Dr. Venkatesha Sollepura Chinnegowda won Best Professor Award
in the field of Biotechnology

BY SCIENTIFIC LAURELS

| University of Horticultural Sciences, Bagalkot | INDIA

Dr. Venkatesha Sollepura Chinnegowda has been serving as an Associate Professor since 10th February 2023, following a distinguished tenure as Assistant Professor from 10th February 2011 to 9th February 2023. He holds a strong academic foundation in agricultural sciences, with notable achievements including a gold medal in B.Sc. (Agri.) from UAS (1996) and multiple merit scholarships during his undergraduate program. He was also awarded the Institute of Agricultural Technologists’ fellowship (1996-1998) for his M.Sc. studies.

H have guided nearly 20 PG students (both M.Sc. & Ph.D) as a major advisor and member for their research work. Three students successfully submitted their thesis, for them he have worked as a major advisor and few more are going to submit thesis.

Awards and Recognitions

  • International Fellowship for PhD programme from the Kirkhouse Trust, UK.

  • Gold Medal, UAS B.Sc. (Agri.) (1996).

  • Merit Scholarships during 1993-94 & 1994-95, UAS.

  • Selected for international exposure, including visits to John Innes Centre, UK (2006) and participation in International Dolichos Meeting, Tanzania (2008).

  • Served as a Master Trainer and Resource Person in multiple international and DBT-sponsored training programs on molecular markers, plant transformation, and crop improvement techniques.

Research Contributions

Dr. Venkatesha has led several significant projects focused on plant conservation, genetic enhancement, and molecular breeding, including:

  1. Standardization of tissue culture regeneration protocol for Nanjanagud Rasabale.

  2. Conservation & Development of Mysuru Mallige.

  3. Genetic Enhancement of Mysuru Mallige.

  4. Conservation & Genetic Improvement of Jasminum sambac types of Karnataka.

He has published 36 research papers, delivered numerous oral presentations, and presented 18 posters in national and international conferences, demonstrating his strong commitment to advancing plant biotechnology, molecular breeding, and crop improvement.

International Engagement & Capacity Building

Dr. Venkatesha has actively contributed to global knowledge exchange through training programs and conferences, including international workshops organized by Kirkhouse Trust, UK, and serving as a resource person in several DBT-sponsored molecular biology programs. His contributions in molecular marker techniques, plant transformation, and genetic mapping have strengthened the skill sets of young researchers and trainees in India and abroad.

Eligibility for Best Professor Award

Dr. Venkatesha Sollepura Chinnegowda’s sustained research excellence, international collaborations, impactful publications, and active engagement in training and capacity building make him highly eligible for the Best Professor Award in Scientific Laurels. His work has significantly contributed to the conservation, genetic improvement, and molecular characterization of key horticultural and underutilized crops.