Dr. Pushpender Sharma | Environmental Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor at Amity Institute of Biotechnology, J, India

Dr. Pushpender Kumar Sharma, Associate Professor at Amity University Jaipur, is a highly accomplished researcher with over 15 years of academic and research experience in biotechnology. He holds a Ph.D. from Panjab University and completed a prestigious DBT-funded postdoctoral fellowship at IISER Mohali. His work spans cutting-edge areas such as metagenomics, protein engineering, and antimicrobial peptides. With an H-index of 18 and i10-index of 28, he has made significant contributions to scientific literature and has guided numerous postgraduate and doctoral students. He holds an Indian patent on engineered lipase with industrial relevance and has received notable awards, including the Young Scientist Award and an editorial distinction from Scientific Reports (Nature Publishing Group). His leadership in research coordination and editorial roles across reputed journals further reflects his standing in the academic community. While greater industry collaboration and higher-impact publications could enhance his profile, he remains a deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Professional Profile

Education🎓

Dr. Pushpender Kumar Sharma has a strong and progressive academic background in the field of biotechnology. He earned his Ph.D. in Biotechnology from Panjab University, Chandigarh, where he conducted research under the supervision of Prof. Jagdeep Kaur from February 2005 to July 2010. Following his doctoral studies, he was awarded a prestigious Postdoctoral Fellowship by the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, and completed his postdoctoral research at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Mohali, under Prof. Samrat Mukhopadhyay from July 2010 to July 2012. Prior to his doctoral work, he obtained a Master’s degree (M.Sc.) in Biotechnology from Guru Jambheshwar University, Hisar, in 2001, and a Bachelor’s degree (B.Sc.) in

from Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla, in 1999. His solid educational foundation has equipped him with extensive knowledge and expertise in molecular biology, genetic engineering, and related biosciences, laying the groundwork for his research and academic success.

Professional Experience📝

Dr. Pushpender Kumar Sharma brings over 15 years of rich professional experience in research, teaching, and academic leadership. He is currently serving as an Associate Professor at the Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Rajasthan, Jaipur, a position he has held since November 2021. Prior to this, he worked for more than nine years as an Assistant Professor at Sri Guru Granth Sahib World University, Fatehgarh Sahib, Punjab. His research journey began with a prestigious DBT-funded Postdoctoral Fellowship at IISER Mohali from 2010 to 2012. Dr. Sharma has actively contributed to major institutional research initiatives, including the DST PURSE program worth ₹8.5 crores. He also serves as Coordinator of the Amity Center for Nanobiotechnology and Nanomedicine and the B.Sc. Biotechnology program. In addition to teaching and mentoring, he is a core member of the Amity Science Technology and Innovation Foundation, reflecting his commitment to advancing science and education through interdisciplinary collaboration.

Research Interest🔎

Dr. Pushpender Kumar Sharma’s research interests lie at the intersection of molecular biology, biotechnology, and applied microbiology, with a strong focus on solving real-world problems through innovative scientific approaches. His primary areas of expertise include molecular biology and genetic engineering, metagenomics, metatranscriptomics, and protein engineering. He has a keen interest in exploring and characterizing biocatalysts, antimicrobial peptides from metagenomic sources, and investigating protein folding and misfolding mechanisms. His work also delves into the biological degradation of pesticides and oral microbiome analysis, reflecting a multidisciplinary approach that integrates environmental, industrial, and health-related applications. Dr. Sharma is particularly skilled in protein expression and purification, enzyme assays, mutagenesis techniques, and advanced biophysical characterization methods. His research aims to discover and engineer novel biomolecules with high efficiency and stability for use in pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and environmental remediation. His passion for translational research continues to drive his contributions to both fundamental science and industrial innovation.

Award and Honor🏆

Dr. Pushpender Kumar Sharma has received several prestigious awards and honors that recognize his significant contributions to biotechnology research. He was recently honored with the Editor of Distinction Award (2025) by Scientific Reports, a journal from the Nature Publishing Group. He was awarded a Fast-Track Research Grant under the Young Scientist Scheme by the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), Government of India, from 2013 to 2016. Dr. Sharma also received a Postdoctoral Fellowship from the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), India, for his research at IISER Mohali, and was a recipient of the Senior Research Fellowship (SRF) from the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) from 2008 to 2010. He holds a patent titled Engineering of the Metagenome Derived Lipase, demonstrating applied innovation in enzyme engineering. These accolades highlight his research excellence, innovation, and dedication to advancing science in both academic and industrial contexts.

