Dr. Ashok Kumar is currently serving as Scientist (Disease Investigation – Veterinary Microbiology) at the Department of Animal Disease Research Centre, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU), Ludhiana, Punjab, since September 2023. He holds a substantive research position with a strong academic foundation in veterinary microbiology and infectious disease diagnostics. With over nine years of dedicated research experience, Dr. Kumar has consistently contributed to national priorities in animal and zoonotic disease control.

Research Experience & Expertise

Dr. Kumar possesses extensive hands-on experience in the investigation and diagnosis of infectious and emerging diseases, including PPRV, Canine Distemper Virus (CDV), Swinepox, CAV, CPV, Measles, Rubella, Dengue, Chikungunya, Japanese Encephalitis, Scrub Typhus, Viral Hepatitis (A–E), Parainfluenza, Influenza, and COVID-19.
He played an active role during the COVID-19 pandemic, contributing to national diagnostic efforts through ICMR-NIRTH Jabalpur (SL-VRDL) and ICMR-RMRC Gorakhpur, strengthening India’s public health response.

Current Research & Projects

Presently, Dr. Kumar is engaged in the research scheme “Strengthening of Diagnostic Facilities and Experimentation,” focusing on outbreak investigation, risk-factor analysis, molecular diagnosis, and pathogen characterization in livestock. He is also an active contributor to the ICAR-sponsored PD_ADMAS (Animal Disease Monitoring & Surveillance) project, where he is involved in field surveys, data management and analysis, and ELISA-based testing of serum and milk samples.
His current work emphasizes molecular diagnosis of respiratory disease complexes using PCR, multiplex PCR, RT-qPCR, and pathogen isolation techniques.

Technical Skills & Competencies

Dr. Kumar is highly proficient in molecular biology techniques, vaccine development, cell culture, hybridoma technology, ELISA development, and bioinformatics tools, making him a versatile scientist bridging diagnostics, applied research, and translational outcomes.

Publications, Patents & Scholarly Contributions

• Research Publications: 28 peer-reviewed articles in reputed journals

• Books/Chapters/Reports/General Articles: 22

• Patents: 2 Indian patents published, including innovations in canine distemper vaccine development and monoclonal antibody-based competitive ELISA diagnostics

• Professional Recognition: Recipient of 29 professional awards, recognitions, prizes, and certificates, reflecting sustained excellence and national-level acknowledgment

Professional Impact

Through his multidisciplinary expertise and consistent contributions to animal health surveillance, diagnostic innovation, and outbreak preparedness, Dr. Kumar has significantly strengthened veterinary public health infrastructure and disease monitoring systems in India.

Eligibility for Best Scientist of the Year 

Dr. Ashok Kumar’s over nine years of impactful research, extensive publication record, patented diagnostic and vaccine innovations, national service during the COVID-19 pandemic, and active involvement in ICAR and ICMR-supported programs strongly establish his eligibility for the Best Scientist of the Year Award by Scientific Laurels. His work demonstrates scientific excellence, societal relevance, innovation, and sustained contribution to veterinary and infectious disease research.