Faculty Member: Prof Gurumayum Jitendra Sharma

Profile

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Designation	Professor
Specialization	Genetics & Radiation Biology
email	gjs1951@rediffmail.com gjs1951@yahoo.co.in
Highest Degree	M Sc, PhD
Honours/Awards	National Scholarship UGC Junior & Senior Research Fellowship UGC Teacher Fellowship Commonwealth Academic Staff Fellowship Indo-Italian Cultural Exchange Programme Fellowship
Research Projects	7
Research Papers	64+
Area of Research Interest	Free Radical Biology, Molecular Radiobiology, Anti-oxidant Research, Food Irradiation, Plant & Animal Tissue Culture, Plant DNA Profiling

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A Brief Introduction

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Prof Sharma has a consistently good academic background securing positions throughout his career. He received BSc (Hons) degree from Gauhati University (1971), M Sc (Botany) from Banaras Hindu University (1973), M Phil (Life Sciences) in 1974 and PhD (Radiation Biology) in 1983 from Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. He worked as a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow (Attn: Prof Robin Willson), Department of Biochemistry, Brunel University, London in the emerging field of Free Radical Biochemistry and as Senior Visiting Professor (Attn: Prof Anna Ferro-Luzzi) at National Institute of Food and Nutrition Research, Rome where he delivered a series of scientific lectures on food irradiation, free radicals and dietary anti-oxidants.

Since 1976, Prof Sharma has been teaching at the Department of Life Sciences, Manipur University (erstwhile Centre of PG Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi) where he became a Professor of Genetics & Radiation Biology in 1992. He was Head, Department of Life Sciences (1994-96), Director, Department of Biotechnology (2006-07), Dean, School of Sciences (2009-10), and currently Dean, School of Life Sciences. Recipient of various scholarships and fellowships, he received National Scholarships, Ministry of Education, Government of India (1967-73), UGC Junior & Senior Research Fellowships (1973-76), UGC Teacher Fellowship (1979-82), Commonwealth Academic Staff Fellowship (1989-90) and Indo-Italian Cultural Exchange Programme Fellowship (2000). Member of various scientific bodies in India and abroad, Prof Sharma has sixty five publications in international and national journals of repute. He has delivered twenty one invited/ plenary/ key note lectures in several international and national fora besides chairing in a few scientific sessions. A Chartered Biologist of the Institute of Biology, London, he was also associated with running an international newsletter, Magnetic Resonance Detection of Irradiated Foodstuffs published from National Institute of Standards and Technology, Maryland, USA.

Prof Sharma has guided eleven M Sc / M Phil dissertations and sixteen Ph D theses in the areas of Genetics, Plant Tissue Culture and Radiation Biology and conducted major research projects sponsored by funding agencies such as UGC, DSTE, DST, DAE, GBPIHED, DBT and ICMR. He has served as Member, Basic Sciences Committee-II (Biology & Medical), Department of Atomic Energy, Government of India and Expert Member, Research Committee on Medicinal Plants, Department of Biotechnology, Government of India. Prof Sharma has been instrumental in getting Special Assistance Programme and Centre of Advanced Study in Life Sciences. He was the key person involved in establishing DBT Institute of Bioresources & Sustainable Development (IBSD), Imphal and keenly associated with the production of educational films for IGNOU and UGC country-wide classroom. His film, Tupi’s Nanas (a film on pineapples) won him the Best Resource Person Award (1997) in Science, Mathematics & Engineering at the Xth UGC-CEC Audio-visual Competition, New Delhi and was the recipient of the prestigious Birbal Sahni Centenary Award (2009) for outstanding contributions in the field of Life Sciences, particularly Radiation Biology.

