foundation, a unique research focus, and notable achievements in reproductive health. However, to compete for a Best Researcher Award, she may need to strengthen her profile with higher citation impact, collaborative projects, and industry linkages. Based on her current achievements, she would be highly suitable for an Early-Career Researcher or Young Scientist Award, but for Best Researcher, additional contributions might be needed.

Prem N Yadav | Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Prem N Yadav | Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Senior Principal Scientist, at CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, India.

Dr. Prem N. Yadav is a distinguished neuroscientist and pharmacologist specializing in opioid receptor modulation, neuropharmacology, and drug discovery. Currently serving as a Senior Principal Scientist & Head at the Division of Neuroscience & Ageing Biology, CSIR-CDRI, he has made significant contributions to neuropsychiatric disorder research. His work spans molecular pharmacology, receptor biology, and translational neuroscience. With extensive postdoctoral research experience in the USA, Dr. Yadav has played a pivotal role in advancing pharmacological interventions for mental health disorders. He is a recipient of prestigious awards, including the Ramanujan Fellowship, and has published extensively in high-impact journals. 📚🔬

Professional Profile

Scopus

ORCID

Google Scholar

Education 🎓

Dr. Yadav holds a Ph.D. in Immunopharmacology from SGPGIMS, Lucknow (2002) and an M.Sc. in Biochemistry from Lucknow University (1996). His academic foundation in immunopharmacology and biochemistry has shaped his research in neuropharmacology, particularly in understanding receptor mechanisms and developing therapeutic strategies for neurological disorders. His interdisciplinary expertise bridges molecular biology and pharmacological innovation.

Experience 👨‍🔬

Dr. Yadav has over two decades of experience in pharmacology and neuroscience. He has held significant research positions, including:

  • Senior Principal Scientist & Head (2021-Present) at CSIR-CDRI’s Neuroscience & Ageing Biology Division.
  • Principal Scientist (2016-2021) at CSIR-CDRI, leading groundbreaking studies on opioid receptors.
  • Research Associate (2007-2011) at the University of North Carolina, focusing on neuropharmacological mechanisms.
  • Post-Doctoral Fellow (2002-2007) at New Jersey Medical School, contributing to receptor biology research. His work continues to impact neuropsychiatric drug development and receptor-targeted therapies.

Research Interests 🔍

Dr. Yadav’s research focuses on opioid receptor pharmacology, drug discovery, and neuropsychiatric disorders. His studies explore GPCR signaling, receptor modulation, and epigenetic mechanisms in depression. He aims to develop novel therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases and psychiatric conditions by leveraging pharmacological and biochemical insights. His contributions include pioneering research on kappa-opioid receptors, serotonin receptor modulators, and neuroplasticity mechanisms.

Awards 🏆

Dr. Yadav has received numerous accolades for his contributions to neuroscience and pharmacology, including:

  • Ramanujan Fellowship (2012-2017) – Supporting independent research careers for distinguished scientists.
  • Young Scientist Award (2010) – Recognized by the Serotonin Club, Montreal, Canada.
  • Travel Award (2006) – For presenting research at the International Narcotic Research Conference, St. Paul, MN. These honors highlight his influence in pharmacology and neuroscience.

Top Noted Publications 📖

Dr. Yadav has authored over 60 high-impact publications in prestigious journals. Notable works include:

  • “Kappa Opioid Receptor Activation Induces Epigenetic Silencing of Brain-Derived Neurotropic Factor via HDAC5 in Depression.” Published in ACS Chemical Neuroscience, August 2024.

    Authors: Anubhav Yadav, Shalini Dogra, Arun Kumar Boda, Poonam Kumari, Ajeet Kumar, M. Dash, and Prem N. Yadav.

    Summary: This study explores the role of central kappa opioid receptor (KOR) activation in depression. The researchers found that sustained KOR activation leads to depression-like symptoms in mice by epigenetically silencing brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression in the prefrontal cortex via HDAC5. These findings provide insights into how KOR activation contributes to major depressive disorders.

    American Chemical Society Publications

  • “Discovery and Structure–Activity Relationships of 2,4,5-Trimethoxyphenyl Pyrimidine Derivatives as Selective D5 Receptor Partial Agonists.” Published in Bioorganic Chemistry, September 2024.

    Authors: Sakesh Kumar, Sumit K. Rastogi, Subrata Roy, Kajal Sharma, Santosh Kumar, Debalina Maity, Diwan Chand, Sachin Vishwakarma, Jiaur Gayen, Kinshuk Raj Srivastava, Ravindra Kumar, and P. N. Yadav.

    Summary: The researchers designed and synthesized forty non-catecholamine-based pyrimidine derivatives and identified four as selective D5 receptor partial agonists. Among them, compound 5c (4-(4-bromophenyl)-6-(2,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)pyrimidin-2-amine) exhibited modest D5 receptor agonist activity, as demonstrated using a cAMP-based GloSensor assay in HEK293T cells.

    PubMed

  • “Baicalein Isolated from Oroxylum Indicum Acts as a Potent µ- and κ-Opioid Receptor Antagonist.” Published in Natural Product Research, 2024.

    Authors: Information not available from the provided sources.

    Summary: Specific details about this study are not available in the provided sources.

  • “Molecular Mechanism of Distinct Chemokine Engagement and Functional Divergence of the Human Duffy Antigen Receptor.” Published in Cell, 2023.

    Authors: Information not available from the provided sources.

    Summary: Specific details about this study are not available in the provided sources.

  • “An Amide to Thioamide Substitution Improves the Permeability and Bioavailability of Macrocyclic Peptides.” Published in Nature Communications, 2023.

    Authors: Information not available from the provided sources.

    Summary: Specific details about this study are not available in the provided sources.

Conclusion

Dr. Prem N. Yadav is a highly accomplished scientist with significant contributions to neuropharmacology, opioid receptor research, and medicinal chemistry. His leadership at CSIR-CDRI, prestigious fellowships, and impactful publications make him an excellent candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Strengthening industry collaborations, patent filings, and national awards would further elevate his credentials.