Milind Nahiyera | Neutrophil Heterogeneity | Women Researcher Award

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Dr. Milind Nahiyera | Neutrophil Heterogeneity | Women Researcher Award

Dr. Milind Nahiyera | CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute | India

Dr. Milind Nahiyera is a dedicated immunologist currently pursuing his Ph.D. at the CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India. With a strong academic background in microbiology and years of hands-on experience in immunopharmacological research, he has significantly contributed to understanding neutrophil heterogeneity and immune regulation under pathological conditions. His scientific pursuits center around elucidating cellular mechanisms in immune response, focusing on neutrophils, hematopoiesis, and inflammation. Dr. Nahiyera’s training spans advanced techniques such as flow cytometry, confocal microscopy, and molecular biology, alongside animal model studies. He has co-authored multiple peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals and presented his findings at national scientific conferences. He also brings valuable teaching experience as an assistant professor and mentor, bridging research with education. Passionate, detail-oriented, and research-driven, Dr. Nahiyera aims to contribute meaningfully to translational immunology and therapeutic development.

Publication Profile: 

Scopus

Education:

Dr. Milind Nahiyera’s academic foundation is rooted in microbiology and immunology. He is currently completing his Ph.D. in Immunology from CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, with research focusing on neutrophil phenotypic and functional heterogeneity. Prior to this, he earned his M.Sc. in Microbiology and B.Sc. in Microbiology from Shree Ramkrishna Institute of Computer Education and Applied Science under VNSGU, Surat. His education combines rigorous academic training with laboratory expertise, enabling him to master both theoretical and practical aspects of modern biosciences. Through continuous learning and research, Dr. Nahiyera has built a strong foundation in molecular biology, immunology, and microbiology—equipping him to contribute effectively to cutting-edge biomedical science and translational research.

Experience:

Dr. Milind Nahiyera brings over a decade of experience in both research and teaching. Before beginning his Ph.D., he served as an Assistant Professor  at Naran Lala College, Navsari, where he taught microbiology. He also worked as an Ad-hoc Lecturer at multiple institutions in Surat, Gujarat, and as a science teacher at L.P. Savani School. Since 2019, Dr. Nahiyera has been a Ph.D. scholar at CSIR-CDRI, where he has conducted advanced immunological research. His technical proficiency includes animal handling, cell culture, flow cytometry (BD FACS Aria, Lyric), immunohistochemistry, fluorescence/confocal microscopy, RNA isolation, and qPCR. He has collaborated on key projects involving immune cell regulation and inflammation, contributing to publications and scientific presentations. His experience bridges classroom instruction and research innovation, reflecting his commitment to science education and biomedical discovery.

Awards and Honors:

Dr. Milind Nahiyera has earned prestigious accolades in recognition of his academic and research excellence. Notably, he qualified the CSIR-NET Life Science exam twice—first for Lectureship and later for the Junior Research Fellowship, reflecting his deep knowledge and research potential. These highly competitive national fellowships, awarded by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), validate his strong grasp on life sciences and commitment to academic excellence. He has also received travel and conference support to present his research at national forums. His achievements underscore his ability to perform at high academic standards while contributing novel insights to immunopharmacology. These awards have not only supported his doctoral research but also positioned him as a credible candidate for advanced scientific opportunities, including research awards and fellowships.

Research Focus:

Dr. Milind Nahiyera’s research centers on the phenotypic and functional heterogeneity of neutrophils in health and disease. His Ph.D. explores how neutrophils behave differently under pathological conditions, aiming to identify subpopulations with distinct inflammatory roles. This work is highly relevant to diseases like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), infections, and hematopoietic disorders. He has also worked on mitochondrial signaling in hematopoietic stem cells, and how it contributes to bone marrow regeneration. His research integrates flow cytometry, confocal microscopy, gene expression analysis, and animal models, providing a holistic view of immune cell behavior. These investigations are vital in identifying potential therapeutic targets and advancing immune-based therapies. Dr. Nahiyera’s work is not only mechanistic but translational—bridging the gap between fundamental immunology and clinical relevance. He is especially interested in how neutrophil modulation can alter disease outcomes, and his findings contribute to broader immune regulation paradigms.

Publications Top Notes:

  1. Sca-1 expression depicts pro-inflammatory murine neutrophils under steady state and pathological conditions

  2. iNOS regulates hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells via mitochondrial signaling and is critical for bone marrow regeneration (Free Radical Biology and Medicine)

  3. Altered hematopoiesis during filarial infection causes myeloid bias and shapes trained immunity (Under Communication, The Journal of Immunology)

  4.  Slc25a1 inhibition alleviates IBD pathology by mitigating inflammation (Under Preparation)

Conclusion:

In conclusion, while Dr. Milind Nahiyera possesses exceptional scientific and academic strengths that make him highly suited for research-focused fellowships and young investigator awards, he is not eligible for the Research for Women Researcher Award due to its gender-specific criteria. This limitation, however, does not diminish his potential or the quality of his contributions to immunological research. His strong foundation in experimental immunology, significant technical expertise, impactful publications, and teaching background make him a promising candidate for national and international fellowships, early-career research awards, and future faculty positions. Dr. Nahiyera is encouraged to explore opportunities aligned with his profile and accomplishments where his scientific merit can be duly recognized.

