Anandita Singh | Molecular Biology | Breakthroughs in Crop Science

Prof. Dr. Anandita Singh | Molecular Biology | Breakthroughs in Crop Science

TERI School of Advanced Studies | India

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✨ PROFESSOR ANANDITA SINGH: A PIONEER IN PLANT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY

INTRODUCTION

Professor Anandita Singh is a distinguished scientist in the field of Plant Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering. With over two decades of academic and research experience, she has made significant contributions to plant genomics, molecular breeding, and biotechnology. Currently serving as a Professor in the Department of Biotechnology at TERI School of Advanced Studies, New Delhi, she is renowned for her work on Brassica species and gene regulation mechanisms.

📚 EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS

Anandita Singh’s journey into the world of molecular biology began with a B.Sc. in Zoology (Honors) from the University of Delhi, where she was a top-ranking student. She further pursued her M.Sc. in Plant Molecular Biology at the University of Delhi, South Campus, before obtaining a Ph.D. in Plant Molecular Biology from Hamdard University. Her doctoral research focused on DNA fingerprinting for genetic diversity assessment in medicinal plants, a field that laid the foundation for her future research endeavors.

🧪 PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS

Professor Singh’s career spans a range of prestigious academic and research positions:

  • Professor, TERI School of Advanced Studies (2017 – Present)
  • Associate Professor, TERI School of Advanced Studies (2013 – 2017)
  • Assistant Professor, TERI School of Advanced Studies (2006 – 2013)
  • Post-Doctoral Fellow, Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology, Germany (2002 – 2004)
  • Research Associate, TERI, New Delhi (2002)

Her professional trajectory reflects her deep commitment to education, research, and innovation in plant biotechnology.

🔬 CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS ON Molecular Biology 

Professor Singh has been at the forefront of crop improvement research, employing CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing, molecular markers, and genomics for trait enhancement. Her research interests include:

  • Molecular Genetics of Brassica Species
  • Role of microRNAs in Plant Development
  • Gene Regulation and Functional Genomics
  • Genome Editing for Agricultural Advancement

She has led multiple government-funded research projects aimed at improving crop resilience and productivity, particularly in Brassicas, an important oilseed crop.

🌍 IMPACT AND INFLUENCE

Beyond her research, Professor Singh is an influential educator with over 18 years of teaching experience. She has designed and taught courses on:

  • Genetic Engineering and Recombinant DNA Techniques
  • Molecular Genomics and Genetics
  • Environmental Biotechnology and Societal Concerns
  • Genome Structure and Diversity

Her commitment to academic excellence extends to curriculum design, having developed specialized programs like the M.Sc. Plant Biotechnology program at TERI.

📈 ACADEMIC CITATIONS AND PUBLICATIONS

Professor Singh has a prolific research portfolio with numerous peer-reviewed international journal publications. Some of her notable works include:

  1. “Multiple combinatorial interactions among natural structural variants of Brassica SOC1 promoters” (Molecular Biology Reports, 2025)
  2. “Differential Expression Pattern of Brassica juncea MIR160 paralogs” (Plant Molecular Biology Reporter, 2025)
  3. “Understanding the role of P-type ATPases in regulating pollen fertility in pigeonpea” (Molecular Genetics and Genomics, 2024)
  4. “MIR159 regulates multiple aspects of stamen and carpel development” (Physiology and Molecular Biology of Plants, 2023)
  5. “A prescient evolutionary model for MIR160 homologs in Brassicaceae” (Molecular Genetics and Genomics, 2021)

🏅 HONORS & AWARDS

Her exceptional contributions have been recognized through various fellowships and awards:

  • Max Planck Society Fellowship (Germany) for Post-Doctoral Research
  • CSIR Fellowship (JRF/SRF), Government of India
  • UGC-NET Qualified (1997)
  • University of Delhi Postgraduate Scholarship
  • Top Rank Holder in B.Sc. Zoology, University of Delhi

🌐 LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS

Looking ahead, Professor Singh is set to drive research in CRISPR-based gene editing, plant stress tolerance mechanisms, and advanced genomics. Her work will undoubtedly continue to influence the next generation of scientists and researchers, paving the way for breakthroughs in plant biotechnology.

