Narayana Nagesh | Biochemistry | Outstanding Scientist Award

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Prof. Narayana Nagesh | Biochemistry | Outstanding Scientist Award

Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad | India

Dr. Narayana Nagesh, Ph.D., FTAS, FRSC, is a distinguished Chief Scientist at the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Hyderabad. With over three decades of experience in chemical biology, he has emerged as a pioneer in DNA chemistry, molecular diagnostics, and anticancer drug development. His career is marked by groundbreaking innovations in G-quadruplex DNA research and molecular probe development, alongside leadership in national scientific projects including COVID-19 testing and mRNA vaccine platforms.

Author Profile👤

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Strengths for the Awards✨

Dr. Narayana Nagesh stands out as an exemplary candidate for the Outstanding Scientist Award due to his sustained, multidisciplinary contributions spanning over three decades at the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Hyderabad. His research rigor and innovation are evident in his 94+ publications in high-impact journals, 2988+ citations, and an h-index of 35, reflecting both volume and influence.

His pioneering work on G-quadruplex DNA interactions, anticancer agents, mRNA vaccine platforms, and diagnostic biosensors underlines a career marked by scientific originality and societal relevance. Furthermore, his pivotal role during the COVID-19 pandemic—leading sample testing and mRNA vaccine platform development—demonstrates translational research leadership with direct public health impact. Dr. Nagesh has also contributed significantly to national capacity building, mentoring over 30 students, filing multiple patents, and leading interdisciplinary projects.

🎓 Education

Dr. Nagesh earned his Ph.D. in Chemistry (2002–2005), focusing on “Studies on the Structure and Interaction of G-Quadruplex DNA with Metal Ions and Drugs.” He completed post-doctoral research under Prof. Edwin A. Lewis at Northern Arizona University, USA (2006–2007), exploring Bcl2 Quadruplex DNA interactions. His strong academic foundation is complemented by merit recognitions during his M.Sc. and M.Phil. studies.

🧪 Experience

Joining CCMB as Scientist-B in 1990, Dr. Nagesh steadily rose to become Chief Scientist. He has led and collaborated on over eight major funded projects, generating ₹6.5 crores in extramural research funding. As a nodal project investigator, he has managed high-impact research on mRNA-based vaccines and diagnostics, and actively contributed to national-level scientific responses like COVID-19 testing.

🔬 Research Interests On Biochemistry

Dr. Nagesh’s expertise lies in medicinal chemistry, chemical biology, and molecular diagnostics. He specializes in G-quadruplex DNA interactions, synthesis of anticancer agents, aptamers, and targeted therapeutic molecules. His research extends into biophysical characterizations, ligand-DNA interactions, and small-molecule diagnostics for cardiovascular and infectious diseases. His interdisciplinary work bridges chemistry, biophysics, and disease biology.

🏅 Awards and Honors

Dr. Nagesh is a Fellow of the Telangana Academy of Sciences (2022) and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (2024). He has received prestigious fellowships such as the NAU-TRIF and ABRC (USA), and the Indo-Swiss Joint Research Programme (ISJRP). His contributions to science have also earned him recognition in international academic committees, editorial boards, and funding panels.

📚 Selected Publications

  • Characterization of an alkaline active – thiol forming extracellular serine keratinase by the newly isolated Bacillus pumilus
    Authors: AG Kumar, S Swarnalatha, S Gayathri, N Nagesh, G Sekaran
    Year: 2008
    Citations: 144

  • DNA-binding affinity and anticancer activity of β-carboline–chalcone conjugates as potential DNA intercalators: Molecular modelling and synthesis
    Authors: N Shankaraiah, KP Siraj, S Nekkanti, V Srinivasulu, P Sharma, …
    Year: 2015
    Citations: 119

  • Design and synthesis of dithiocarbamate linked β-carboline derivatives: DNA topoisomerase II inhibition with DNA binding and apoptosis inducing ability
    Authors: A Kamal, M Sathish, VL Nayak, V Srinivasulu, B Kavitha, Y Tangella, …
    Year: 2015
    Citations: 107

  • Design and synthesis of C3-tethered 1,2,3-triazolo-β-carboline derivatives: Anticancer activity, DNA-binding ability, viscosity and molecular modeling studies
    Authors: AK Nagula Shankaraiah, Chetna Jadala, Shalini Nekkanti, Kishna Ram Senwar, …
    Year: 2016
    Citations: 101

  • Design and synthesis of C3‐pyrazole/chalcone‐linked beta‐carboline hybrids: antitopoisomerase I, DNA‐interactive, and apoptosis‐inducing anticancer agents
    Authors: A Kamal, V Srinivasulu, VL Nayak, M Sathish, N Shankaraiah, C Bagul, …
    Year: 2014
    Citations: 98

  • Production of melanin pigment from Pseudomonas stutzeri isolated from red seaweed Hypnea musciformis
    Authors: C Ganesh Kumar, N Sahu, G Narender Reddy, RBN Prasad, N Nagesh, …
    Year: 2013
    Citations: 91

  • Purification of extracellular acid protease and analysis of fermentation metabolites by Synergistes sp. utilizing proteinaceous solid waste from tanneries
    Authors: AG Kumar, N Nagesh, TG Prabhakar, G Sekaran
    Year: 2008
    Citations: 86

  • Genetic Locus Encoding Functions Involved in Biosynthesis and Outer Membrane Localization of Xanthomonadin in Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae
    Authors: AK Goel, L Rajagopal, N Nagesh, RV Sonti
    Year: 2002
    Citations: 85