Research Projects

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• Centre of Advanced Research on DNA fingerprinting and diagnostics of medicinal potentials in plants from eastern and north-eastern India (in collaboration with Bose Institute, Kolkata)
  Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Government of India:(2007-2012).
• Screening, identification and mechanism of anti-oxidant and radioprotective properties of non-conventional food plants, Parkia timoriana (DC.) Merr. and Zingiber cassumunar Roxb. in vivo and in vitro (in collaboration with BARC, Mumbai)
  Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), Government of India:(2005-2008).
• Evaluation of anti-oxidant properties of members of medicinal Zingiberales & micropropagation of elites
  Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India:(2000-2003).
• Micropropagation of certain selected orchids using tissue culture technology.
  Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of Manipur:(1994-1997).
• Survey, collection and utilization of bamboo resources.
  Ministry of Environment & Forests (MOEF), Government of India:(1993-1996).
• Technological feasibility for shelf-life enhancement in pineapples by irradiation.
  Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), Government of India:(1993-1996).
• Karyosystematic survey of the different bamboo species of Manipur.
  Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India:(1987-1990).

Research Papers

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• In vitro regeneration of Capsicum chinense Jacq.
  K Sanatombi and GJ Sharma
  Current Trends in Biotechnology and Pharmacy, 6(1), 2012, 66-72.
• Free radical scavenging activity of some therapeutic plants and protection of radiation-induced DNA damage by Zingiber montanum extract
  DS Thokchom & G J Sharma
  Journal of Herbs, Spices and Medicinal Plants (USA), 18, 2012, 1-17
• Clonal propagation of triploid Acorus calamus Linn. using dual-phase culture system.
  N Sandhyarani, R Kishor & GJ Sharma
  Journal of Crop Science & Biotechnology (Springer), 14(3), 2011, 85-95.
• Gingers of Manipur: diversity and potentials as bioresources
  Sharma G J, Chirangini P & Kishor RK
  Genetic Resources & Crop Evolution (Springer) 2011 [DOI 10.1007/s10722-011-9678-5].
• Morphological and molecular characterization of the intergeneric hybrids between the genera Renanthera and Vanda,
  Kishor RK & Sharma GJ
  Acta Horticulturae (Netherlands) 855, 2010, 169-175.
• Micropropagation of Costus speciosus (Koen.) Sm. using nodal segment culture,
  Punyarani Ksh & Sharma GJ
  Notulae Scientia Biologicae (Romania) 2(1), 2010, 58-62.
• Novel 3-alkyl/aryl-2H-chromene-2-thiones: synthesis and evaluation of their anti-oxidant activities,
  Singh OM, Devi NS, Thokchom DS & Sharma GJ
  European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry (Elsevier) 45, 2010, 2250-2257.
• Molecular profiling of Capsicum landraces of Manipur
  Sanatombi K, Sen-Mandi S & Sharma G J
  Scientia Horticulturae (Netherlands) 124, 2010, 405-408.
• In vitro Shoot proliferation and enhancement of rooting in Melocanna bambusoides Trin. From nodal explants,
  Sayanika W & Sharma GJ
  Journal of Bamboo and Rattan (The Netherlands) Vols. 1&2, 2009, 43-52.
• In vitro propagation of Arundinaria callosa Munro- an edible bamboo from nodal explants of mature plants,
  Sayanika W & Sharma GJ
  The Open Plant Science Journal (USA) 3, 2009, 35-39.
• Synthesis of ornamental orchid hybrids using rare and endangered species,
  Kishor RK & Sharma GJ
  Acta Horticulturae (The Netherlands) 788, 2008, 77-85.
• In vitro plant regeneration in six cultivars of Capsicum spp. using different explants,
  Sanatombi K & Sharma GJ
  Biologia Plantarum (Czech Republic) 52(1) 2008 141-145.