🌠 FINAL NOTE

Professor Anandita Singh’s groundbreaking research in plant molecular biology continues to shape the future of agricultural biotechnology. Her commitment to innovation, teaching, and research makes her a leading figure in her field. Through her extensive work on Brassica genomics, she has contributed immensely to global efforts in sustainable agriculture and food security.

📑 NOTABLE PUBLICATIONS 

 Multiple combinatorial interactions among natural structural variants of Brassica SOC1 promoters and SVP: conservation of binding affinity despite diversity in bimolecular interactions
  • Contributors: Simran Kaur; Rinki Sisodia; Bharat Gupta; Kishor Gaikwad; Chaithanya Madhurantakam; Anandita Singh
  • Journal: Molecular Biology Reports
    Year: 2025
 Differential Expression Pattern of Brassica juncea MIR160 Paralogs and Homeologs and In Silico Analysis of Brassicaceae Promoters Uncover Evolutionary Distinctness of MIR160a
  • Contributors: Swati Singh; Swetannita Chattopadhyay; Simran Kaur; Sandip Das; Anandita Singh
  • Journal: Plant Molecular Biology Reporter
    Year: 2025
 Understanding the role of P-type ATPases in regulating pollen fertility and development in pigeonpea
  • Contributors: Rishu Jain; Harsha Srivastava; Kuldeep Kumar; Sandhya Sharma; Anandita Singh; Kishor Gaikwad
  • Journal: Molecular Genetics and Genomics
    Year: 2024
 Title: MIR159 regulates multiple aspects of stamen and carpel development and requires dissection and delimitation of differential downstream regulatory network for manipulating fertility traits
  • Contributors: Saurabh Anand; Mukund Lal; Ekta Bhardwaj; Richa Shukla; Ekta Pokhriyal; Aditi Jain; Tanu Sri; P. S. Srivastava; Anandita Singh; Sandip Das
  • Journal: Physiology and Molecular Biology of Plants
    Year: 2023
Combinatorial interactions among natural structural variants of Brassica SOC1 promoters and SVP depict conservation of binding affinity despite molecular diversity
  • Contributors: Simran Kaur; Rinki Sisodia; Bharat Gupta; Chaithanya Madhurantakam; Anandita Singh
  • Journal: Preprint
    Year: 2023

 

Manjul Dhiman | Plant Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Manjul Dhiman | Plant Biotechnology | Best Researcher Award

K L DAV PG College University, India

Author Profile

PROFESSOR MANJUL DHIMAN: BOTANY TRAILBLAZER 🌿

📚 EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS

Manjul Dhiman was born on September 5, 1971, in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh. With an enduring passion for science and research, he excelled academically from an early age. His educational journey showcases a strong foundation in the natural sciences, completing:

  • High School (1986): U.P. Board, 65.10%
  • Intermediate (1988): U.P. Board, 70.00%
  • B.Sc. (1991): Meerut University, 71.90%
  • M.Sc. Botany (1993): Institute of Advanced Studies, Meerut University, 75.40%
  • M.Phil Botany (1994): University of Delhi, 76.60%
  • Ph.D. Botany (1998): University of Delhi, specializing in in-vitro studies on gymnosperms.

🧪 PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS

Dr. Dhiman began his teaching career as a permanent lecturer at Government College, Banswara, Rajasthan (1998-1999). Since 1999, he has been serving as Professor and Head of the Department of Botany at K.L.D.A.V. PG College, Roorkee. His vast teaching experience spans undergraduate and postgraduate levels, mentoring numerous students toward academic excellence.

🔬 CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS ON PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY

Dr. Dhiman’s research focuses on Plant Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, and Tissue Culture. His significant projects include:

  • Regeneration and micropropagation of endangered medicinal plants like Ephedra gerardiana.
  • Studies on arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in medicinal plants of Uttarakhand.
  • Genetic fidelity and alkaloid estimation in plants.

He has supervised over 10 Ph.D. scholars and contributed to various national and international research collaborations.

