Research & Development Cell
University Research Promotion Policy:
Through its Research Promotion Policy, the University aims to emerge as the core center of Education, Research, Innovation and Translation, taking the region towards AtrmaNirbhar Bharat. Aligned to the UGC, NMC and Science, Technology & Innovation Policy of India, SRHU continues to be a major contributor to urban and rural Education, Healthcare, Skilling, Plant Sciences, Environment and Social upliftment. SRHU is working to transform R&D activities into creating Centers of Excellence, Research Parks, Innovation Centers, Technology Business Incubators and Startups promoting collaboration and cooperation amongst national and international Institutions, Universities and Industries.
Governance & Monitoring Structure:
The University promotes, implements and monitors its R & D policy through a three-tier Governance & Monitoring Structure. There is an Institutional Research Committee (IRC) at each constituent academic unit; a University Research Committee (URC) at the central level and a Research Advisory Committee (RAC) at the top level. There are eminent researchers, clinicians, scientists, policy makers and Government officials to define immediate, medium and long-term R & D strategizing, prioritizing, mentoring and suggesting course correction from time to time.
Dr. Manju Sharma
Chairperson, Research Advisory Committee (RAC)
Swami Rama Himalayan University, Jolly Grant, Dehradun, Uttarakhand
Dr Manju Sharma, Padam Bhushan, is the Former Secretory of the Department of Biotechnology; Ministry of Science and Technology, Govt. of India. She is a Botanist, graduated from the Lucknow University, and did her Ph.D. and postdoctoral work from there. Later, from Purdue University (USA) & Copenhagen, she continued her research on the development and utilization of Sclereids in Plants. She is an accomplished science administrator spanning her career over several R&D Departments; policy-making bodies and Science Associations under the Ministry of Science and Technology i.e. Department of Science and Technology (DST); Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and erstwhile Planning Commission. She worked extensively towards promotion of S & T including biotechnology under the leadership of Late Prof. M.G.K. Menon, a renowned Physicist and former Secretary, DST and Prof. M.S. Swaminathan with whom she worked for ICAR Institutions in particular.
As Secretary, DBT (1996-2004), she was instrumental in enhancing the research budget of the department, setting up new institutions namely, National Centre for Cell Sciences; Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics, National Brain Research Centre, National Institute of Plant Genome Research etc. She has been deeply involved in putting the agenda of “S & T for Women” from her DST days and created many new schemes for funding exclusively for Women. Her contributions on Assured Promotion Scheme for scientific cadre changed the service career of scientists and technocrats in all Government departments including Atomic Energy and Space. She continued that spirit when she became the Chairperson NASI, Allahabad. She created a NASI Uttarakhand Chapter under the Chairmanship of Dr. Rajendra Dobhal, Former DG UCOST. Currently, Dr. Sharma is the Chairperson of the Research Advisory Committee, the top Research Governance and Monitoring Body of Swami Rama Himalayan University, Jolly Grant, Dehradun, Uttarakhand. In March 2024, a Workshop titled “Greater involvement of Women Scientists and Technologists in Regional and National Development” was organized by the SRHU under the sponsorship of NASI. The workshop was attended by leading women scientists, technologists, policy makers and the clinicians. A brief report of the workshop is on the link.
Dr. Bindu Dey
Director Research
Swami Rama Himalayan University
(Former Secretary, Technology Development Board & Retd Adviser, Department of Biotechnology, Government of India
Email: director.research@srhu.edu.in
Profile: Dr. Bindu Dey has 30 years of experience working with the Government of India, focusing on Research and Development, IP, licensing, Technology Development & Commercialization. With a background in biotechnology, she specialises in clinical trials of early, middle, & late-stage vaccines/diagnostics/devices. Her expertise extends to Infectious Disease Biology and Chronic Disease Biology. Dr. Dey has experience in different investment models, creating startups, and establishing partnerships between industry and academia. As Secretary TDB , she contributed to the "Atmanirbhar Bharat" initiative and "Make-in-India" activities, focusing on solutions to social problems through innovation and local entrepreneurship. At SRHU, she is involved in establishing Centers of Excellence in Neuroscience, Antimicrobial Resistance, Regeneration Medicine, Holistic Health, Cancer Biomarkers, Food Sciences and Advanced Tissue Culture through in-house R&D and partnerships with national and international organisations
Qualification: PhD in Zoology (University of Delhi) M.Phil (University of Delhi) M. Sc Zoology (University of Delhi) B.Sc Hons Zoology (University of Delhi)
Publications: 50; Policy Documents: 15
Dr. Kaushik P. Sharma
Scientist-D
Swami Rama Himalayan University
Research & Development Cell
Email: kpsharma@srhu.edu.in
Profile: Dr. Kaushik P. Sharma is an accomplished neuroscientist with a diverse research background encompassing synaptic plasticity, neurodegenerative conditions, and microglia. His work during his PhD shed light on synaptic plasticity changes and the role of epigenetic mechanisms in transcriptional regulation. Dr. Sharma's research contributions include the study of microglia as therapeutic targets for febrile status epilepticus, bridging basic science with clinical implications. At SRHU, he collaborates closely with clinical and neurosurgical teams, focusing on microglia and metabolic changes in neurodegenerative and neurological conditions such as dementia and stroke. His multidisciplinary approach and commitment to bridging the gap between basic science and clinical practice reflect his dedication to impacting patient care and advancing human health.
