Homi Bhabha National Institute, IGCAR campus, India

Author Profile

🌱 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Hrudananda Jena’s journey into the world of science began with a deep-rooted curiosity for materials and their transformations. Born on December 31, 1966, in India, his academic inclination matured into a focused pursuit of knowledge in the realm of materials science. His doctoral studies at the prestigious Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, placed him in the heart of one of India’s leading scientific institutions. There, he explored ionic transport phenomena and the structural behavior of perovskite materials — critical components in many modern technologies — through his thesis titled “Ionic transport and structural investigations on selected perovskites synthesized by wet chemical methods.”

His strong foundation in experimental and theoretical materials science was further strengthened by his postdoctoral research at Southern University, Baton Rouge, USA, from July 2005 to August 2006. There, he contributed to a United States Department of Energy (U.S-DOE-NETL) project, further honing his skills in advanced material characterization and expanding his research horizon into energy technologies.

🧪 Professional Endeavors

Dr. Jena’s professional trajectory is marked by a distinguished association with the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), one of India’s premier nuclear research facilities under the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE). Currently serving as the Head of the Materials Processing Chemistry Section and holding the senior rank of Scientific Officer (H), he plays a pivotal role in pioneering material synthesis and processing techniques essential to the atomic energy program.

Simultaneously, he contributes to the academic ecosystem as a Professor in Chemical Sciences at the Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI), Mumbai, stationed at the IGCAR campus. His dual role as a researcher and educator underscores his commitment to advancing science both in practice and pedagogy.

From developing cutting-edge techniques in materials processing to mentoring young scientists, Dr. Jena’s role at IGCAR spans innovation, leadership, and strategic planning in material chemistry critical to India’s nuclear fuel cycle and energy future.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Jena’s research revolves around materials chemistry, solid-state ionics, wet chemical synthesis, and perovskite structures. His doctoral and postdoctoral work laid the foundation for his continuing interest in ionic conductivity and material stability — topics of central importance in energy storage devices, fuel cells, and nuclear material development.

At IGCAR, he has led efforts in processing nuclear materials using innovative wet chemical routes and advanced characterization. His expertise in solid-state synthesis and chemical methods has contributed to efficient material development techniques vital for metal fuel cycles. His work supports the safe and efficient operation of fast breeder reactors and aligns with India’s long-term nuclear energy goals.

In addition to his hands-on laboratory contributions, Dr. Jena is also known for his interdisciplinary collaborations, especially those integrating chemical sciences with physics and engineering domains.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Jena’s academic and professional excellence has been recognized both nationally and internationally. His selection as a Senior Research Associate on a U.S. Department of Energy project is a testament to his global scientific standing. Domestically, his continuous rise within the Department of Atomic Energy, from researcher to section head and scientific officer at the highest grade, reflects the high regard in which he is held by India’s scientific community.

Moreover, his appointment as a Professor at HBNI further affirms his stature not only as a researcher but also as a thought leader and educator in chemical sciences.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Jena’s influence reaches beyond his laboratory at Kalpakkam. His work directly supports India’s strategic energy autonomy, particularly in the nuclear sector. The materials he helps develop and process are integral to fuel safety, reactor efficiency, and long-term sustainability in nuclear power generation.

As a mentor and professor, he has inspired numerous young scientists, guiding them through advanced research and helping them understand the complex interplay between chemistry and energy systems. His participation in both national and international forums adds to his impact, enabling knowledge exchange and fostering global scientific cooperation.

🧭 Legacy and Future Contributions

With decades of rich experience, Dr. Hrudananda Jena continues to be a guiding force in the field of materials chemistry. His legacy will be defined not just by the innovations he has introduced but also by the scientific culture he fosters — one grounded in curiosity, precision, and purpose.

Looking ahead, his continued contributions to the chemical sciences, particularly in sustainable nuclear materials and energy systems, are expected to remain central to India’s scientific advancement. As the global demand for clean and safe energy intensifies, researchers like Dr. Jena will be at the forefront of crafting solutions that balance innovation with safety and environmental stewardship.

His journey stands as a beacon for aspiring scientists, showing that rigorous research, global collaboration, and a commitment to national development can come together to create a meaningful and lasting impact.

Synthesis of nano-crystalline zeolite-A and zeolite-X from Indian coal fly ash, its characterization and performance evaluation for the removal of Cs⁺ and Sr²⁺ from simulated solutions

Authors: M.K. Murukutti, H. Jena
Journal: Journal of Hazardous Materials
Year: 2022

Ionic transport and structural investigations on MSn(OH)₆ (M = Ba, Ca, Mg, Co, Zn, Fe, Mn) hydroxide perovskites synthesized by wet sonochemical methods

Authors: H. Jena, K.V.G. Kutty, T.R.N. Kutty
Journal: Materials Chemistry and Physics
Year: 2004

Innovative processing of dense LSGM electrolytes for IT-SOFCs

Authors: B. Rambabu, S. Ghosh, W. Zhao, H. Jena
Journal: Journal of Power Sources
Year: 2006

Actinide immobilization in crystalline matrix: a study of uranium incorporation in gadolinium zirconate

Authors: K.V.G. Kutty, R. Asuvathraman, R.R. Madhavan, H. Jena
Journal: Journal of Physics and Chemistry of Solids
Year: 2005

Direct single-step synthesis of phase pure zeolite Na–P1, hydroxy sodalite and analcime from coal fly ash and assessment of their Cs⁺ and Sr²⁺ removal efficiencies

Authors: M.M. Kumar, H. Jena
Journal: Microporous and Mesoporous Materials
Year: 2022

Mr. Rameez Hassan Pirzada | Research and development | Best Researcher Award

Posted on 09/11/202409/11/2024 by ScienceFather

Mr. Rameez Hassan Pirzada | Research and development | Best Researcher Award

Ajou University, South Korea

Profile

Google Scholar

Early Academic Pursuits 📚

Rameez Hassan Pirzada’s academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Bioinformatics from Capital University of Science and Technology in Islamabad, Pakistan, where he developed a keen interest in the molecular and computational aspects of biological sciences. His early research focused on the development of genome annotation software, a fundamental tool in bioinformatics that would later serve as a springboard for his future research endeavors.

