Focused, scientific, brilliant

"I would like to nominate my lab hero because his dedication, innovation, and guidance have had a transformative impact on my early research journey. As a PhD scholar who joined the lab this year, I have been inspired by his remarkable academic and professional achievements. Having completed his PhD from our institute, he has contributed significantly to the scientific community with 17 patents and numerous publications in high-impact journals. What makes him truly exceptional is not only his scientific excellence but also his willingness to support and uplift others. He consistently motivates us, patiently clarifies concepts, and encourages us to think creatively and critically. His innovative spirit is further reflected in the startup he founded, which is incubated within our institute. Through this venture, he continues to create opportunities for young researchers like me to gain hands-on experience, broaden our knowledge, and explore real-world applications of our work. His passion for research, combined with his commitment to mentoring, makes him a role model worth celebrating. For his extraordinary contributions and his unwavering support towards the growth of students and the lab, l wholeheartedly nominate him as my lab hero."

Nominated by Nikku Yadav, Food, Drug & Chemical Toxicology, CSIR-IITR, India

 

Intelligent, helpful, dedicated

"I would like to nominate him because of the exceptional dedication, kindness, and professionalism he brings to our lab every single day. His contribution goes far beyond routine work. He creates an environment in which everyone feels supported, motivated, and capable of doing their best. What stands out most is his willingness to help others. Whether it is troubleshooting experiments, explaining concepts patiently, or stepping in when someone is struggling, he never hesitates to share his time and expertise. He has a remarkable ability to stay calm during stressful situations, turning challenges into learning opportunities for the entire team."

Nominated by Pratiksha Pandey, Food, Drug & Chemical Toxicology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research, India

 

Innovative, inspiring, supportive

"I would like to nominate our lab hero for his exceptional dedication, innovation, and mentorship. Having completed his PhD from our institute, he has achieved an outstanding record that includes numerous patents and numerous publications in high-impact journals. His accomplishments alone are inspiring, but what truly sets him apart is the way he supports and motivates everyone around him. As a research intern (post grad.), I have greatly benefited from his willingness to guide, explain, and encourage creative thinking. His innovative mindset is reflected not only in his research but also in the startup he founded, which is incubated within our institute. Through this venture, he actively helps students gain practical knowledge and exposure to real-world applications. His commitment to both scientific excellence and the growth of young researchers makes him an ideal role model. For these reasons, I wholeheartedly nominate him as our lab hero."

Nominated by Masooma Zehra, FEST Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research, India

 

Intelligent, compassionate, dependable

"I want to nominate him as Lab Hero because he is an outstanding scientist, colleague, and friend. He is always supportive in the lab, patiently helping with experiments and sharing his expertise, which has greatly strengthened our research culture. His dedication is reflected in his remarkable scientific output, including several patents and research papers that inspire everyone around him to aim higher. Beyond the lab, he is kind and approachable, offering guidance and encouragement both personally and professionally. Extending his research vision, he founded a startup focused on societal welfare, developing innovative health‑care devices and paper‑based food assessment strips that address real-world problems and improve people’s lives."

Nominated by Suryansh Verma, Food, Drug and Chemical Toxicology, CSIR-Indian Institute Of Toxicology Research, Lucknow, India

 

Dedicated, hardworking, visionary

"I am pleased to nominate Mr. Pawankumar Rai, whom I have had the privilege to guide. He has consistently demonstrated exceptional scientific acumen, dedication, and leadership, significantly elevating the stature and productivity of our laboratory. His academic brilliance is reflected in his impressive portfolio of patents and research publications, which highlight both his innovative thinking and his deep understanding of biosensor science. He has contributed extensively across a diverse range of projects, from developing advanced biosensors for food safety to creating point-of-care diagnostic solutions for healthcare. His ability to adapt quickly to new challenges, design robust experiments, and deliver impactful results has made him an indispensable member of every project team he has worked with. Beyond technical excellence, he stands out as a collaborative team worker, always approachable, reliable, and deeply committed to collective growth. He has mentored and trained numerous trainees, consistently encouraging them to think creatively and pursue meaningful innovation. His guidance has shaped several students into confident researchers who continue to contribute to the field of sensing technologies. Driven by a vision to revolutionize diagnostics, He has also incubated his own startup, which focuses on developing highly affordable, accessible, and user-friendly point-of-care testing devices. His entrepreneurial efforts reflect not only scientific depth but also a strong commitment to societal impact. He embodies scientific excellence, leadership, and innovation. His contributions have been invaluable, and his continued work promises to advance the field of biosensing and improve public health on a significant scale."

Nominated by Sandeep Kumar Sharma, Food, Drug and Chemical Toxicology, FEST Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research, India

 

Reliable, innovator, intelligent

"I am delighted to support the nomination of Mr. Pawankumar Rai, whom I have mentored in our research group. He has consistently impressed our whole group with his strong scientific capabilities, remarkable work ethic, and natural leadership. His contributions have significantly enriched the research output and reputation of our laboratory. His academic excellence is clearly reflected through his multiple patents and high-quality research publications, demonstrating his innovative mindset and deep command over biosensor technologies. Throughout his time with us, he has worked across a wide spectrum of project, from food safety biosensors to healthcare-focused point-of-care diagnostic systems. He excels at understanding complex scientific problems, designing precise experimental approaches, and delivering practical, impactful solutions. His positive attitude and collaborative spirit make him a valued team member and a dependable contributor on multidisciplinary projects. In addition to his research achievements, he has played an important role in training and mentoring several students and trainees Even at a young age, he has been a strong motivator for junior researchers, pushing them toward innovative thinking and solid scientific grounding. His mentorship continues to benefit many. His entrepreneurial journey further highlights his vision and commitment. By establishing a startup focused on affordable, accessible diagnostic technologies, he is actively translating laboratory innovations into real-world solutions that benefit society. Pawankumar Rai stands out for his scientific excellence, creativity, and leadership, and I am confident that his continued work will make a lasting impact in the field of sensing and public health."

Nominated by Smriti Priya, FEST Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research, India