Dr. ASEM SANJIT SINGH | Developmental Cell Biology | Young Scientist Award

Dr. ASEM SANJIT SINGH , INDIAN INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE, BANGALORE , India

r. Asem Sanjit Singh is a distinguished DBT-Post-Doctoral Research Associate at the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore. He holds a Ph.D. in Post-Harvest Technology (Microbiology) from ICAR-CIFE and is currently exploring the gut microbiota and host interactions in his post-doctoral research. Dr. Singh has an extensive academic background, having received prestigious awards such as the Dr. C.V. Kulkarni Gold Medal for best M.F.Sc. research (2014-2015) and the Young Scientist Award (2025) from GRIAST. His work in microbiology, particularly in antibiotic resistance in seafood, has gained significant recognition in the scientific community. Dr. Singh has a proven track record of contributing valuable research, with multiple publications in top-tier journals.

Publication Profile: 

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Strengths for the Award:

1. Educational Background & Expertise:

   • Dr. Asem Sanjit Singh has a solid educational foundation, with degrees in Fisheries Science and Post-Harvest Technology (Microbiology), from reputable institutions such as ICAR-CIFE and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc).
   • His ongoing postdoctoral research on gut microbiomes and host crosstalk, with a focus on the effects of antibiotics, aligns with contemporary concerns in microbiology and environmental health.

2. Recognized Research Contributions:

   • Dr. Singh has an impressive track record of publications in high-impact journals, including J. Microbiology, Environmental Science & Pollution Research, and International Journal of Food Microbiology.
   • His research on multidrug-resistant bacteria in seafood and the characterization of virulent microorganisms from aquatic products has significantly advanced food safety and public health understanding.
   • His recent publications, such as on the impact of antibiotics on microbiomes and the potential toxicity of antibiotics in aquatic systems, reflect his cutting-edge research and interdisciplinary approach.

3. Awards and Recognition:

   • The Dr. C.V. Kulkarni Gold Medal for Best M.F.Sc. Research (2014-2015) and his Young Scientist Award (2025) from GRIAST highlight his exceptional contributions to the field.
   • His ongoing DBT post-doctoral research fellowship and other prestigious awards underline the recognition he has received within the scientific community.

4. Diverse Research Themes:

   • His research spans multiple relevant themes, including antimicrobial resistance (AMR), seafood safety, environmental health, and microbiome dynamics. These diverse topics are highly relevant to global health challenges, demonstrating his ability to tackle complex issues through multidisciplinary approaches.

5. National and International Presentations:

   • Dr. Singh has presented his work at international seminars and conferences, further establishing his reputation as a promising young scientist. This shows his commitment to sharing knowledge and fostering collaboration with peers globally.

6. Book Contributions & Popular Articles:

   • Dr. Singh has authored and co-authored several chapters and articles, further demonstrating his academic influence and his role as a thought leader in fisheries science and microbiology.

Areas for Improvement:

1. Broader Public Engagement:

   • While his academic achievements are exemplary, Dr. Singh could benefit from engaging more directly with public education and outreach initiatives. This could help in translating his research findings into practical applications for society, particularly in food safety and public health.

2. Collaborative Projects Across Disciplines:

   • As his research intersects several fields, further collaborations with public health, policy makers, and industries (like seafood and environmental conservation) could yield more real-world impacts. Developing such partnerships would help bridge the gap between academic findings and practical applications.

3. Mentoring and Leadership:

   • Mentoring more students and young researchers could enhance his leadership profile. As he continues his post-doctoral work, taking on a larger mentoring role could cultivate the next generation of scientists in his area of expertise.

4. Increased Focus on Translational Research:

   • Focusing more on translating his findings into actionable solutions for the seafood industry, such as developing methods for reducing antibiotic resistance or improving seafood safety standards, could increase the societal impact of his work.

Education:

Dr. Singh completed his schooling at CBSE, New Delhi, scoring well in both 10th (71.2%) and 12th (62.4%). He graduated with a B.F.Sc. in Fisheries Science from the College of Fisheries, CAU, Imphal (2012), securing an impressive 83.9%. He went on to pursue an M.F.Sc. in Post-Harvest Technology (Microbiology) at ICAR-CIFE, Mumbai, where he received the Dr. C.V. Kulkarni Gold Medal (2014) for his research excellence. His Ph.D. research focused on “Molecular mechanisms of antibiotic resistance-producing Escherichia coli associated with seafood,” achieving a first-class distinction with 86.2%. Dr. Singh is now a Post-Doctoral Research Associate at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, where he is further enhancing his expertise in microbiology, focusing on gut microbes and host interactions.

