GNDU PhD Scholar Wins ‘Best Poster Award’ at International Biotechnology Conference

Amritsar: Shubham Sharma, a UGC-JRF PhD research scholar from the Department of Biotechnology at Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU), has earned top honours by winning the ‘Best Poster Award’ at the prestigious International Conference on Biotechnology for Sustainable Development and Circular Economy. The conference was jointly organised by Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan (Deemed to be University), Bhubaneswar, and the Biotech Research Society of India (BRSI), drawing participation from scientists and scholars across India and abroad.

Sharma’s award-winning poster, titled “Novel Strategies to Enhance Withanolide Content in Ashwagandha,” focused on cutting-edge research into sustainable biotechnology techniques to improve the concentration of pharmacologically important withanolides in Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha). Withanolides are key bioactive compounds widely used in Ayurvedic medicines and modern phytopharmaceutical applications, and the research aligns with global goals of sustainable bio-resource utilization and value addition.

The achievement highlights the depth and quality of research being conducted at GNDU, particularly in the areas of plant biotechnology and sustainable development. Sharma is working under the guidance of Prof. Pratap Kumar Pati, Head of the Department of Biotechnology, whose research group is internationally recognised for its work in plant biotechnology, secondary metabolite engineering and sustainable agricultural practices.

Reacting to the accolade, GNDU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Karamjeet Singh applauded the scholar’s dedication and innovation, stating that the recognition reflects the university’s strong emphasis on high-impact research and its commitment to advancing scientific knowledge with real-world benefits. He expressed confidence that such achievements would further enhance the university’s reputation on both national and international academic platforms.

Sharma’s success not only brings honour to GNDU but also underscores the growing role of Indian research scholars in contributing to global scientific discourse, particularly in sustainable biotechnology and circular economy themes that are increasingly critical in addressing environmental and health-related challenges.