Dr. Suchinnata Swapnasarita Sardar is a distinguished academician and researcher serving as Lecturer in Botany under the Department of Higher Education, Government of Odisha, India. With 20 years of teaching experience, 18 years of research experience, and 10 years of administrative and executive responsibilities, she has made sustained contributions to higher education and scientific research. Her core areas of expertise include Molecular Taxonomy, Genetic Engineering, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, and Molecular Plant–Microbe Interactions. She has taught key postgraduate and undergraduate courses such as Genetics, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, and Genetic Engineering, shaping generations of students in life sciences.

Significant Achievements

Dr. Sardar has received several prestigious awards and recognitions for her academic excellence and research contributions. Notable honors include:

• Best Teacher Appreciation Award by the Honorable Vice Chancellor of OUAT (2015).

• Best Poster Presentation Awards at NSPGB (2016) and NASPOM (2005).

• DBT–JRF Fellowship (2004), reflecting her early research excellence.

• CSIR–NET Qualification (2001, 2003).

• Multiple academic awards during her postgraduate career, including best seminar and essay awards.

Her active engagement with the scientific community is reflected in her memberships in reputed professional bodies such as the Indian Science Congress, Indian Society of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Odisha Bigyan Academy, and several biotechnology and botanical societies.

Notable Contributions

Dr. Sardar has made significant contributions to plant molecular biology, crop stress tolerance, and sustainable agriculture. She has successfully guided:

• 02 Ph.D. scholars (under supervision)

• 01 M.Tech/M.Phil thesis

• 06 M.Sc. dissertations

She is currently leading innovative, interdisciplinary research projects focusing on:

• Molecular and biochemical characterization of drought-tolerant finger millet genotypes from the Malkangiri hotspot of Odisha.

• Isolation and characterization of seed endophytic bacteria in indigenous millets.

• Microbiome engineering for enhancing abiotic stress resilience in finger millets.

Her scholarly output includes 12 research publications, 6 books/book chapters, 2 conference proceedings, and active participation in national and international conferences, refresher courses, workshops, and academic training programs. She has also contributed to academic leadership by organizing seminars and workshops.

Eligibility for the Most Promising Researcher Award

Dr. Suchinnata Swapnasarita Sardar is highly eligible for the Most Promising Researcher Award due to her:

• Sustained and impactful research in crop resilience, molecular genetics, and plant–microbe interactions.

• Leadership in ongoing, socially relevant research projects addressing climate stress and sustainable agriculture.

• Strong record of research mentorship, capacity building, and academic service.

• Consistent recognition at state and national levels for both teaching excellence and research innovation