Experience:

Dr. Singh’s research journey began with his B.F.Sc. and M.F.Sc., followed by a Ph.D. at ICAR-CIFE, where he focused on antibiotic resistance mechanisms in seafood. His doctoral thesis explored the molecular aspects of Escherichia coli’s resistance to antibiotics, contributing significantly to food safety and public health research. Since March 2021, he has been engaged in post-doctoral research at IISc, studying the trans-generational impact of antibiotic exposure using Drosophila melanogaster as a model organism. He has also held fellowships from ICAR and DBT, receiving the ICAR-Institute fellowship for both his postgraduate and doctoral studies. Dr. Singh has contributed to over 13 peer-reviewed publications, spanning diverse aspects of microbiology, including antibiotic resistance, gut microbiota, and environmental pressures. His professional experience and advanced research focus on solving critical issues related to food safety, microbiome interactions, and environmental sustainability in aquaculture.

Awards and Honors:

Dr. Asem Sanjit Singh has received several prestigious awards and honors for his exemplary contributions to microbiology and aquaculture research. In 2014, he was honored with the Dr. C.V. Kulkarni Gold Medal for best M.F.Sc. research. In 2015, his M.F.Sc. thesis was recognized as the Best Indian M.F.Sc. Thesis by PFGF. His groundbreaking work on seafood safety earned him the Young Scientist Award in 2025 from GRIAST. Dr. Singh’s academic achievements are further complemented by multiple fellowships, including the ICAR-Institute Fellowship for his postgraduate and doctoral studies. He is currently a DBT-Post-Doctoral Research Associate at IISc-Bangalore (2022-2025). These awards reflect his consistent academic excellence, research commitment, and significant contributions to microbiology, particularly in food safety, antibiotic resistance, and environmental sustainability.

Research Focus:

Dr. Asem Sanjit Singh’s research focuses on microbiology, particularly antibiotic resistance mechanisms in seafood, gut microbiota, and the trans-generational effects of antibiotics on model organisms. His post-doctoral research at the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, delves into the intricate interactions between gut microbes and their hosts. His work in seafood safety has revealed significant insights into antibiotic-resistant Escherichia coli and other pathogens, contributing to public health concerns related to foodborne diseases. Dr. Singh’s studies on the impact of antibiotics on microbiota and fertility in organisms like Drosophila melanogaster provide valuable data for understanding environmental and health implications. Additionally, his work on microplastics, pollution, and the sustainability of aquaculture systems highlights his commitment to improving the environmental and health aspects of fisheries. Dr. Singh’s research has profound implications for food safety, environmental sustainability, and microbial health.

Publications Top Notes:

1. Isolation of Escherichia coli harboring blaNDM-5 from fresh fish in India 🐟🔬
2. Evaluation of textural quality as a parameter to optimize thermal process during retort pouch processing of boneless rohu balls in curry medium 🍛🐟
3. Multiple antibiotic-resistant, Extended Spectrum-β-Lactamase (ESBL)-producing enterobacteria in fresh seafood 🦠🐠
4. Characterization of blaNDM-harboring, multidrug-resistant enterobacteriaceae isolated from seafood 🧫🌊
5. Virulence genotypes and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of Arcobacter butzleri isolated from seafood and its environment 🦠🌍
6. Effects of rosemary extracts on textural and functional qualities of surimi gel from striped catfish 🐟🌿
7. High prevalence of multiple antibiotic-resistant, Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli in fresh seafood sold in retail markets of Mumbai 🛒🐟
8. Quality assessment of fishes caught by single-day and multi-day gillnet fishing off Satpati coast, Maharashtra, India 🌊🎣
9. Environmental pressure of active fishing method: a study on carbon emission by trawlers from northwest Indian coast 🚢🌍
10. Characteristics and mechanism of potential probiotics with special reference to lactic acid bacteria from traditional fermented fish products 🦠🥘

Conclusion:

Dr. Asem Sanjit Singh is an exceptionally deserving candidate for the Young Scientist Award. His comprehensive research portfolio, coupled with his academic excellence, dedication to public health, and numerous recognitions, positions him as an emerging leader in microbiology, food safety, and environmental health. His work has already made significant contributions to the field of seafood safety and antibiotic resistance, and with further focus on public outreach and mentoring, he could amplify his impact. His ability to approach complex scientific issues from an interdisciplinary perspective makes him a standout candidate for the award.