Assoc. Prof. Subhayan Sur is an accomplished cancer biologist and academic researcher specializing in oral and head and neck cancer, molecular oncology, non-coding RNA biology, cancer metabolism, tumour immunology, and translational cancer research. He currently serves as Associate Professor at the Dr. D. Y. Patil Biotechnology and Bioinformatics Institute, D. Y. Patil University, Pune, a position he has held since October 2024. He previously served as a DBT-Ramalingaswami Re-entry Fellow at the same institution and completed extensive postdoctoral research at the Department of Pathology, Saint Louis University, Missouri, USA, from 2017 to 2022. Earlier in his career, he conducted cancer research at Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, Kolkata.

His international research experience combines molecular biology, patient-derived clinical samples, cellular and animal models, and advanced analytical techniques to investigate cancer development and identify potential diagnostic and therapeutic targets.

Research Expertise & Scientific Contributions

Assoc. Prof. Sur's research focuses on the molecular mechanisms underlying cancer progression, particularly the roles of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), microRNAs, transcriptomic alterations, and tumour microenvironment interactions. His work explores cancer-associated signalling pathways, lipid metabolism, exosome biology, viral-associated cancer pathology, and natural-product-based chemoprevention.

His research has contributed to understanding the functions of lncRNAs such as ELDR and PCAT1 in oral and head and neck cancers. He has also investigated the anticancer potential of bioactive compounds derived from bitter melon and other natural products, including their effects on tumour growth, metabolic pathways, and immune responses. These investigations support the development of molecular biomarkers and potential targeted therapeutic strategies.

Research Publications & Impact

Assoc. Prof. Sur has established a substantial scientific publication record, with 28 research articles, 15 review articles, four book chapters and editorial book contributions, and three conference proceedings listed in his CV. According to his reported Google Scholar metrics from July 2026, his research has received 1,433 citations, with an h-index of 22 and an i10-index of 29. His cumulative journal impact factor is reported as exceeding 204.415.

His findings have appeared in peer-reviewed journals, including EMBO Reports, Journal of Biological Chemistry, Molecular Cancer Therapeutics, Cancer Prevention Research, Hepatology, mBio, and BMC Cancer. His research spans fundamental cancer biology and translational applications, strengthening the scientific understanding of cancer biomarkers, tumour progression, and therapeutic interventions.

Research Grants & Funding

Assoc. Prof. Sur has demonstrated strong research leadership through competitive research funding from Indian government agencies. As Principal Investigator, he leads a DBT-Ramalingaswami Re-entry Fellowship project titled “Comprehensive Evaluation of Long Non-Coding RNAs in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy,” sanctioned for ₹1,23,60,000 over five years.

He is also Principal Investigator of an Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) PM-ECRG project titled “Exploring the Role of Long Non-Coding RNA LINC00152 and EMSLR in Head and Neck Cancer,” sanctioned in 2025 for ₹59,03,520 over three years. These projects demonstrate his ability to develop independent research programmes addressing significant challenges in cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Awards & Recognitions

Assoc. Prof. Sur has received several national and international research recognitions for his scientific contributions. His distinctions include:

• International Best Researcher Award in Cancer Biology, Scopus Index Conclave International Research Award (SIRA), 2025.

• International Best Researcher of the Year Award in Molecular Cancer Biology, International Science, Technology & Research Awards (ISTRA), 2024.

• International Best Researcher Award in Molecular Cancer Biology, ISSN International Research Awards and Congress, 2024.

• Best Poster Award and Best Flash Talk Award at the International Conference on Advances in Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, 2024.

• Best Poster Award at the National Conference on Harnessing Biodiversity and Bio-innovation, Goa University, January 2026.

• DBT-Ramalingaswami Re-entry Fellowship.

• NIH-supported postdoctoral fellowship and CSIR Senior Research Fellowship.

These achievements reflect recognition of his research productivity, scientific communication, and contributions to molecular cancer biology.

Teaching, Mentorship & Academic Leadership

Alongside his research responsibilities, Assoc. Prof. Sur contributes to teaching and student development at D. Y. Patil University. His teaching includes animal tissue culture, molecular diagnostics, clinical trials, clinical research, critical analysis of classical scientific papers, and practical biotechnology training.

He has supervised and trained students and research trainees at D. Y. Patil University, IISER Kolkata, and Saint Louis University. His previous responsibilities as Scientist-in-Charge of the IISER Kolkata animal facility included establishing a biosafety level 2 animal facility, designing experiments, developing cancer cell models, and providing practical research training.

Editorial Contributions & Scientific Service

Assoc. Prof. Sur actively contributes to the scientific community through editorial responsibilities and peer review. He has served as Topic Editor for a Frontiers in Oncology research topic and as Guest Editor for special issues and collections in Cancers and Discover Oncology. He also co-edited the book Technologies in Cell Culture: A Journey from Basics to Advanced Applications.

His reviewing activities across numerous international journals demonstrate his engagement with scientific quality, publication ethics, and the advancement of cancer research. He has also delivered invited presentations at international scientific meetings, including the World Cancer Congress, and presented research at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) meetings.

Innovation & Translational Research

Assoc. Prof. Sur's research extends beyond conventional laboratory investigations into emerging technologies and translational applications. His contributions include a US patent application concerning methods and compositions for treating solid tumours and participation in ExoLoger, a machine-learning-based approach for predicting unidentified exosomal microRNAs.

His work integrating molecular oncology, bioinformatics, and emerging analytical technologies highlights his commitment to translating scientific discoveries into potential diagnostic and therapeutic applications.

Eligibility for Best Researcher Award 

Assoc. Prof. Subhayan Sur is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award in Scientific Laurels in recognition of his substantial contributions to molecular cancer biology, translational oncology, and biomarker research. His reported citation impact, h-index of 22, extensive publication record, competitive research funding exceeding ₹1.82 crore across two major projects, and international research experience demonstrate a strong record of scientific productivity and independent research leadership.

His investigations into long non-coding RNAs, oral and head and neck cancer progression, tumour immunology, cancer metabolism, and natural-product-based therapeutic strategies address important challenges in cancer diagnosis and treatment. His editorial appointments, peer-review contributions, teaching, mentorship, and multiple research awards further strengthen his academic profile.

Overall, Assoc. Prof. Subhayan Sur merits strong consideration for the Scientific Laurels Best Researcher Award for his sustained research contributions, competitive grant leadership, international scientific engagement, and commitment to advancing molecular cancer biology and translational cancer research.