Building on his passion for medical biology, Rameez went on to pursue a Master of Science in Medical Biology and Genetics from Yakın Doğu Üniversitesi in Mersin, Turkey. His thesis on telomere length dynamics in patients with recurrent pregnancy loss was a significant milestone in his academic career, leading to a publication in the International Journal of Biological Macromolecules. This early work honed his skills in molecular biology and bioinformatics, laying a strong foundation for his future academic and professional pursuits.

Professional Endeavors 🧑‍🔬

Since March 2019, Rameez has been serving as a Research Fellow at Ajou University in Suwon, South Korea, where he is involved in cutting-edge research in computational biology. He has developed advanced QSAR models to identify IL1R1 and IL-1β inhibitors, which are currently being tested in vitro and in preclinical studies. His innovative use of transfer learning in drug discovery has opened up new pathways for targeting critical molecular interactions in inflammatory and viral diseases. His work on designing VEGF peptide agonists using LSTM-based deep learning algorithms has achieved promising in vitro results, with animal testing planned and potential for patent filing.

Rameez’s dedication to finding novel solutions for pressing health issues is also reflected in his antiviral drug repurposing research, which identified FDA-approved drugs with potential to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 replication. This groundbreaking work was published in Cells, further solidifying his standing as an emerging leader in the field of computational drug discovery.

Contributions and Research Focus 🔬

Rameez’s research has made significant contributions to various therapeutic areas, including viral infections, inflammation, and cancer. His focus on structure-activity relationships (SAR) for COVID-19 therapeutics targeting GSK3 was a pivotal moment in his career, published in Frontiers in Endocrinology. His research on protein-protein interactions and molecular dynamics simulations has paved the way for the development of effective therapeutic agents by understanding the underlying mechanisms of diseases.

In addition to his work on drug discovery, Rameez’s deep expertise in molecular dynamics simulations and machine learning has led to the development of sophisticated computational models that predict the efficacy of novel drug candidates. By combining AI with traditional pharmacological methods, Rameez is at the forefront of a new wave of precision medicine and targeted therapies.

Accolades and Recognition 🏆

Rameez Hassan Pirzada’s academic and professional achievements have garnered significant recognition. His publications in high-impact journals such as the International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, Frontiers in Endocrinology, and Cells showcase the quality and impact of his work in the global scientific community. His research on IL1R1 and IL-1β inhibitors is currently under revision with the International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, further emphasizing the credibility and potential of his contributions.

Beyond his research, Rameez’s role as a lecturer in Bioinformatics at the University of Lahore, Pakistan, speaks to his ability to communicate complex scientific concepts to students, contributing to the development of future professionals in bioinformatics and computational biology.

Impact and Influence 🌍

Rameez’s work has had a profound impact on the scientific community, particularly in the field of computational drug discovery. His research on SARS-CoV-2 has not only contributed to the global response to the pandemic but also highlighted the potential of repurposing existing drugs to combat emerging infectious diseases. Furthermore, his development of AI-driven drug discovery models has the potential to accelerate the development of new therapies for a range of diseases, from cancer to autoimmune disorders.

Through his work, Rameez has also made significant contributions to systems biology, using computational tools to uncover the intricate cellular processes that drive disease. His deep understanding of protein interactions and his ability to model these interactions computationally has positioned him as a leading figure in drug design and molecular pharmacology.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🌱

As Rameez continues to push the boundaries of computational biology, his future contributions are poised to reshape the landscape of drug discovery. His dedication to innovation, coupled with his passion for mentorship, ensures that his legacy will extend beyond his own research. By training the next generation of bioinformatics professionals and continuing to develop novel therapeutic strategies, Rameez is paving the way for a new era of precision medicine.

Looking ahead, Rameez is committed to advancing his research in AI-driven drug discovery, particularly in the fields of inflammation, cancer, and infectious diseases. His ability to integrate machine learning with molecular biology offers exciting possibilities for developing targeted therapies that will revolutionize how we approach drug development and disease treatment.

Rameez Hassan Pirzada’s journey is one of relentless curiosity, groundbreaking contributions, and a commitment to transforming healthcare through the power of computational biology. With his expertise and forward-thinking approach, he is well on his way to making an indelible mark on the scientific community and improving global health outcomes for generations to come.

📝Notable Publications

Wnt signaling in the regulation of immune cell and cancer therapeutics

Authors: M. Haseeb, R.H. Pirzada, Q.U. Ain, S. Choi

Journal: Cells

Year: 2019

The roles of the NLRP3 inflammasome in neurodegenerative and metabolic diseases and in relevant advanced therapeutic interventions

Authors: R.H. Pirzada, N. Javaid, S. Choi

Journal: Genes

Year: 2020

Remdesivir and ledipasvir among the FDA-approved antiviral drugs have potential to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 replication

Authors: R.H. Pirzada, M. Haseeb, M. Batool, M.S. Kim, S. Choi