Govindarajan Padmanaban

Govindarajan Padmanabhan - Kolkata 2011-02-04 0421

Govindarajan Padmanaban is a prominent Indian biochemist and biotechnologist, known for his extensive research in the field of malaria and the development of recombinant vaccines. Born on March 20, 1938, in Tamil Nadu, India, Padmanaban has made significant contributions to the understanding of the biochemistry of the malaria parasite and the application of biotechnology in developing vaccines and therapeutic strategies against malaria.

Early Life and Education

Govindarajan Padmanaban completed his undergraduate studies in Chemistry at the University of Madras. He then pursued his master's degree in biochemistry from the same university. His passion for research led him to the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, where he completed his Ph.D. in biochemistry under the guidance of the renowned scientist M. S. Thimmannaya. His doctoral research focused on the biosynthesis of fatty acids, setting the stage for his future work in biochemistry and biotechnology.

Career

After completing his Ph.D., Padmanaban continued his research at IISc, eventually becoming a full professor and later serving as the director of the institute from 1994 to 1998. His tenure at IISc was marked by significant contributions to the fields of biochemistry and biotechnology, particularly in the study of the malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum.

Padmanaban's research has been instrumental in unraveling the biochemical pathways involved in the synthesis of heme in the malaria parasite, a critical component for its survival and growth. His work has led to the identification of potential drug targets and the development of novel therapeutic strategies against malaria.

In addition to his research on malaria, Padmanaban has been a pioneer in the field of biotechnology in India. He played a key role in the establishment of the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) in India and has been involved in various national and international committees and advisory boards related to biotechnology and health.

Awards and Honours

Govindarajan Padmanaban has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to science and research, including the prestigious Padma Bhushan, one of India's highest civilian awards, in 1991. He is also a recipient of the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize for Science and Technology, the highest science award in India, in the field of Biological Sciences. Padmanaban is a Fellow of the Indian National Science Academy (INSA), the Indian Academy of Sciences (IAS), and the Third World Academy of Sciences (TWAS).

Legacy and Impact

Govindarajan Padmanaban's work has had a profound impact on the fields of biochemistry, biotechnology, and malaria research. His efforts in developing recombinant vaccines and novel drug targets have opened new avenues in the fight against malaria, a disease that continues to affect millions of people worldwide. Through his research, leadership, and advocacy, Padmanaban has played a crucial role in advancing the scientific and technological capabilities of India in the global arena.

Selected Publications

Padmanaban has authored numerous research papers, reviews, and book chapters in the field of biochemistry and biotechnology. His publications cover a wide range of topics, including the biochemistry of the malaria parasite, recombinant DNA technology, and the development of vaccines and therapeutic agents.

See Also

• Malaria
• Biotechnology in India
• Recombinant DNA
• Vaccine development