• In vitro propagation of Capsicum chinense Jacq.,
  Sanatombi K & Sharma GJ
  Biologia Plantarum (Czech Republic), 52(3), 2008, 517-520.
• Intergeneric hybrid of two rare and endangered orchids, Renanthera imschootiana Rolfe and Vanda coerulea Griff. Ex. L. (Orchidaceae): synthesis and characterization,
  Kishor RK & Sharma GJ
  Euphytica (UK) 2008 DOI 10.1007/s10681-008-9755-9.
• Multiple shoot induction in Ascocenda ‘Kangla’- a monopodial hybrid orchid,
  Kishor RK & Sharma GJ
  The Orchids (USA) Lindleyana 77(6), 2008, 6-9.
• Capsaicin content and pungency of different Capsicum spp. cultivars,
  Sanatombi K & Sharma GJ
  Notulae Botanica Horticulturae Agrobotanica Cluj (Romania) 36(2), 2008, 88-90.
• Potential of anti-oxidants from plant resources in Manipur for radioprotection,
  Sharma GJ, Chirangini P & Mishra KP
  National Seminar on Recent Advances in Life Sciences, Manipur University, Imphal, March 23-24, 2007, p.25-41.
• Micropropagation of Capsicum frutescens L. using axillary shoot explants,
  Sanatombi K & Sharma GJ
  Scientia Horticulturae (The Netherlands), 113 (2007) 96-99.
• Micropropagation of Capsicum annuum L.
  Sanatombi K & Sharma GJ
  Notulae Botanica Horticulturae Agrobotanica Cluj (Romania) 35(1), 2007, 57-64.
• Evaluation of anti-oxidant and cytotoxic properties of tropical ginger,
  Sharma GJ, Chirangini P & Mishra KP
  Zingiber montanum (J. König) A Dietr., Gardens’ Bulletin Singapore, 59 (1-2), 2007, 189-202.
• Hybridization and in vitro culture of an orchid hybrid, Ascocenda ‘Kangla’,
  Kishor RK, PSSV Khan & Sharma GJ
  Scientia Horticulturae (The Netherlands) 108, 2006, 66-73.
• In vitro regeneration and mass multiplication of Capsicum annuum L.,
  Sanatombi K & Sharma GJ
  Journal of Food, Agriculture & Environment (Finland), 14, 2006, 100-104.
• Development of protocols for in vitro propagation of two priority rattan species, Calamus latifolius Roxb. and Calamus tenuis Roxb.,
  Bharati M & Sharma GJ
  Journal of Food, Agriculture and Environment 4(2), 2006, 306-309.
• Anti-oxidant potential of non-conventional food plants, Parkia timoriana (DC) Merr. and Zingiber montanum Koenig in vitro,
  Sharma GJ, Chrangini P, Thokchom DS & Mishra KP
  Indian Journal of Radiation Research, 3, 2006, 186-187.
• Herbals for human health and disease: prospects and challenges in 21st Century, in Herbal Drugs: A Twentyfirst Century Perspectives (Eds: RK Sharma & R Arora),
  Chirangini P, Kumar A, Pandey BN, Sharma GJ & Mishra KP
  Jaypee Bros. Med. Publ., New Delhi, 2006, p.1-7.
• In vitro propagation of medicinal zingiberales. I. Kaempferia galanga Linn. and Kaempferia rotunda Linn.,
  Chirangini P, Sharma GJ & Sinha SK
  Indian Journal of Biotechnology [CSIR] 4, 2005, 404-408.
• Branching habits in vandaceous monopodial orchids,
  Kishor RK & Sharma GJ
  The Orchid Review, Royal Horticultural Society (UK) 113, 2005, 178.
• Clonal propagation of a Dendrobium hybrid orchid (D. nobile L.x D. chrysotoxum L.) using pseudobulb segment,
  Kishor RK, Meitei WI & Sharma GJ
  Proceedings of the National Symposium on Biotechnological Interventions for Improvement of Horticultural Crops: Issues and Strategies, Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur, 10-12 January 2005, pp.145-146.
• Branching in vandaceous monopodial orchids,
  Kishor RK & Sharma GJ
  Royal Horticultural Society-RHS Online Publications: [http://www.rhs.org.uk/learning/ publications/ orchidreview/ orchid0505/ branching.asp], 4 August 2005.
• In vitro propagation and microrhizome induction of Zingiber cassumunar Roxb.- an anti-oxidant rich medicinal herb,
  Chirangini P & Sharma GJ
  Journal of Food, Agriculture & Environment (Finland), 3(1), 2005, 139-142.
• Renantanda Kebisana Shija
  Kishor RK & Sharma GJ
