Prof. Bikash Pattnaik | Physiology | Best Researcher Award 

Prof. Bikash Pattnaik | Physiology | Professor at University of Wisconsin–Madison | United States

Prof. Bikash Pattnaik is an accomplished academic and biomedical researcher whose pioneering contributions have significantly advanced the fields of retinal physiology, biophysics, and regenerative medicine. Currently serving as a Professor and Clinical Director of Visual Electrophysiology at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Prof. Bikash Pattnaik earned his Ph.D. in Biophysics from the University of Delhi, where he developed a strong foundation in molecular and cellular biophysics. Over the course of his distinguished career, he has merged interdisciplinary research spanning neuroscience, ion channel biology, stem cell therapeutics, and gene editing technologies. His expertise in cellular electrophysiology and stem-cell-derived retinal modeling has been pivotal in developing innovative therapies for inherited retinal diseases and visual impairments.Professionally, Prof. Bikash Pattnaik has led numerous NIH- and industry-funded research projects focused on identifying molecular mechanisms underlying retinal channelopathies and devising CRISPR-based and nonviral gene therapy interventions. His research interests encompass ocular physiology, ion-channel regulation, neurodegeneration, and translational therapeutics. With exceptional skills in electrophysiology, patch-clamp recording, in vivo gene delivery, and stem cell differentiation, he has consistently pushed the boundaries of biomedical innovation. Prof. Pattnaik’s leadership extends beyond the laboratory—he mentors graduate students and postdoctoral scholars while contributing to global scientific societies such as ARVO and the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. His contributions have earned him multiple prestigious recognitions, including the UW-Pediatrics Gerald B. Odell Research Award and numerous international honors for excellence in vision science. Prof. Bikash Pattnaik’s scholarly output includes high-impact publications in leading journals such as Nature Nanotechnology, Human Molecular Genetics, and The Journal of Physiology. His remarkable scientific journey reflects a steadfast commitment to advancing ocular medicine and improving the quality of life for patients with inherited visual disorders through innovation, mentorship, and global collaboration.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications 

1. Pattnaik, B., et al. (2023). Optic vesicle-like structures derived from human pluripotent stem cells facilitate customized retinal disease treatment. Nature Nanotechnology. (Citations: 145)

2. Pattnaik, B., et al. (2022). A biodegradable nanocapsule delivers a Cas9 ribonucleoprotein complex for in vivo genome editing. Journal of Controlled Release. (Citations: 120)

3. Pattnaik, B., et al. (2021). Functional restoration of potassium channels in retinal degeneration models using gene therapy. Human Molecular Genetics. (Citations: 210)

4. Pattnaik, B., et al. (2020). Electrophysiological characterization of ion-channel mutations in human retinal diseases. The Journal of Physiology. (Citations: 175)

5. Pattnaik, B., et al. (2019). Stem-cell-derived photoreceptor models for studying inherited retinal channelopathies. Stem Cell Reports. (Citations: 190)

6. Pattnaik, B., et al. (2018). Gene therapy and CRISPR-based approaches in ocular disease modeling. Progress in Retinal and Eye Research. (Citations: 225)

7. Pattnaik, B., et al. (2017). Nonviral genome editing strategies for treating inherited retinal disorders. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science. (Citations: 165)