🌍 IMPACT AND INFLUENCE

Dr. Dhiman’s contributions to botany have been widely recognized. His efforts in exploring medicinal plant diversity, environmental conservation, and biotechnological applications have left a lasting impact on research communities and the next generation of scholars.

📈 ACADEMIC CITATIONS AND PUBLICATIONS

Dr. Dhiman has an impressive portfolio of 25+ peer-reviewed publications in reputed journals and books. Key works include:

  • In vitro studies on gymnosperms (Curr. Sci., 1998)
  • Biotechnology of cycads (Him. J. Sci., 2007)
  • Somatic embryogenesis in Ephedra foliata (Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech., 2010).

🏅 HONORS & AWARDS

  1. Young Scientist Award (2009): Uttarakhand State Council for Science and Technology.
  2. Best Research Paper Award (2014): CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute.
  3. Junior and Senior Research Fellowships by CSIR.
  4. Merit Scholarship during school years.

Additionally, he has been honored by numerous scientific societies for his contributions to education and research.

🌐 LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS

As a visionary academic, Dr. Dhiman continues to shape the future of botany through innovative research and active mentorship. His work ensures the conservation of endangered plants and the application of biotechnology for sustainable development.

🌠 FINAL NOTE

Professor Manjul Dhiman’s dedication to advancing botanical research, particularly in medicinal plants and biotechnology, underscores his role as a leading figure in his field. His commitment to education and environmental sustainability has inspired countless students and researchers.

📑 NOTABLE PUBLICATIONS 

“In vitro propagation of elite clone of Ephedra gerardiana: an endangered medicinal plant ” 

  • Authors: Sharma, V. , Jain, P. , Dhiman, M.
  • Journal: Vegetos
  • Year: 2024

“Cyrtosia falconeri (Hook.f.) Aver. (Orchidaceae): an addition to the flora of Jammu & Kashmir, India” 

  • Authors: Ahmed, M. , Dhiman, M.
  • Journal: Journal of Threatened Taxa
  • Year: 2023

“Nucleus model of sacred groves (sacred groves: the nuclei of biodiversity cells) traditional beliefs, myths, associated anthropogenic threats and possible measures of conservation in Western most regions of lesser Himalayas, India.” 

  • Authors: Ahmed, M. , Dhiman, M.
  • Journal: Acta Ecologica Sinica
  • Year: 2023

“Sacred groves: the gene banks of threatened and ethnomedicinal flora, associated taboos and role in biodiversity conservation in the Peer Panchal range of North Western Himalayas, India ” 

  • Authors: Ahmed, M. , Sharma, V. , Dhiman, M
  • Journal: Ecological Questions
  • Year: 2023

” Evolution in crop improvement approaches and future prospects of molecular markers to CRISPR/Cas9 system” 

  • Authors: Dheer, P. , Rautela, I.
  • Journal: Sharma, V. , … Sharma, N. , Sharma, M.D.
  • Year: 2020

“Selection of high quality turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) genotype for sodic wastelands of Northern India” 

  • Authors: Singh, S. , Sharma, L.K. , Sharma, S.K.
  • Journal: Dhiman, M. , Tewari, S.K. Medicinal Plants
  • Year: 2015

“Indirect regeneration from leaf segments for mass propagation of Withania somnifera: An endangered medicinal plant” 

  • Authors: Sharma, N. , Koshy, E.P. , Dhiman, M
  • Journal: Pharma and Bio Sciences
  • Year: 2014

“Biochemical Composition of Curcuma longa L. Accessions” 

  • Authors: Niranjan, A. , Singh, S. , Dhiman, M. , Tewari, S.K
  • Journal: Analytical Letters
  • Year: 2013

” Regeneration of plants from nodal and internodal segment cultures of Ephedra gerardiana using thidiazuron” 

  • Authors: Sharma, V. , Gupta, S.K. , Dhiman, M
  • Journal: Plant Tissue Culture and Biotechnology
  • Year: 2013

“Somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration in Ephedra foliata (Boiss.); A non coniferous gymnosperm” 

  • Authors: Dhiman, M. , Sharma, V. , Moitra, S
  • Journal: Plant Tissue Culture and Biotechnology
  • Year: 2010