  The Orchid Review, Royal Horticultural Society (UK), 15:24, 2005, 325-327.
• Genetic diversity and reproductive biology of the rattan species of Manipur,
  Bharati M & Sharma GJ
  Journal of Bamboo and Rattan (The Netherlands), 4(4), 2005, 399-419.
• Sulfur free radical reactivity with curcumin as reference for evaluating anti-oxidant properties of medicinal zingiberales,
  Chirangini P, Sinha SK & Sharma GJ
  Journal of Environmental Pathology, Toxicology & Oncology [USA], 23(3), 2004, 235-244.
• Cadra cautella Walker (Lepidoptera: Crambidae: Phycitinae)- a pest on Parkia timoriana (DC.) Merr. in Manipur,
  Robert Th, Damayanti & Sharma GJ
  Current Science, 85(6), 2003, 725-726.
• A simple and rapid method for isolation of high quality DNA from Parkia timoriana (DC.) Merr. for PCR analysis.
  Robert Th, Damayanti M & Sharma GJ
  Journal of Food, Agriculture & Environment [Finland], 1, 2003, 36-38.
• Detection of genetic diversity in Parkia timoriana (DC.) Merr. Using randomly amplified polymorphic DNA analysis,
  Robert Th, Damayanti M & Sharma GJ
  Journal of Food, Agriculture & Environment [Finland], 1(3&4), 2003, 46-49.
• Post-harvest storage improvement in pineapples by gamma irradiation, in Food Technology and Quality Evaluation (Eds: R Dris & A Sharma),
  Sharma GJ
  Science Publisher, Einfield (NH), USA and Oxford & IBH Publishers, New Delhi, 2003, p.125-134.
• Electrophoretic patterns of storage seed proteins in tree beans (Parkia roxburghii G. Don) grown in different agro-climatic regions of Manipur,
  Robert Th, Damayanti M & Sharma GJ
  Proceedings of the National Seminar on Recent Advances in Life Sciences, Manipur University, Imphal, 2002, p119-122.
• Technological feasibility for shelf-life improvement in turmeric [Curcuma longa Linn] by irradiation,
  Sunitibala H, Damayanti M and Sharma GJ
  Proceedings of the National Seminar on Recent Advances in Life Sciences, Manipur University, Imphal, 2002, p. 123-127.
• In vitro germination and regeneration of Dendrobium infundibulum Lindl.,
  Gangarani Ch, Damayanti M & Sharma GJ
  Proceedings of the National Seminar on Recent Advances in Life Sciences, Manipur University, Imphal, 2002, p. 128-133.
• In vitro floral induction in a Dendrobium hybrid (D. nobile Lindl. x D. chrysotoxum Lindl.)
  Kishor RK and Sharma GJ
  Journal of the Orchid Society of India, 16(1-2), 2002, 55-59.
• In vitro culture of Vanda amesiana Reichb. F.,
  Gangarani Ch, Damayanti M and Sharma GJ
  Journal of the Orchid Society of India, 16(1-2), 2002, 60-65.
• Food irradiation- prospects with pineapples in Manipur,
  Sharma GJ
  Proceedings of the Regional Workshop on Applications of Radioisotopes and Radiation in Society, 31 May-1 June 2001, p69-72.
• In vitro propagation and rhizome formation of Curcuma longa L.
  Sunitibala H, Damayanti M and Sharma GJ
  Cytobios [UK] 105 (2001) 71-82.
• Bamboo resources of Manipur, India: biodiversity and sustainable utilization as food and fuel, Environment and Agriculture: Biodiversity, Agriculture and Population in South Asia,
  Sharma GJ
  Ecological Society, Nepal, Vol. 2 (2001) p. 261-265.
• Technological feasibility of irradiating pineapples for shelf-life extension,
  Sharma GJ
  Proceedings of the NAARRI International Conference on Applications of Radioisotopes and Radiation Technology in the 21st Century, Mumbai (2001) p. 282-285.
• Shelf-life enhancement, fruit quality and genotoxicity testing in irradiated pineapples, Trends in Radiation and Cancer Biology,
  Sharma GJ
  Forschungszentrum Juelich, Germany (1998) p. 254-259.
• Asceptic embryo culture of Vanda coerulea Griff.,
  Devi CG, Damayanti M and Sharma GJ
  Journal of Orchid Society of India 12[1-2] (1998) 83-87.
• Survey, collection and utilization of bamboo resources,
  Sharma GJ