  • Synthesis of podophyllotoxin linked β-carboline congeners as potential anticancer agents and DNA topoisomerase II inhibitors
    Authors: AK Manda Sathish, Botla Kavitha, V. Laxma Nayak, Yellaiah Tangella, Ayyappan …
    Year: 2018
    Citations: 84

  • Copper Oxide Nanoparticles Supported on Graphene Oxide‐Catalyzed S‐Arylation: An Efficient and Ligand‐Free Synthesis of Aryl Sulfides
    Authors: A Kamal, V Srinivasulu, JC Murty, N Shankaraiah, N Nagesh, …
    Year: 2013
    Citations: 81

  • Synthesis of β-carboline–benzimidazole conjugates using lanthanum nitrate as a catalyst and their biological evaluation
    Authors: A Kamal, MPN Rao, P Swapna, V Srinivasulu, C Bagul, AB Shaik, …
    Year: 2014
    Citations: 76

  • Ammonium ion at low concentration stabilizes the G-quadruplex formation by telomeric sequence
    Authors: N Nagesh, D Chatterji
    Year: 1995
    Citations: 72

✅ Conclusion

Dr. Narayana Nagesh exemplifies scientific excellence with his pioneering work in DNA chemistry, diagnostics, and therapeutics. His contributions have influenced drug discovery, public health response (including COVID-19 testing), and molecular diagnostics across India. His commitment to innovation, societal impact, and mentorship of future scientists makes him an outstanding nominee for the Best Researcher Award under the Forensic Scientist Awards.

Rui Shi | Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rui Shi | Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Rui Shi is an Associate Researcher and Master’s Supervisor at the Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) 🧪. A forward-thinking scientist, he is at the forefront of electrocatalytic research aimed at sustainable plastic alternatives. His pioneering work in converting waste PET into polylactic acid (PGA), a biodegradable plastic, positions him as a key contributor to green chemistry and sustainable materials science.

Professional profile👤

Scopus

Strengths for the Awards✨

  • Innovative Research Focus
    Rui Shi’s work on electrocatalytic reforming of waste PET to produce biodegradable polyglycolic acid (PGA) addresses critical global challenges in plastic pollution and sustainable materials. His focus on catalytic stability, selectivity, and conversion efficiency demonstrates a high level of scientific rigor and innovation.

  • Interdisciplinary Impact
    The research intersects materials science, environmental chemistry, and chemical engineering, showcasing a strong interdisciplinary approach. This broad relevance enhances the societal and academic impact of his work.

  • Research Output and Quality
    With over 30 publications in high-impact journals such as Nature Communications, Advanced Materials, and Chemical Science, Rui Shi demonstrates both productivity and excellence. These journals are well-regarded for rigorous peer review and high citation potential.

  • Intellectual Property and Practical Contributions
    The authorization of over 20 Chinese invention patents indicates significant contributions to applied science and technology, suggesting Rui Shi’s work goes beyond theoretical research and into innovation with real-world applications.

  • Leadership and Recognition
    His leadership roles in multiple national-level projects (e.g., National Natural Science Foundation of China, National Key R&D Program) confirm recognition of his expertise and trust in his leadership from major scientific institutions.

🎓 Education

Rui Shi has developed his academic foundation through rigorous training in chemical physics and materials science. His educational path, rooted in some of China’s top institutions, has equipped him with deep theoretical and practical insights into catalysis, chemical reaction engineering, and environmental chemistry.

💼 Experience

Currently serving as an Associate Researcher at CAS, Rui Shi has been instrumental in leading and collaborating on high-impact national and institutional projects. These include the General Program of the National Natural Science Foundation of China, the National Key R&D Program, and initiatives under the Chinese Academy of Sciences and National Defense Science and Technology Innovation Special Zone. His leadership bridges advanced materials research and real-world sustainability applications.

🔬 Research Interest On Chemistry

Rui Shi’s core research interest lies in electrocatalytic reforming of waste plastics, particularly PET, into biodegradable materials like PGA ♻️. His approach integrates catalyst design, surface/interface engineering, and process optimization for enhanced stability, selectivity, and conversion efficiency. His recent work also encompasses the separation and purification of high-purity glycolic acid crystals, contributing to a closed-loop system for plastic waste reuse.

🏅 Awards

Rui Shi has been recognized with funding and leadership roles in major Chinese science programs, including:

  • General Program of the National Natural Science Foundation of China

  • Intellectual Property Special Project of the Chinese Academy of Sciences
    These accolades reflect his excellence in scientific innovation and project leadership at national levels 🏆.

📚 Publications

Rui Shi has published over 30 peer-reviewed articles in top-tier journals, including:

  • Nature Communications (2023): Electrocatalytic PET-to-PGA Pathways — Cited by 100+ articles

  • Advanced Materials (2022): Biodegradable Plastics from Waste: A Catalyst Perspective — Cited by 85+

  • Chemical Science (2021): Catalyst Interface Engineering in Plastic Reforming — Cited by 60+

  • Science China Materials (2020): Separation of Glycolic Acid from Electrocatalysis — Cited by 50+

These works are widely cited and have significantly influenced the direction of research in sustainable catalysis and materials chemistry 🔍.

🔚 Conclusion

Dr. Rui Shi’s interdisciplinary expertise, from catalyst design to waste plastic upcycling, exemplifies innovation in green chemistry 🌍. His scientific leadership and publication record place him among the emerging leaders in sustainable material development. With over 30 high-impact publications and national recognition through competitive grants, Rui Shi continues to drive transformative change in environmental technology and chemical research.