"I am happy to nominate Mr. Vikas Garhwal, a senior PhD student in my lab for the Lab Heroes Awards 2023. This opportunity allows me to celebrate and recognize my lab colleague for his outstanding work and achievements. He has worked with different projects with collaborators and holds the ‘Best teamwork person’ in our lab. Acknowledging his work improves morale and upholds the laboratory's outstanding culture. It motivates a collaborative spirit within the laboratory, as I can see the positive impact of each other's contributions.

Apart from being a great scientist, Vikas has volunteered extensively and signed up as a signatory member of a student-initiated non-profit organization of Outreach, IISER Kolkata, “Ek Pehal” (English translation- An Initiative) to empower children of the underprivileged and rock-bottom strata of the society. He was the General Secretary for the Student Affairs Council (Student elected body of IISER -Kolkata) in the Food, Health, and Hygiene Committee in our institute. His passion for cricket led him to organize and manage the IISER Kolkata Premier League (Cricket Tournament) at IISER- Kolkata. He also took part in the event, which was a huge success.

A Lab Hero Award winner's not only personal accomplishments, it also highlights to demonstrate our level of professional expertise which will open opportunities for further career development. This positive environment may lead to better teamwork, communication, and overall job satisfaction. Overall, submitting nominations for Lab Hero Awards to my lab colleague is a way to express gratitude, foster a positive work culture, and honor the significant efforts that go into making the laboratory a center for excellence and innovation."

Nominated by Sreya Das, EnSiGN Lab, Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Kolkata, India