Two CSIR-CDRI Scientists Elected NASI Fellows, One Selected as NASI Member
Lucknow: Scientists from the CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute (CSIR-CDRI), Lucknow, have been recognised by the National Academy of Sciences, India (NASI) for their contributions to scientific research. Dr. Dipak Datta, Chief Scientist and Head, Cancer Biology Division, and Dr. Manoj K. Barthwal, Scientist G, Division of Pharmacology, have been elected as Fellows of NASI for 2026, while Dr. Ravindra Kumar, Scientist E, Division of Medicinal & Process Chemistry, has been selected as a Member of the Academy.
Dr. Dipak Datta has been elected as a Fellow for his work in cancer metastasis, particularly Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC), which remains an important area of unmet medical need. His research focuses on clinically relevant problems and developing possible solutions through scientific research. His work has resulted in several high-impact publications and patent applications. He has also led the development of Smac mimetic S016-1348, a small-molecule anti-cancer drug candidate that is being taken forward for IND filing and human clinical trials.
Dr. Manoj K. Barthwal has been elected as a Fellow for his contributions to cardiovascular and cardio-metabolic research. His research identified Interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase (IRAK) as a druggable target linking inflammation, lipid imbalance and atherosclerosis. His work has provided important insights into these processes and has also led to the development of new research tools and therapeutic molecules with potential applications in the detection and treatment of cardiovascular diseases.
Dr. Ravindra Kumar has been selected as a Member of NASI in recognition of his contributions to medicinal chemistry. His area of interest is developing novel synthetic methodologies for novel sp3-rich molecular architecture, natural products, and boron-based heterocycles and BN isosteres with biological relevance, his work got published in Nature Chemistry, 2026.
The recognition of the three scientists is a proud moment for CSIR-CDRI and reflects the Institute’s continued efforts in research aimed at addressing important health-related challenges. The Director and the CSIR-CDRI fraternity congratulated Dr. Dipak Datta, Dr. Manoj K. Barthwal and Dr. Ravindra Kumar on this achievement and wished them continued success in their research work.
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