  ENVIS Bulletin- Himalayan Ecology and Development 5 (1997) 7-8.
• Irradiation of Ananas comosus: shelf-life improvement, fruit quality and assessment of genotoxic effects,
  Susheela Kh, Damayanti M and Sharma GJ
  Biomedical Letters [UK] 56 (1997) 135-144.
• Effect of Xanthium extract and systemic fungicide on the shelf-life enhancement in pineapples
  Damayanti M, Susheela Kh and Sharma GJ
  Cytobios [UK] 86 (1996) 155-165.
• Sulfhydryl free radical formation enzymatically, by sonolysis, by radiolysis, and thermally: vitamin A, curcumin, muconic acid, and related conjugated olefins as references
  D’Aquino M, Bullion C, Chopra M, Devi D, Devi S, Dunster C, James G, Komuro E, Kondu S, Niki E, Raza F, Robertson F, Sharma J and Willson R
  Method in Enzymology [USA] 233 (1994) 34-46.
• Chromosome numbers in some bamboo species of Manipur,
  Devi TS and Sharma GJ
  BIC Bulletin 3 (1993) 16-21.
• Effect of gamma radiation on post-harvest diseases of pineapple (Ananas comosus var Queen) under different storage conditions,
  Damayanti M, Sharma GJ and Kundu SC
  Hortscience [USA] 27 (1992) 807-808.
• Curcumin: visible destruction of the conjugated unsaturated compound as a reference indicator of sulphur free radical reactivity,
  Devi MD, Devi HS, Sharma GJ, James G, Tipping I and Willson RL
  International Journal of Radiation Biology [UK] 62 (1992) 105.
• Effect of gamma radiation on protein content of pineapple fruits under different storage conditions,
  Damayanti M, Sharma GJ and Kundu SC
  Proceedings of the International Symposium on Proteins in Life and in Environment, Madras University, Madras, Part-I (1991) p. 131-136.
• Depletion of protein and non-protein sulfhydryl components by radiation and chemicals in Pisum sativum L.,
  Damayanti M and Sharma GJ
  Indian Journal of Experimental Biology 28 (1990) 1092-1093.
• Effect of gamma radiation on pineapple fruit-rotting fungus, Ceratocystis paradoxa,
  Damayanti M, Sharma GJ and Kundu SC
  Microbios Letters [UK] 45 (1990) 145-150.
• Physico-chemical vis-à-vis biochemical mechanism of chemical radioprotection by S-2-(3-aminopropylamino) ethylphosphorothioic acid
  Sharma GJ and Kesavan PC:
  Hordeum vulgare Microbios Letters [UK] 38, 1988, 18-30.
• Modification of barley seed radiosensitivity by post-treatment with caffeine: influence of radiation dose and dose-rate,
  Sharma GJ:
  Indian Journal of Experimental Biology 25 (1987) 595-598.
• Influence of combination treatment of misonidazole and WR-2721 on the modification of oxic and anoxic radiation damage in metabolizing barley seeds,
  Sharma GJ:
  Comparative Environmental Mutagenicity [Ed: IS Grover], USG Publ & Dist, Ludhiana (1987) p. 30-37.
• Post-irradiation modification of chromosomal damage by caffeine in Hordeum vulgare and Allium cepa,
  Devi MD and Sharma GJ:
  Comparative Environmental Mutagenicity [Ed: IS Grover] USG Publ & Dist, Ludhiana (1987) p. 133-138.
• Radiostimulation of protein synthesis in barley seeds,
  Sah NK and Sharma GJ
  Indian Journal of Biochemistry and Biophysics, 19 (1982) 221-222.
• Differential modification of oxic and anoxic radiation damage by S-2-(3-aminopropylamino) ethylphosphorothioic acid in Hordeum vulgare,
  Sharma GJ, Kesavan PC and Srivastava PN
  Environmental and Experimental Botany [USA] 22 (1982) 243-249.
• Differential modification of oxic and anoxic radiation damage in barley seeds I, Simulation of the action of caffeine by certain inorganic radical scavengers
  Kesavan PC, Sharma GJ and Afzal SMJ:
  Radiation Research [USA] 75 (1978) 18-30.
• Use of hydrogen sulphide and N-ethylmaleimide on the post-irradiation modification of oxic and anoxic components of damage in Hordeum vulgare,
  Sharma GJ and Kesavan PC:
  Radiation Botany [USA] 15 (1975) 261-266.

