Ph. D. Research Scholar
International Outstanding Researcher Award, Biotechnology, Genetic purity testing of cotton F1 hybrid DHH-11 and parents revealed by molecular markers
Mrs. Mamta Krushnarao Maind from India is a dedicated researcher recognized for her perseverance, innovation, and significant contributions to biotechnology. In 2026, she was honoured with the ISSN International Outstanding Researcher Award for her study “Genetic purity testing of cotton F1 hybrid DHH 11 and parents revealed by molecular markers.” Her research employed PCR-based molecular markers to analyze genetic purity and hybridity in cotton, demonstrating their efficiency as a genomic tool with great potential to strengthen hybrid seed production programs and ensure reliability in cultivation. This achievement marked a milestone in her scientific journey and highlighted her commitment to advancing genomic tools for sustainable agriculture. With over eight years of research experience, Mrs. Mamta Krushnarao Maind has developed strong expertise in biotechnology, microbiology, molecular biology, and immunology. She is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Biotechnology at Department of Biotechnology, Savitribai Phule Pune University under the guidance of Dr. Santosh Hanumantrao Kathwate, focusing on the efficacy of selected non-antifungals combined with a conventional antifungal agent against Candida species and their clinical isolates. Her work bridges fundamental research with clinical applications, expanding biotechnology into medical relevance. Earlier, as a Research Associate at the Central Institute for Cotton Research (CICR), Nagpur, she contributed significantly to molecular characterization of cotton germplasm using DNA markers, establishing robust methods for genetic diversity analysis and purity test. Mrs. Mamta Krushnarao Maind’s professional journey reflects her versatility and dedication to science through diverse roles in leading laboratories and institutions. At the National Institute of Translational Virology and AIDS Research, Pune, she contributed to the Longitudinal Aging Study in India with important immunological analyses. At Hi-Tech Biosciences India Ltd., she worked on projects involving Bacillus megaterium, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, E. coli, and enzyme systems such as transaminases, nitrilases, and CYP450. She further advanced environmental biotechnology at Ecoman Enviro Solutions Pvt. Ltd., Pune, where she studied organic solid waste composting using thermophilic bacteria. These experiences highlight her adaptability and ability to apply expertise across agricultural, medical, and environmental biotechnology. Her academic contributions include six research papers in national and international journals, one paper in proceedings, twenty-three abstracts at conferences, a popular article, and two training manuals. She gratefully acknowledges the guidance of Dr. Ashok Dongre, ICAR–Emeritus Scientist, in shaping her award-winning research. The ISSN 2026 International Outstanding Researcher Award recognizes not only her scientific achievements but also her perseverance and integrity, positioning her as a role model for aspiring researchers in biotechnology.