Pratap Chand Mali | Zoology | Outstanding Scientist Award

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Prof. Pratap Chand Mali | Zoology | Outstanding Scientist Award

Prof. Pratap Chand Mali | University of Rajasthan Jaipur | India

Dr. Pratap Chand Mali  is a seasoned Professor in the Department of Zoology at the University of Rajasthan, Jaipur. With over three decades of research experience in reproductive physiology, his scientific work centers on the antifertility effects of traditional medicinal plants. Known for his meticulous approach and ethical experimentation, Dr. Mali has contributed significantly to contraceptive research using animal models, particularly male albino rats. His pioneering studies explore plant-based alternatives to synthetic contraceptives, showcasing his deep interest in eco-friendly and indigenous healthcare solutions. Dr. Mali has actively participated in national and international scientific platforms, delivering invited talks and contributing to numerous peer-reviewed journals. A member of esteemed organizations like the Indian Science Congress Association and ISSRF, his academic and research journey reflects a commitment to innovation and excellence in biological sciences.

Publication Profile: 

Google Scholar

Orcid

Education:

Dr. Pratap Chand Mali holds an M.Sc. and a Ph.D. in Zoology from the University of Rajasthan. His doctoral thesis, titled “Antifertility Studies of Certain Xerophytic Plants in Male Albino Rats”, focused on exploring the contraceptive potential of native plant extracts on male reproductive systems. His specialization in reproductive biology and physiology has equipped him with a strong foundation in experimental design, pharmacological testing, and histopathological analysis. His research is notable for blending traditional botanical knowledge with modern pharmacology, aiming to develop safe, natural contraceptive agents. Throughout his academic career, Dr. Mali has demonstrated a keen interest in understanding plant bioactives and their systemic effects. He has trained several postgraduate and doctoral students and remains an inspiration in his field due to his in-depth academic training and practical experience.

Experience:

Dr. Pratap Chand Mali serves as a Professor in the Department of Zoology at the University of Rajasthan, with extensive teaching and research experience spanning over 30 years. His academic involvement includes undergraduate and postgraduate teaching, student mentorship, and curriculum development. He has supervised several Ph.D. scholars and has actively contributed to departmental research initiatives, particularly in reproductive toxicology and phytopharmacology. His research has been widely presented in national symposia and international conferences, including an invited speaker session in Dubai in 2021. Dr. Mali has been instrumental in bridging traditional plant medicine with reproductive physiology, establishing himself as a leading voice in antifertility research. His collaborative projects with Indian and international scientists reflect a global recognition of his expertise. His teaching philosophy emphasizes scientific curiosity and ethical research, making him a respected academic leader in his institution and the broader scientific community.

Awards and Honors:

Dr. Mali’s work has earned him several prestigious honors. He received the Asia-Pacific Council on Contraception (APCOC) Talents Encouragement Award in 2008 for his poster on the contraceptive activity of Withania somnifera at a conference held in Macau, China. In 2010, he was honored with the Best Citizen of India Award, acknowledging his contributions to science and education. He was also an Invited Speaker at the Pharmacology 2021 international conference in Dubai, where he delivered a lecture on traditional medicinal plants in modern pharmacopeia. A Life Member of the Indian Science Congress Association and the Indian Society for the Study of Reproduction and Fertility (ISSRF), his consistent academic contributions are highly valued. These awards and affiliations reflect his dedication to advancing knowledge in reproductive biology and his impactful role in both national and international scientific communities.

Research Focus:

Dr. Pratap Chand Mali’s research centers on the antifertility potential of traditional medicinal plants, particularly in male reproductive physiology. His experimental work involves phytochemical screening, hormonal analysis, and histological studies using male albino rats to assess the impact of various xerophytic plant extracts. His aim is to develop natural, reversible, and safe contraceptives by leveraging indigenous botanical knowledge. Dr. Mali’s investigations into plants such as Martynia annua, Euphorbia neriifolia, and Citrullus colocynthis have significantly contributed to understanding non-toxic alternatives to synthetic reproductive inhibitors. He is also interested in the mechanisms of spermatogenesis inhibition, lipid metabolism, and endocrine disruption by phytocompounds. His work is published in reputed journals like Journal of Ethnopharmacology and Pharmaceutical Biology, with several papers receiving international citations. Through his interdisciplinary research, he continues to address global fertility challenges using eco-conscious solutions grounded in Indian traditional medicine.

Publications Top Notes:

  1. Antifertility studies of root extract of Martynia annua Linn in male albino rats – Indian Science Congress, 1994

  2. Inhibition of spermatogenesis by Euphorbia neriifolia extract in male rats – ISSRF Symposium, 1994

  3. Antifertility study of Citrullus colocynthis fruit extract in male rats – ISSRF, 1994

  4. Antifertility effects of Echinops echinatus roots in male rats – J. Environ and Pollu., 1995

  5. Fertility regulation using Echinops echinatus root extract in rats – J. Phytol. Res., 1995

  6. Hypolipidemic effect of Convolvulus microphyllus in cholesterol-fed gerbils – J. Phytol. Res., 1995

  7. Antispermatogenic activity of Solanum xanthocarpum root extract in rats – J. Phytol. Res., 1996

  8. Antifertility effects of Euphorbia neriifolia root in male albino rats – Indian J. Environ. Sci., 1999

  9. Antispermatogenic effect of Citrullus colocynthis root extract – Pharmaceutical Biology, 2001

  10.  Effects of Martynia annua root extract on male rats – J. Ethnopharm., 2002

Conclusion:

Dr. Pratap Chand Mali is a deserving candidate for the Research for Outstanding Scientist Award based on the originality, depth, and societal relevance of his work. His pioneering studies on plant-based male contraceptives not only address a critical public health need but also contribute to sustainable and accessible healthcare innovation. His combination of academic leadership, consistent publication record, and international recognition through awards and invited talks makes him a valuable asset to the scientific community. With further strategic efforts to amplify his research’s reach and impact, he is well-positioned to continue making meaningful contributions to science and society. The award would serve as a well-earned recognition of his lifelong dedication to scientific inquiry and translational research in reproductive physiology.