Pryanka Thakur | Dengue | Young Scientist Award

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Dr. Pryanka Thakur | Dengue | Young Scientist Award

Dr. Pryanka Thakur | Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh | India

Dr. Pryanka Thakur is a dedicated virologist and Project Research Scientist-I at PGIMER, Chandigarh, working in Professor Sunil Sethi’s laboratory. She earned her Ph.D. in Virology from PGIMER under the mentorship of Professor (Dr.) Radha Kanta Ratho, Dean of PGIMER. Her research revolves around molecular pathogenesis, particularly focusing on viral diseases such as Dengue, COVID-19, Hepatitis E, and emerging zoonotic threats. With numerous high-impact publications and presentations at national and international forums, Dr. Thakur has built a commendable academic and research portfolio. Her work contributes to a deeper understanding of viral mechanisms and their public health implications. She has received accolades like the Young Scientist Award and DST-SERB travel grant, reflecting her potential as a rising star in infectious disease research. Passionate about molecular diagnostics and disease pathogenesis, Dr. Thakur’s academic rigor and commitment position her as a promising candidate for the Research for Young Scientist Award.

Publication Profile: 

Orcid

Scopus

Education:

Dr. Pryanka Thakur completed her Ph.D. in Virology at the prestigious Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, from August 2018 to March 2024. Her thesis, titled “Role of inflammasome and autophagy in the pathogenesis of severity of Dengue fever,” was conducted under the supervision of Professor (Dr.) Radha Kanta Ratho, a leading authority in virology. Her doctoral work explored critical host-pathogen interactions, offering insights into mechanisms influencing disease severity. During this period, she honed her skills in molecular virology, diagnostics, and cellular biology. Her academic foundation is deeply rooted in translational and clinical virology, with particular emphasis on autophagy, inflammasomes, and immunological responses during viral infections. Through her rigorous training and extensive hands-on experience with cutting-edge lab techniques, she emerged as a well-rounded scientist with both technical expertise and conceptual depth in infectious disease research, specifically RNA viruses and M. tuberculosis.

Experience:

Dr. Pryanka Thakur currently serves as a Project Research Scientist-I in the Department of Medical Microbiology, PGIMER, Chandigarh, under the mentorship of Professor Sunil Sethi. Her research has primarily focused on virological and immunological responses to emerging and re-emerging infections. She has extensive experience in molecular biology, cell culture, diagnostics, and bioinformatics, contributing to major national and international research initiatives. During her Ph.D., she contributed significantly to studies on Dengue pathogenesis, SARS-CoV-2 evolution, and the intersection of autophagy and inflammasome activity. Her experience also includes collaboration with clinicians, epidemiologists, and diagnostic labs, showcasing her ability to work in interdisciplinary settings. Beyond lab work, she has actively participated in scientific writing, mentoring junior researchers, and presenting findings at forums like ECCMID and VIROCON. Her track record reflects a strong combination of leadership, innovation, and research integrity—making her a standout young investigator.

Awards and Honors:

Dr. Pryanka Thakur’s excellence in research has been recognized through prestigious accolades. In 2024, she was honored with the Young Scientist Award at the VIROCON 2024 conference held at DRDE, Gwalior, for her impactful Ph.D. research on Dengue virus pathogenesis. Additionally, she secured the highly competitive DST-SERB International Travel Grant to present her work at the 33rd European Congress of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases (ECCMID) in Copenhagen, Denmark. These honors are a testament to the significance and quality of her research in infectious diseases. Her recognition on both national and international platforms demonstrates her rising reputation within the scientific community. These awards not only validate her current achievements but also underscore her potential for future contributions to global health challenges. Her work continues to resonate with experts in virology, public health, and molecular diagnostics—solidifying her status as a promising candidate for further research awards.

Research Focus:

Dr. Pryanka Thakur’s research is rooted in the pathogenesis, immunology, and molecular biology of emerging infectious diseases. Her Ph.D. research dissected the intricate roles of inflammasome activation and autophagy dysregulation in severe Dengue infections—paving the way for targeted therapies and better clinical outcomes. She also actively investigates RNA viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, Hepatitis E, Monkeypox, Nipah, and avian influenza, exploring their mutation patterns, immune evasion strategies, and pandemic potential. Her recent studies also delve into co-infections (e.g., Dengue and COVID-19 in pregnancy), and the reemergence of known pathogens in the post-pandemic era. Dr. Thakur maintains a special interest in molecular diagnostics, enabling early and accurate disease detection. Her contributions bridge laboratory science with clinical relevance, aiming to develop diagnostic tools and deepen our understanding of host-pathogen dynamics. This interdisciplinary approach positions her to make substantial contributions to the field of translational virology and public health microbiology.

