Early Life and Education
Shekhar Chandrashekhar Mande, a renowned biologist, was born on April 5, 1962, in Pune, Maharashtra, India. From a young age, Mande displayed a keen interest in science and biology. He pursued his education with dedication and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Physics from Fergusson College in Pune. He then went on to complete his Master’s degree in Physics from the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay.
Entry into the World of Biology
After completing his Master’s degree, Mande decided to shift his focus towards biology. He joined the Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore to pursue a Ph.D. in Molecular Biophysics under the guidance of renowned scientist Dr. Vijay P. Bhatkar. His research focused on protein folding and structure prediction, which laid the foundation for his future work in the field.
Professional Career
After completing his Ph.D., Mande worked as a postdoctoral fellow at the University of California, San Francisco, where he further honed his skills in computational biology. In 1999, he returned to India and joined the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS) in Bangalore as a faculty member.
Contributions to Computational Biology
Mande’s work at NCBS focused on using computational methods to study protein structures and interactions. He developed novel algorithms and software tools that revolutionized the field of structural biology. His research has led to significant advancements in understanding biological processes at the molecular level.
Leadership Roles
In 2009, Mande was appointed as the Director of the Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (CDFD) in Hyderabad. Under his leadership, CDFD became a leading research institution in the field of genomics and forensic science. Mande’s vision and strategic planning skills were instrumental in shaping the future direction of the institute.
Appointment as DG-CSIR
In 2018, Mande was appointed as the Director General of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), India’s premier research organization. In this role, he oversees 38 national laboratories and is responsible for guiding scientific research and innovation across various disciplines.
Focus on Innovation and Collaboration
Under Mande’s leadership, CSIR has placed a strong emphasis on fostering innovation and collaboration with industry partners. He has initiated several programs to promote entrepreneurship and technology transfer, leading to the development of new products and solutions that benefit society.
Promotion of Science Education
Mande is a strong advocate for promoting science education and research in India. He has been actively involved in mentoring young scientists and encouraging them to pursue careers in scientific research. His efforts have helped inspire a new generation of scientists who are passionate about making a difference in the world.
Awards and Recognition
Throughout his career, Mande has received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to science and research. He is a Fellow of the Indian National Science Academy and the National Academy of Sciences, India. He has also been honored with prestigious awards such as the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize for Science and Technology.
Impact on Society
Mande’s work has had a profound impact on society by advancing our understanding of biological processes and developing innovative solutions to complex challenges. His research has paved the way for new discoveries in areas such as healthcare, agriculture, and environmental conservation.
Future Endeavors
As Shekhar C. Mande continues to lead CSIR towards new heights of excellence, he remains committed to driving scientific innovation and promoting collaboration among researchers from diverse backgrounds. His vision for a more sustainable and prosperous future through science serves as an inspiration to all who aspire to make a difference through their work.
