Sumit Kumar Singh | Biochemistry | Life Sciences Innovation Award

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Early Academic Pursuits 🎓

Dr. Sumit Kumar Singh’s academic journey is a testament to his unwavering dedication to the field of biotechnology. Born on September 24, 1987, he exhibited an early interest in the sciences. His foundational education was rooted in the West Bengal education system, where he completed his 10th and 12th from W.B.B.S.E and W.B.C.H.S.E, respectively. His keen interest in life sciences and biotechnology led him to pursue a B.Sc. in Biotechnology (Hons.) from the University of Burdwan at D.I.S.T Durgapur, where he laid the groundwork for his future research endeavors.

Furthering his passion, he completed an M.Sc. in Biotechnology from Jiwaji University at B.C.P.S Gwalior in 2010, where he deepened his understanding of molecular biology and genetic engineering. His academic thirst culminated in a Ph.D. in Biotechnology from Amity University in 2024, where his research focused on developing durum wheat lacking major epitopes responsible for celiac disease, a significant contribution to food science and public health.

Professional Endeavors 🌟

Dr. Singh embarked on his professional career with an academic inclination, starting as an Assistant Professor at Boston College, Gwalior (2010-2011). His tenure in academia was short-lived as he transitioned into research, joining the Division of Genetics at ICAR-IARI, Pusa, as a Senior Research Fellow (SRF) in August 2012. This marked the beginning of an extensive and impactful research career.

His ten-year tenure at ICAR-IARI (2014-2024) was instrumental in honing his expertise in wheat genetics and molecular breeding. His contributions spanned multiple research projects, where he focused on marker-assisted breeding, genetic diversity analysis, and physicochemical characterization of wheat varieties. His research helped in the development of improved wheat varieties, particularly targeting the nutritional needs of individuals with gluten intolerance.

Contributions and Research Focus 📚

Dr. Singh’s research has been pivotal in agricultural biotechnology, particularly in wheat genetics. His significant research contributions include:

• Development of Wheat Lines Free from Celiac Disease Epitopes: His doctoral research focused on eliminating immunogenic epitopes in durum wheat, making it safe for celiac disease patients.
• Marker-Assisted Breeding (MAB): He played a crucial role in developing near-isogenic wheat lines through MAB, improving grain softness and bread-making quality.
• Physicochemical and Rheological Trait-Based Analysis: His studies identified Indian wheat varieties suitable for various end-uses, aiding in quality-based wheat classification.
• Genetic Diversity Studies: His research utilized glutenin protein markers to analyze genetic variations in wheat varieties, supporting sustainable breeding programs.
• Polyphenol Oxidase (PPO) Activity Studies: He examined the impact of PPO activity on dough color and food quality, contributing to food processing advancements.

His research has been widely recognized in the scientific community, with publications in high-impact journals such as Journal of Cereal Science, Foods, Scientific Reports, and Frontiers in Nutrition.

Accolades and Recognition 🏆

Dr. Singh’s contributions have earned him notable recognition, including:

• GATE (Biotechnology) Qualification (2011, 2014, 2016): Demonstrating his strong command over the subject.
• Multiple High-Impact Publications: With over a dozen peer-reviewed research papers, his work has significantly influenced wheat breeding and food biotechnology.
• Invitations to Conferences and Seminars: He has been an active participant in national and international scientific forums, sharing his findings with the global research community.
• Collaboration with Esteemed Scientists: He has worked alongside eminent researchers from ICAR-IARI, Amity University, and other premier institutions, contributing to multi-disciplinary projects.

Publication Top Notes