Dr. Pushpender Sharma is a distinguished academician and molecular biotechnologist currently serving as Associate Professor at the Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Rajasthan, Jaipur, where he has been working since 1 November 2021. With over 17 years of research experience, his academic career spans teaching, advanced research, editorial leadership, and innovation in enzyme engineering and metagenomics. He has contributed significantly to capacity building in biotechnology through mentoring students, guiding research projects, and fostering interdisciplinary collaborations.

Research Expertise & Contributions

Dr. Sharma’s core research expertise lies in metagenomics, enzyme engineering, protein thermostability, molecular biology, and industrial biotechnology. His most notable contribution includes the engineering of a metagenome-derived lipase, where a single mutation near the catalytic site resulted in enhanced thermostability and catalytic efficiency. This engineered enzyme has wide-ranging applications in food, pharmaceutical, detergent, oil, and leather industries, and serves as a model system for designing thermally stable industrial proteins.

He has authored 70 research publications and patents (2007–2024), with 1,443 citations, h-index of 19, and i10-index of 29, reflecting sustained scientific impact and international visibility.

Major Awards, Fellowships & Recognitions

• Editor of Distinction Award (2025) – Scientific Reports, Nature Springer Scientific Reports

• Fast-Track Young Scientist Project (₹22 Lakhs, 2013–2016) – Science and Engineering Research Board, New Delhi

• Postdoctoral Fellowship (2010–2012) – Department of Biotechnology at Indian Institute of Science Bangalore

• Senior Research Fellowship (2008–2010) – Council of Scientific and Industrial Research

• Granted Patent (2018): Engineering of the Metagenome Derived Lipase (Patent No. 1279/DEL/2010 A)

Editorial Leadership & Peer-Review Contributions

Dr. Sharma has demonstrated outstanding editorial stewardship and scholarly service through leadership roles in reputed journals:

• Editorial Board Member – International Journal of Applied and Natural Sciences (IJANS)

• Editorial Board Member – Journal of Molecular Biology Research

• National Editorial Board Member – Journal of Practical Biochemistry and Biophysics

• Editorial Board Member – Current Indian Science (Bentham Science)

• Editorial Board Member – Scientific Reports (Nature Publishing Group)

• Editorial Board Member – Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology

He has also reviewed over 100 articles for leading national and international peer-reviewed journals.

Books, Conferences & Academic Engagement

• Book Published: Metagenomic Lipase (LAP Lambert Academic Publishing)

• Conference / Workshop / Invited Talks / Session Chair / Life Memberships: 26
  These engagements underline his role as a thought leader and active contributor to the global scientific community.

Eligibility for Best Scientist Award 

Dr. Pushpender Sharma is eminently eligible for the Best Scientist Award (Scientific Laurels) due to his high-impact research output, patent-driven innovation, and global editorial recognition, including the prestigious Editor of Distinction Award from a Nature journal. His successful leadership of a SERB-funded Young Scientist project, internationally relevant patented technology, strong citation metrics, and sustained contributions to peer review and editorial governance collectively demonstrate scientific excellence, innovation, and leadership, aligning perfectly with the core criteria of the Best Scientist Award in Scientific Laurels.