Qualifications: Ph.D. (Neuroscience, National Brain Research Centre), M.Sc. Zoology (Molecular Biology, University of Pune), B.Sc. Zoology (University of Pune)
Postdoctoral training: Laval University (Canada), University of Virginia (USA) and Purdue University (USA)
Publications: 20
Dr. Kanchan Bisht
Scientist-D
Swami Rama Himalayan University
Research & Development Cell
Email: kanchanbisht@srhu.edu.in
Profile: Dr. Kanchan Bisht, a distinguished neuroscientist, specialises in studying microglia, the brain’s immune cells. She earned her doctoral degree from Laval University, Quebec, Canada, where she discovered “dark microglia,” shedding light on a novel phenotype associated with altered homeostasis, chronic stress, and ageing. Dr. Bisht made another significant breakthrough by identifying capillary-associated microglia (CAM) at the University of Virginia, enriching our understanding of microglial diversity and its implications for brain health. As a Scientist at the Research and Development Cell at SRHU, she investigates microglial heterogeneity in glioblastoma and other neurological disorders, collaborating closely with clinical and hospital teams to translate discoveries into improved patient care. Her work aims to unravel the mysteries of microglia, impacting human health directly.
Qualification: PhD in Neurobiology (Laval University, Canada), Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Zoology (Kumaun University, India), Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) (Kumaun University, India)
Postdoctoral training: University of Virginia (USA) and Purdue University (USA)
Publications: 33
Dr Purandhi Roopmani
Assistant Professor
Swami Rama Himalayan University
Research & Development Cell
Email: purandhiroopmani@srhu.edu.in
Profile: Dr. Purandhi Roopmani is a skilled researcher specialising in Drug Delivery Systems and Tissue Engineering, with expertise in biomaterial fabrication and evaluation. She holds a PhD in drug delivery systems from SASTRA Deemed University, Thanjavur, and obtained an Indian Patent on “Development of Dual Drug-Eluting Stent for the Treatment of Coronary Artery Diseases” in 2023. Her post-doctoral work at IIT Hyderabad focused on tissue-engineered scaffolds for burn wounds, bone regeneration, and periodontal disease. She also researched regenerative therapies at HB Multi-Speciality Hospital, Rudrapur. She is an Assistant Professor at the Himalayan School of Bioscience, Swami Rama Himalayan University, Dehradun, and has 11 impactful publications.
Qualification: Ph.D. (Tissue engineering), M.Sc. (Biochemistry), B.Sc. (Biotechnology)
Research Experience: 2.2 years (Post-doctoral Fellow)
Industrial Experience: 4 months (post Ph.D.)
Publications: 11
Patent: 1 granted on 7.11.23
Award: Founder Chancellor’s Award for Best Thesis in Science
Dr. Divya Anthwal
Research Associate III
Swami Rama Himalayan University
Research & Development Cell
Email: divyaanthwal@srhu.edu.in
Profile: Dr. Divya Anthwal is an experienced researcher in infectious disease diagnostics and bio-design innovation process focusing on tuberculosis. She has over 9 years of experience in molecular diagnostics of tuberculosis, multidrug-resistant (MDR-TB) and extensively resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB). Her work at organisations like the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education (PGIMER, Chandigarh) and Translation Health Science & Technology Institute (THSTI, Faridabad) includes developing kits for improved pulmonary TB and drug-resistance diagnosis aimed for integration into the national TB programme and endorsed by ICMR. At SRHU, she continues research on tuberculosis and validates gene-based panels for early diagnosis of causative pathogens, particularly ESKAPE organisms and associated antimicrobial drug resistance.
Qualification: Ph.D. Biotechnology, M.Sc. Biotechnology, B.Sc. Biotechnology with CBZ
Research Experience: 3 years (excluding Ph.D. research)
Industrial Experience: 2.5 years (prior Ph.D.)
Publications: 14
Award: Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)-Senior Research Fellowship (3 years: 2019-2022)
Dr. Smita Dimri
Research Associate III
Swami Rama Himalayan University
Research & Development Cell
Email: smitadimri@srhu.edu.in
Profile: Dr. Smita Dimri is a highly regarded expert in food engineering and technology, and she has developed a specialised focus on product development, particularly in the area of Indian barnyard millet and Indigenous grains. Her extensive research has also delved into starch modification and creating innovative biodegradable films, significantly contributing to sustainable solutions in the food industry. Dr. Dimri's expertise has been honed through her involvement with several prestigious Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) labs across the country, including the National Chemical Laboratory in Pune, the Central Arid Zone Research Institute in Jodhpur, and the Indian Institute of Petroleum in Dehradun. At SRHU, Dr. Dimri is dedicated to advancing food technology and sustainable practices.