Research Skill🔬

Dr. Pushpender Kumar Sharma possesses a diverse and advanced set of research skills in the fields of biotechnology and molecular biology. He is highly proficient in gene cloning, protein expression and purification, enzyme assays, and genomic library construction. His expertise extends to site-directed and error-prone mutagenesis, protein engineering, and the use of biophysical techniques for protein characterization. Dr. Sharma has hands-on experience with metagenomics and metatranscriptomics, including sequence analysis and genome assembly. He is also skilled in isolating and characterizing antimicrobial peptides and studying protein folding and misfolding. In addition to laboratory techniques, he has strong capabilities in scientific writing, critical reviewing, and grant proposal development. Having reviewed over 100 articles for national and international peer-reviewed journals, he demonstrates a sharp analytical approach to evaluating scientific content. His comprehensive technical knowledge and research management abilities position him as a resourceful and innovative scientist in the life sciences research community.

Conclusion💡

Yes, Dr. Pushpender Kumar Sharma is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award, particularly at the institutional or regional level, due to his:

Deep academic and research experience,
Recognized research contributions (patent, awards),
Active leadership and mentorship roles, and
Editorial service in top journals.

However, for national-level or highly competitive international Best Researcher Awards, he would benefit from:

Publishing in more high-impact journals,
Leading more independent, high-value funded projects, and
Building industry-academia linkages or commercializing innovations.

Publications Top Noted✍

Title: Mini review on Antimicrobial Peptides, Sources, Mechanism and Recent Applications
Authors: JKBPK Sharma
Year: 2019
Citations: 386
Title: Clinical, Prognostic and Therapeutic Significance of Heat Shock Proteins in Cancer
Authors: PKS, Jasleen Saini
Year: 2017
Citations: 170
Title: An improved method for single step purification of metagenomic DNA
Authors: PK Sharma, N Capalash, J Kaur
Year: 2007
Citations: 86
Title: ZnO and cobalt decorated ZnO NPs: Synthesis, photocatalysis and antimicrobial applications
Authors: JS, Karanpal Singh, Nancy, Harpreet Kaur, Pushpender Kumar Sharma, Gurjinder …
Year: 2022
Citations: 74
Title: Antibiotic adjuvants: Synergistic tool to combat multi-drug resistant pathogens
Authors: PKS, Vikarm Kumar, Nusrath Yasmeen, Aishwarya Pandey, Anis Chaudhary, Abdullah …
Year: 2023
Citations: 58
Title: Cloning, expression, purification and characterization of lipase from Bacillus licheniformis, isolated from hot spring of Himachal Pradesh, India
Authors: G Kaur, A Singh, R Sharma, V Sharma, S Verma, PK Sharma
Year: 2016
Citations: 55
Title: Engineering of a metagenome derived lipase toward thermal tolerance: Effect of asparagine to lysine mutation on the protein surface
Authors: PK Sharma, R Kumar, R Kumar, O Mohammad, R Singh, J Kaur
Year: 2012
Citations: 52
Title: Characterization of a thermostable lipase showing loss of secondary structure at ambient temperature
Authors: PK Sharma, K Singh, R Singh, N Capalash, A Ali, O Mohammad, J Kaur
Year: 2012
Citations: 48
Title: Gelatin based Highly Stretchable, Self-healing, Conducting, Multi-adhesive and Antimicrobial Ionogels Embedded with Ag2O Nanoparticles
Authors: TSK, Gagandeep Singh, Gurbir Singh, Krishnaiah Damarla, Pushpender K Sharma …
Year: 2017
Citations: 44
Title: Comparative metatranscriptome analysis revealed broad response of microbial communities in two soil types, agriculture versus organic soil
Authors: PK Sharma, V Sharma, S Sharma, G Bhatia, K Singh, R Sharma
Year: 2019
Citations: 36
Title: Implications of CRISPR-Cas9 in developing Next Generation Biofuel: A Minireview
Authors: SKPKS, Sudarshan Singh Lakhawat, Naveen Malik, Vikram Kumar
Year: 2022
Citations: 30
Title: Metatranscriptome sequencing and analysis of agriculture soil provided significant insights about the microbial community structure and function
Authors: R Sharma, PK Sharma
Year: Not Specified
Citations: Not Listed

