Dr. Gagan Kumar Panigrahi is an accomplished molecular biologist, plant scientist, and biotechnology researcher with expertise in genetics, molecular biology, plant immunity, RNA surveillance mechanisms, nanobiotechnology, and environmental biotechnology. He is currently serving as Associate Professor and Associate Dean in the School of Applied Sciences (Zoology) at Centurion University of Technology and Management (CUTM), Jatni, Odisha. Prior to this, he served as Assistant Professor at CUTM and at the Regional Institute of Education (NCERT), Bhubaneswar. He also gained significant international research experience as a researcher at Myongji University, Republic of Korea, where he conducted advanced studies in plant molecular biology and bioinformatics.

His academic excellence is reflected in qualifying prestigious national examinations including CSIR-UGC NET (AIR 30), GATE Life Sciences (AIR 225, 98.25 percentile), and CTET, along with securing Institute Third Rank during his M.Sc. at NIT Rourkela.

Research Contributions

Dr. Panigrahi's research focuses on Nonsense-Mediated mRNA Decay (NMD), plant immunity, stress biology, nanotechnology, molecular genetics, environmental toxicology, and anticancer drug discovery. His work has significantly contributed to understanding RNA quality control mechanisms and their applications in agriculture, human health, and biotechnology.

His scholarly achievements include:

• More than 45 SCI-indexed research publications
• Over 1,016 citations
• h-index: 20
• i10-index: 31
• 18 book chapters published by leading international publishers including Springer, CRC Press, Elsevier, and Taylor & Francis.
• 9 international patents, including granted patents in South Africa and Germany on nanotechnology, plant immunity, and wastewater remediation.
• Principal Investigator of externally funded projects supported by ANRF and Centurion University Seed Grant.

His research has been published in reputed journals including The Plant Cell, Molecular Biotechnology, Nanotechnology for Environmental Engineering, Advances in Traditional Medicine, and Physiological and Molecular Plant Pathology.

Academic Leadership & Research Mentorship

As an academic leader, Dr. Panigrahi has supervised multiple doctoral scholars and over 50 postgraduate dissertation projects. He teaches advanced courses in Genetics, Molecular Biology, Animal Biotechnology, Cell Biology, Cell Signalling, Immunology, and Bioanalytical Techniques. He actively contributes to the scientific community as a reviewer for internationally reputed journals such as Scientific Reports, Environmental & Experimental Botany, Frontiers in Genetics, Bioorganic Chemistry, and several others.

Research Grants

Dr. Panigrahi has successfully secured competitive research funding, including:

• ANRF Conference Grant – ₹2,50,000
• Centurion University Seed Money Grant – ₹1,50,000

These grants support cutting-edge research in translation genetics, genomics, and Nonsense-Mediated mRNA Decay.

Awards & Recognitions

Throughout his career, Dr. Panigrahi has received several prestigious recognitions, including:

• Best Researcher Award (2021) – DK International Research Foundation
• Eminent Achiever Award (2022)
• Certificate of Excellence (2022) – Centurion University
• Distinguished Achiever Award (2025) – Centurion University
• CSIR-UGC NET (AIR 30)
• GATE Life Sciences (AIR 225)

These honors recognize his excellence in research, innovation, and academic leadership.

Professional Contributions

Dr. Panigrahi has made significant contributions to interdisciplinary research through collaborations in molecular biology, biotechnology, plant sciences, environmental science, and nanotechnology. His work bridges fundamental biological research with practical applications in agriculture, medicine, environmental sustainability, and biotechnology. His international patents, extensive publication record, and active participation in research mentorship demonstrate his commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and innovation.

Eligibility for Outstanding Scientist Award

Dr. Gagan Kumar Panigrahi is highly eligible for the Outstanding Scientist Award under the Scientific Laurels based on his exceptional academic and research accomplishments.

His qualifications include:

• Outstanding international research contributions in molecular biology, plant biotechnology, and RNA surveillance.
• More than 45 SCI-indexed publications with over 1,016 citations, h-index of 20, and i10-index of 31.
• Nine international patents, including granted patents in South Africa and Germany.
• Multiple externally funded research projects from prestigious funding agencies.
• Significant international research experience in South Korea.
• Successful supervision of Ph.D. scholars and more than 50 postgraduate research projects.
• Editorial and peer-review contributions to high-impact international journals.
• Recipient of multiple prestigious academic and research excellence awards.
• Demonstrated leadership through academic administration as Associate Dean, along with sustained excellence in teaching, innovation, and research.

Dr. Gagan Kumar Panigrahi has established himself as an internationally recognized researcher with sustained excellence in scientific innovation, high-impact publications, research funding, patent development, academic leadership, and mentorship. His distinguished contributions to molecular biology, biotechnology, plant sciences, and translational research make him an excellent and deserving candidate for the Outstanding Scientist Award under the Scientific Laurels.