Publications Top Notes: 

  1. Waves and variants of SARS-CoV-2: Understanding the causes and effect of the COVID-19 catastrophe – Infection, 2022.

  2. Viral Hepatitis E and Chronicity: A growing public health concern – Frontiers in Microbiology, 2020.

  3. Monkeypox virus in humans: A concern – Trespassing global boundaries – Int J Surg, 2022.

  4. Emergence of novel omicron hybrid variants: BA(x), XE, XD, XF – More than just alphabets – Int J Surg, 2022.

  5. Nipah Outbreak: Beginning of another pandemic in the era of COVID-19 and Zika? – Brain Behav Immun, 2021.

  6. Evolutionary dynamics of emergent SARS-CoV-2 variants: Just within a year – Immunome Research, 2021.

  7. Avian influenza revisited: Concerns and constraints – VirusDisease, 2022.

  8. Maternal and perinatal outcome in Dengue and COVID-19 co-infected pregnancies – Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol, 2023.

  9. Post-COVID-19 era: Re-emergence of known and future (X) viral pathogens – Vacunas, 2024.

  10.  Paclitaxel production from endophytic Mucor circinelloides from Himalayan Taxus sp. – 3 Biotech, 2024.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Dr. Pryanka Thakur is an exceptionally well-qualified candidate for the Research for Young Scientist Award. Her academic rigor, publication excellence, and strong interest in infectious disease pathogenesis make her a standout young researcher. She brings a unique blend of molecular insights and public health relevance to her work, making significant contributions to understanding emerging viral threats. With national recognition and international exposure already under her belt, she is on a clear upward trajectory in academic science. Supporting her at this stage through the Young Scientist Award would not only validate her past contributions but also empower her to lead future advancements in virology, diagnostics, and translational medical research. With minor enhancements in project independence and translational focus, Dr. Thakur is poised to become a future leader in infectious disease research, making her a deserving recipient of this award.

 

Jean Bosco MBONIMPA | Malaria Disease | Best Academic Researcher Award

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Mr. Jean Bosco MBONIMPA | Malaria Disease | Best Academic Researcher Award

Mr. Jean Bosco MBONIMPA, King Faisal Hospital, Rwanda

Jean Bosco Mbonimpa is a Rwandan biomedical laboratory scientist and emerging molecular biology researcher based in Kigali. With over a decade of experience in clinical diagnostics, molecular tools development, and infectious disease surveillance, Jean Bosco has contributed significantly to public health through his work on HIV and malaria research projects. Currently serving as the Laboratory Quality Officer at King Faisal Hospital Rwanda, he is committed to maintaining high standards in laboratory quality management systems. He holds a BSc in Biomedical Laboratory Sciences and is pursuing an MSc in Biotechnology at the University of Rwanda. Jean Bosco is known for his meticulous attention to GCLP and QA/QC practices, and he is a published author in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences. His contributions include developing molecular tools using MSP2 polymorphism for malaria prediction and analyzing cytokine profiles to understand clinical presentations of malaria. His work embodies the fusion of laboratory excellence and impactful research.

Publication Profile: 

Orcid

✅ Strengths for the Award:

  1. Robust Technical Expertise:
    Jean Bosco demonstrates strong hands-on experience in clinical diagnostics, molecular biology, and public health research. His skill set spans DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, serology, and QA/QC—critical for high-impact biomedical research.

  2. High-Impact Research Publications:
    His co-authorship of two peer-reviewed publications in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences shows meaningful contributions to cutting-edge malaria research, particularly in molecular tool development and immunological profiling.

  3. Commitment to Quality Standards:
    His current role as Laboratory Quality Officer at King Faisal Hospital, combined with his consistent application of GCLP and ISO standards, highlights his dedication to maintaining rigorous laboratory practices.

  4. Academic Progression and Initiative:
    As part of the first cohort pursuing an MSc in Biotechnology, he reflects academic ambition and a forward-looking research mindset, further strengthening his academic credibility.