Jae-Ho Shin - Agriculturally useful microbes - Best Sustainable Development Project Award

Kyungpook National University - South Korea

AUTHOR PROFILE

ORCID

JAE-HO SHIN 🌱

Jae-Ho Shin is a prominent figure in the field of applied biosciences, currently serving as a Professor at Kyungpook National University since 2007. With a focus on microbial biotechnology, his work emphasizes the intersection of agriculture and life sciences. His leadership roles, including Chair of the Faculty Council and Director of various research centers, showcase his commitment to advancing research and education in bio-materials and agricultural production. Shin's vision for sustainable agricultural practices integrates scientific innovation with practical applications.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE 📈

Throughout his career, Jae-Ho Shin has held significant positions that highlight his expertise and leadership. As the CEO of Microbalance Co. Ltd. since 2022, he drives innovation in biotechnology. His role as Director of the NFEC Next Generation Sequencing Core Research Support Center allows him to influence cutting-edge research initiatives. Additionally, he oversees the Graduate School of Bio-Materials Specialization, nurturing the next generation of scientists. Shin's past experiences as Associate Dean further demonstrate his dedication to academic excellence.

HONORS AND AWARDS 🏆

Jae-Ho Shin's contributions to the field have been recognized through prestigious awards. In 2022, he received the Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Award in South Korea, underscoring his impact on agricultural science. Prior to that, in 2019, he was honored with an Academic Award from the Korean Society of Microbiology and Biotechnology. These accolades reflect his commitment to advancing research and innovation in microbial biotechnology, enhancing both scientific understanding and practical applications in agriculture.

EDITORIAL ROLES 🖊️

Shin actively contributes to the scientific community through his editorial roles in various journals. Since 2016, he has served as an Academic Editor for PLOS ONE, guiding the publication of significant research. His involvement as an Associate Editor for Frontiers in Microbiology and Frontiers in Genetics since 2015 has allowed him to influence the dissemination of critical research findings. Through these editorial positions, he promotes scholarly communication and advances knowledge in microbial biotechnology and related fields.

RESEARCH INTERESTS 🔬

Jae-Ho Shin's research focuses on microbial biotechnology, particularly in its application to agriculture and food science. His studies encompass a wide range of topics, including the role of organic compounds and beneficial bacteria in promoting plant growth and health. He has investigated the dynamics of gut microbiota and its implications for health, exemplified by his work on the potential association between vaginal microbiota and cervical carcinogenesis. Shin's research is pivotal in understanding the microbiome's impact on both human health and agricultural productivity.

COLLABORATIVE INITIATIVES 🤝

Shin's collaborative efforts have extended beyond national borders. His experience as a Visiting Scholar at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in the USA allowed him to engage in international research partnerships. These collaborations have enriched his work and expanded the reach of his findings, fostering innovation in microbial biotechnology. By bridging local and global scientific communities, he promotes knowledge exchange and enhances the impact of research in applied biosciences.

VISION FOR THE FUTURE 🌍

Looking ahead, Jae-Ho Shin envisions a future where microbial biotechnology plays a crucial role in sustainable agricultural practices. He aims to integrate advanced technologies with traditional farming methods to enhance productivity and environmental sustainability. His commitment to education and research will continue to inspire future generations of scientists. By fostering collaboration and innovation, Shin seeks to address global challenges in food security and environmental stewardship, paving the way for a more sustainable future.

NOTABLE PUBLICATION

Title: Potential Association between Vaginal Microbiota and Cervical Carcinogenesis in Korean Women: A Cohort Study
Journal: Microorganisms
Year: 2021
DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9020294

Title: Cereal- and Fruit-Based Ethiopian Traditional Fermented Alcoholic Beverages
Journal: Foods
Year: 2020
DOI: 10.3390/foods9121781

Title: Dynamics of Fecal Microbiota with and without Invasive Cervical Cancer and Its Application in Early Diagnosis
Journal: Cancers
Year: 2020
DOI: 10.3390/cancers12123800

Title: Vaginal Microbiome-Based Bacterial Signatures for Predicting the Severity of Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia
Journal: Diagnostics
Year: 2020
DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics10121013

Title: Modulation of Gut Microbiota in Korean Navy Trainees following a Healthy Lifestyle Change
Journal: Microorganisms
Year: 2020
DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8091265

Pushpender Sharma | Environmental Microbiology | Best Researcher Award