Biotechnology For All

Dr. Tarun Rajpal completed his schooling at Salwan Public School, New Delhi, where he achieved the highest marks in the CBSE annual examinations in Biotechnology, becoming the All India CBSE topper in the subject. He pursued higher studies in Life Sciences at Kirori Mal College, University of Delhi, and was a Gold Medallist and college topper throughout his academic career. Dr. Rajpal is an academician par excellence, known for developing a novel drug to cure diseases caused by retroviruses. He holds seven patents, which are utilized by various organizations globally. With a strong inclination towards research, Dr. Rajpal is renowned in the biotechnology industry for his innovative and out-of-the-box thinking in plant molecular biotechnology research. He has played a key role in designing postgraduate courses at prominent professional institutions in India, providing top-notch education in biotechnology research and healthcare. His affiliations on the Boards of Directors and Trustees of several prominent public and private sector organizations highlight his stellar academic profile and contributions to research and academia. In recognition of his contributions to biotechnology, Dr. Rajpal was honored with the title of ‘Doctor of Science’ (Honoris causa) by several prominent universities in India. He has received numerous awards from the Government of India and private sector organizations for his contributions to biotechnology research at a young age.

Professor Rajni Gupta is working as Professor in the Department of Botany, Kirori Mal College, University of Delhi. She obtained her M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees in Botany from Agra University, Agra. Thereafter, she joined the Department of Botany, University of Delhi, New Delhi as Research Associate (CAS-UGC) in 1993. She completed her postdoctoral work under the guidance of Prof. K. G. Mukerji and worked on Mycorrhiza and Mycoherbicides. Prof. Gupta has published 14 books in the field of Fungi, Mushroom cultivation, Microbial Biotechnology, Plant Systematics and Plant Biotechnology. She has published more than 47 research papers and articles in various journals and books of national and international reputes. She has worked on University Grants Commission (UGC)-sponsored project related to vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal association in lower plants. Currently, she is working on Delhi University Innovation Scheme project on phytoremediation in collaboration with the Department of Chemistry, University of Delhi, Delhi. She has organized a national conference on microbes. Professor Gupta is actively involved in research on mushrooms and has developed an incubator facility at Kirori Mal College, University of Delhi under the DBT Star Scheme which promotes research on mushrooms. She has organized many workshops on mushroom cultivation.