Dr. Sundeep Kumar | Molecular Breeding | Best Researcher Award
Dr. Sundeep Kumar | Molecular Breeding | Principal Scientist at ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources | India
Dr. Sundeep Kumar is a highly accomplished Principal Scientist in the field of plant biotechnology, with a career dedicated to advancing genetic improvement and sustainability in cereal crops. His expertise spans wheat genomics, molecular breeding, and plant biotechnology, where he has contributed to solving critical challenges such as heat tolerance, disease resistance, and grain quality. Through his pioneering work, he has become widely recognized as a leading researcher whose scientific output has bridged the gap between fundamental plant biology and applied crop improvement. His professional journey reflects continuous growth, dedication, and impact in global agricultural research.
Academic Profile
Education
Dr. Sundeep Kumar pursued his academic foundation in plant sciences with a specialization in molecular biology and biotechnology. His advanced training enabled him to acquire in-depth knowledge of genetics, genomics, and breeding strategies, which later became the cornerstone of his research career. He further enhanced his expertise through research fellowships and international exposure, gaining proficiency in advanced technologies such as genome-wide association studies, quantitative trait nucleotide mapping, and KASP marker validation. His education not only prepared him for an academic and research career but also gave him the skills to address emerging agricultural challenges through molecular innovation.
Experience
Dr. Sundeep Kumar has served in a senior scientific capacity at a premier national research institution, where he has led projects in genomic resources, plant biotechnology, and molecular breeding. His leadership in multi-institutional and international collaborations has brought forward solutions for wheat improvement under climate stress conditions. He has overseen large-scale projects funded by leading scientific agencies, successfully integrating genomic discoveries into applied breeding programs. His experience is not limited to research but also extends to mentoring young scientists, guiding doctoral students, and contributing to the global research community through editorial and advisory roles. His professional experience reflects both scientific excellence and leadership in agricultural biotechnology.
Research Interest
The research interests of Dr. Sundeep Kumar lie in deciphering the genetic and molecular basis of complex traits in wheat and other cereals. He has extensively focused on identifying genomic regions associated with heat tolerance, disease resistance, grain quality, and yield stability. His work emphasizes the use of cutting-edge tools such as GWAS, high-throughput genotyping, and functional genomics for crop improvement. Another key area of his interest is understanding the role of plant defense mechanisms, including thermoregulation and hormone-mediated responses, in adaptive immunity. His research has strong translational value, directly contributing to sustainable food security by providing insights into climate-resilient agriculture.
Award
Dr. Sundeep Kumar has been recognized with several prestigious awards and honors for his outstanding contributions to plant biotechnology and crop improvement. His recognition by leading national and international organizations demonstrates the scientific and societal impact of his work. His contributions to wheat genomics, molecular breeding, and sustainable agricultural practices have not only advanced scientific knowledge but also influenced agricultural strategies at broader levels. His awards reflect his leadership, innovation, and dedication to addressing global challenges in agriculture.
Selected Publication
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Unraveling the genetic basis of heat tolerance and yield in bread wheat: QTN discovery and Its KASP-assisted validation, BMC Plant Biology, 2025, 1 Citation.
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Identification of quantitative trait nucleotides for grain quality in bread wheat under heat stress, Scientific Reports, 2025, 2 Citations.
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Genetic dissection of leaf rust resistance in a diversity panel of tetraploid wheat (Triticum turgidum), BMC Plant Biology, 2025, 2 Citations.
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Plant Defense Hormones: Thermoregulation and Their Role in Plant Adaptive Immunity, Journal of Plant Growth Regulation, 2025, 2 Citations.
Conclusion
Dr. Sundeep Kumar is an eminent researcher whose career reflects a blend of innovation, leadership, and societal relevance. His expertise in wheat genomics and plant biotechnology has generated significant advancements in crop science, especially in developing strategies for heat tolerance, disease resistance, and yield improvement. His numerous publications, high-level collaborations, and recognition through awards place him among the leading scientists shaping the future of sustainable agriculture. With a strong commitment to addressing global food security challenges, Dr. Sundeep Kumar continues to be a driving force in advancing plant biotechnology and molecular breeding.