Conferences

• Morphological and molecular characterization of intergeneric hybrids between the orchid genera Renanthera and Vanda,
  XXIII International Eucarpia Symposium on Ornamental Breeding and Genetics, August 31- September 4, 2009,
  Wageningen University, Leiden, Netherlands.
• Synthesis of ornamental orchid hybrids using rare and endangered species,
  International Workshop on Ornamental Plants and Royal Ratchphruek 2006,
  Lotus Pang Sung Phuek Hotel, Chiang Mai, Thailand, 8-11 January 2007.
• Evaluation of anti-oxidant properties of elite medicinal Zingiberaceae, especially Zingiber cassumunar Roxb.,
  4th International Symposium on the Family Zingiberaceae,
  Singapore Botanic Gardens and Raffles Museum, Singapore, 3-6 July 2006.
• Plant-based anti-oxidants against sulfur free radical-mediated damages,
  International Conference on Anti-oxidants and Free Radicals in Health, Nutrition and Radioprotectors,
  National Academy of Health Sciences, Bangalore, 10-12 January 2005.
• Rapid screening of anti-oxidant potentials of medicinal gingers using sulfur free radical reactivity with curcumin as reference indicator,
  IUPAC International Conference on Biodiversity and Natural products: Chemistry & Medical Applications,
  Le Meridien Hotel, New Delhi, 26-31 January 2004.
• Sulfur free radical reactivity with curcumin as reference indicator for evaluating anti-oxidant properties of medicinal Zingiberales
  International Conference on Radiation Damage and its Modification,
  Institute of Nuclear Medicine & Allied Sciences, Delhi, 13-15 November 2002.
• Technological feasibility of irradiating pineapples for shelf-life extension
  NAARRI International Conference on Applications of Radioisotopes and Radiation Technology in the 21st Century
  Hotel Oberoi Towers, Mumbai, 12-14 December 2001.
• Food irradiation: problems and prospects with reference to pineapples, 2Free radicals and dietary anti-oxidants
  National Institute of Food and Nutrition Research
  Rome, Italy, 23-26 June 2000.
• Shelf-life enhancement, fruit quality and genotoxicity testing in irradiated pineapples,
  International Conference on Radiation Biology: DNA damage, repair and carcinogenesis,
  North-Eastern Hill University, Shilong, 7-10 April 1998.

International Participations

• FAO-MSSRF Expert Consultation on Implementing Farmer's Rights for Conservation and Utilization of Plant Genetic Resources in Asia-Pacific Region: From Legislation to Action,
  MS Swaminathan Research Foundation, Chennai, 21-23 January 2002.
• Indo-German Workshop on Molecular Biology of Radiation Damage and Repair,
  Department of Biochemistry, North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong, 7-10 April 1998.
• International Workshop on RON-BEC 100: Hundred Years of X-rays and Radioactivity,
  Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, 21-24 February 1996.
• Indo-British Workshop on Biodiversity: Conservation and Evaluation, Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute, Trivandrum, 15-17 February 1996.
• Indo-US Workshop on Radiological and Chemical Physics,
  Nuclear Science Centre, JNU Campus, New Delhi, 11-15 Oct 1992.

Academic Referee

• Indian Journal of Biotechnology, CSIR, New Delhi
• Indian Journal of Experimental Biology, CSIR, New Delhi
• Journal of Food Science and Technology, CFTRI, Mysore
• Current Science, Indian Academy of Sciences, Bangalore
• Journal of the Orchid Society of India, Chandigarh
• The Garden’s Bulletin, National Botanic Garden, Singapore
• In Vitro Cellular and Developmental Biology, Springer, New York, USA
• The Open Horticultural Journal, Bentham Science Publishers, USA
• Journal of Herbs, Spices & Medicinal Plants, Taylor & Francis, USA

Project Reviewer

• Department of Atomic Energy, Government of India
• Department of Biotechnology, Government of India
• Department of Science & Technology, Government of India