Qualifications: PhD. Food Engineering & Technology, MTech. Food Engineering, B.Tech. Food Science & Technology
Research Experience: 03 years
Professional Affiliations: Association of Food Scientists & Technologists (AFSTI, Life member)
Industrial exposure: 02 years
Publications: 05
Patent: 01
Awards: Gold Medal (B.Tech.), Central Bank of India award (2002), Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad award (2003), Indian Women Award- category Researcher (2022)
Dr. Arti Bisht
Research Associate III
Swami Rama Himalayan University
Research & Development Cell
Email: artibisht@srhu.edu.in
PROFILE: Dr Arti Bisht is working as a Research Associate I in the Research & Development Cell at Swami Rama Himalayan University, Jollygrant, Dehradun, India. Her area of expertise is Medicinal Plant Biotechnology. She has established propagation protocols for High Altitude Plants. The propagation studies of alpine plants made by Dr Arti have helped conserve many endangered species. She also worked as JRF & SRF on a MoEF&CC project at G.B Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment Kosi-Katarmal, Almora. She has published over 17 research, review papers and book chapters in highly reputed journals such as Springer, Elsevier Ltd., etc. She has also attended several International and National conferences. She is a reviewer in the journals of BMC Plant Biology.
Qualifications: PhD (Biotechnology) Kumaun University Nainital, M.Sc. (Biotechnology) HNB Garhwal Central University.
Teaching and Research Experience: 3 years
Publications: 17
Awards: Young Scientist Award” 2017 by Uttarakhand State Council for Science and Technology for best oral presentation.
Dr. Bhavna Pal
Scientific Officer
Intellectual Property Rights Cell
Email: bhavnapal62@yahoo.com
PROFILE: Dr. Bhavna Pal is working as a Scientific Officer in Intellectual Property (IP) cell which is governed by Research and Development Cell. She is skilled in preparing prior art search report which is the basic requirement of Patent filing. She did her PhD in Physics on the topic Electro-optical and physical properties of liquid crystal molecules studied by Quantum Mechanical Methodology in the year 2023 from Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow. She has been a women scientist “C” trainee under DST WISE KIRAN scheme for IPR awareness and trained at Patent Information Centre (PIC), Uttarakhand State Council for Science and Technology (UCOST), Dehradun in 2022. She is a recipient of CSIR Travel Grant for Summer school in Unité de Dynamique et Structure des Matériaux Moléculaires (UDSMM), Université du Littoral Côte d’Opale (ULCO), Calais, France in 2022.
Qualifications: PhD (Physics), Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, M.Sc. (Physics), Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University
Teaching and Research Experience: 6 years
Publications: 6
Awards: Women Scientist C in DST TIFAC
Office Staff
Dr. Praveen Tiwari
Assistant Registrar
Swami Rama Himalayan University
Research & Development Cell
Email: praveentiwari@srhu.edu.in
Profile: Dr. Praveen Tiwari is working as an Assistant Registrar in the Research and Development Cell of the University. He is professionally qualified and has skilled in Antenna and Wireless Communication. He received a B.E. Degree in ECE in 2002 from MIT Moradabad, M. Tech. in Communication Engineering in 2012 from Shobhit University, Meerut, and Ph.D. from Lovely Professional University Jalandhar Punjab with a specialization in Antenna Design in 2022. He has published six research articles, filed one patent, and published one copyright. He has 22 Years of working experience, out of which around 6 years’ experience in RDC, Swami Rama Himalayan University, Dehradun, and 16 years’ experience in various private organizations in North India He has been organizing all meeting, conferences and workshops while working at RDC. He is well-versed with all guidelines and regulations for the University, thus helping RDC to comply with prevailing rules. He is updated on UGC guidelines and helps in framing inputs for important meeting of the University and in issuing of the Ordinance. He is liaising with various academic units for creating relevant documents for NAAC, CBDT, SIRO, UGC, and is in-charge of UGC-JRF-related work.
Mr. Vinay Kumar Srivastava
Assistant Office Superintendent
Swami Rama Himalayan University
Research & Development Cell
Email: vinay23234@gmail.com
Profile: Mr. Vinay is having a total 24 years of work experience at various organizations, out of which 8 years’ experience in Swami Rama Himalayan University, Dehradun, and 16 years’ at Jaypee University of Information Technology, Waknaghat, Solan (Himachal Pradesh). He did his Graduation in 1997, Post-Graduation in 1999, and MBA in Education Management in 2009. He is handling Ph.D. admission-related work of the University end-to-end, starting from creating Advertisement, Conduct of Entrance Examination, preparing coursework timetable, Course Work Examination, Plagiarism check of Ph.D. synopsis and thesis through Turnitin Software, organizes Viva Voce, and DRC of Ph.D. etc. Along with Dr. Praveen Tiwari, he is involved in the work related of CBDT, SIRO, AISHE, NIRF, UGC NAAC (Critaria-3) and Annual Report, Data preparation for Extramural/Intramural projects, Publications, IPRs also is meticulous done by him after coordinating with all schools. He schedules meetings for the Director Research and organizes events of the University such as Convocation, Foundation’s Day, and other cultural and official events as assigned by authorities of the University from time to time.