  5. National Health Contribution:
    His active participation in large-scale national programs like RPHIA and malaria elimination projects underscores a direct impact on Rwanda’s public health systems.

⚙️ Areas for Improvement:

  1. Limited Diversity in Research Topics:
    While his malaria research is commendable, branching out into other infectious diseases, biotechnology innovations, or emerging pathogens could diversify his portfolio and enhance interdisciplinary relevance.

  2. Need for Broader Research Leadership Roles:
    Most of his published work positions him as a co-author. Leading future research projects and acting as principal investigator would solidify his academic leadership.

  3. Visibility & International Collaboration:
    Participation in international conferences, workshops, and grant-funded collaborations would increase his global academic footprint and recognition.

  4. Capacity Building & Mentorship:
    Involvement in mentoring junior researchers or students would align with the award’s broader academic mission of knowledge dissemination and leadership development.

🎓 Education:

Jean Bosco Mbonimpa’s academic journey reflects a strong foundation in biomedical sciences and a progressive dive into advanced research. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Laboratory Sciences from the University of Rwanda – College of Medicine and Health Sciences in 2013, a program that equipped him with essential clinical and diagnostic lab skills. Prior to that, he completed his A-Level education in Medical Laboratory Sciences at ESSA Ruhengeli, Musanze, in 2008. Currently, Jean Bosco is enrolled in the first cohort of the Master of Science in Biotechnology at the University of Rwanda – College of Science and Technology, where he is expanding his knowledge in molecular biology, bioinformatics, and translational research. His academic trajectory demonstrates both commitment to healthcare service delivery and a vision to innovate within biotechnology and infectious disease research. Through his studies, he has laid a strong theoretical and practical base for impactful biomedical innovations in Africa.

🧪 Experience:

Jean Bosco Mbonimpa brings over 10 years of hands-on laboratory experience in both clinical and research settings. Currently, he serves as a Laboratory Quality Officer at King Faisal Hospital Rwanda, where he oversees SOP development, audits, sterility testing, and QA documentation to ensure compliance with national and international standards. Previously, he contributed to various research initiatives including malaria efficacy studies and the Rwanda Population-based HIV Impact Assessment (RPHIA), where he conducted field-based blood sampling and diagnostic testing under strict GCLP protocols. His technical expertise covers parasitology, hematology, molecular diagnostics, and serology. His role in national and international research collaborations has made him a vital player in disease surveillance and laboratory quality assurance. Jean Bosco is not only a capable bench scientist but also an effective communicator and team collaborator, making him a valuable asset to both healthcare systems and research institutions focused on improving health outcomes.

🔬 Research Focus:

Jean Bosco Mbonimpa’s research centers on infectious disease diagnostics, with a particular focus on malaria and HIV. He is especially interested in harnessing molecular biology tools to better understand pathogen behavior and host responses. His recent work has explored the genetic diversity of Plasmodium falciparum, particularly using the polymorphism of the merozoite surface protein 2 (MSP2) to develop predictive tools for malaria episodes in endemic communities. Additionally, he has examined cytokine expression profiles in malaria patients, identifying selective upregulation patterns that could aid in clinical assessment and therapeutic interventions. Through rigorous GCLP-aligned procedures, Jean Bosco contributes to translational research efforts that bridge laboratory findings with real-world public health outcomes. His work is increasingly relevant in the global effort to eliminate malaria and better manage chronic infectious diseases through early diagnosis and molecular surveillance. With ongoing graduate studies, he is positioned to lead innovative health research in sub-Saharan Africa.

📚 Publications Top Notes:

  1. 🧬 Leveraging the Polymorphism of the Merozoite Surface Protein 2 (MSP2) to Engineer Molecular Tools for Predicting Malaria Episodes in a Community

  2. 🧫 Integrated Analysis of Cytokine Profiles in Malaria Patients Discloses Selective Upregulation of TGF-β1, β3, and IL-9 in Mild Clinical Presentation

🧾 Conclusion:

Jean Bosco Mbonimpa is a strong candidate for the Best Academic Researcher Award, especially in the domain of applied biomedical research and infectious disease diagnostics. His contributions to malaria research and laboratory quality assurance are both nationally impactful and globally relevant. While he would benefit from expanded research leadership and interdisciplinary engagement, his academic integrity, technical depth, and continuous professional development make him highly deserving of this recognition.