Dr. Sanjay Kumar obtained Master’s and Ph.D. degrees from G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar and Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, respectively. Joined CSIR-IHBT as “Scientist B” in 1990; received post-doctoral training at Texas Tech University (USA), Rothamsted Research (UK), and Kansas State University (USA).
Research :
Major contributions include discovery of a novel carbon fixation pathway and its transplantation in a heterologus system to reduce photorespiratory losses leading to photosynthetic gain and yield enhancement (work lauded by international fraternity), discovery of autoclavable superoxide dismutase from high altitude plant, its characterisation and modification, plant adaption mechanism at high altitude, cloning of genes for secondary metabolite synthesis and imparting stress tolerance, deciphering the mechanisms of, thorn formation in rose, winter dormancy and drought stress in tea, enumerating molecular aspects of secondary metabolism in medicinal plants for catechins, picrosides, steviosides, shikonins and podophyllotoxin biosynthesis. Significant contributions on transcriptome and genome sequencing of Himalayan plants and development of nutraceuticals using traditional/Ayurvedic knowledge.
Guided 26 MSc/PhD students, holds several international patents and has 190 research/review articles, book chapters, edited book etc. Some of his key contributions have percolated to book and major reviews also.
Recognition:Fellow of the National Academy of Sciences, India; National Academy of Agricultural Sciences and Crop Improvement Society of India. Bestowed with prestigious VASVIK Industrial Research Award; R.D. Asana Endowment Lecture Award; Professor G.V. Joshi Memorial Lecture Award; Prof. Shri Ranjan Memorial Lecture Award, Ultra International Team Award for contribution in Essential Oil Industry; Outstanding Alumnus Award of College of Basic Sciences and Humanities by G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, Certificate of Merit in CSIR Leadership Programme; and Young Scientist Award by INSA. He has been chairman/member of several Professional Committees and Task Forces, and has served Editorial Board of several international journals.
New initiatives for society:As Director of CSIR-IHBT since 11th June, 2015, vitalised several initiatives for empowering society/farmers, which include successful procurement and introduction of Heeng (asafoetida) and Monk fruit in the country, and introduction of saffron, apple, Dalchini (cinnamon) and tulip in non-traditional areas. Promoted aromatics in mountain farming to make Himachal as the top state in country for production of essential oil of wild marigold. Coordinated multi- institutional projects of CSIR as Director of Agri, Nutri and Biotech Theme, as well as Nutraceuticals and Nutritionals Missions, for delivery of envisaged outcomes.
Entrepreneurship development:With emphasis on bioeconomy, the numbers of technologies and products surged to 84 during a much shorter period (2015-2022) and transferred several of them on priority for products availability in the market. These efforts lead to brisk increase in MoUs/agreements/MTAs signed by the institute with entrepreneurs (from 21 during 1984- 2014 to 650 during 2015-2022).
Dr Kumar catalysed inclusive development of the institute by mobilizing financial resources from varied agencies and linking with relevant state, national and international department(s)/ agency(ies)/ institute(s). With relentless approach for quality science and technology development, led CSIR-IHBT to attain top position in the state and 10thranking among 37 institutes of CSIR as per the SCImago rating.