Dr Akshay Anand, Additional Professor, Neuroscience Research Lab, PGIMER and Editor in Chief of Annals of Neurosciences has been selected for the prestigious 9th International Sardar Patel life time achievement award for excellence in Biological Sciences.His research work has focussed on cell disruption mechanisms in brain diseases using sophisticated models. The past awardees include Dr. Kamlesh khunti, UK, Air Vice Marshal S.N. Roy and Dr. Gorthi, India. The award is given to those whose work results in development of country in respective field, advancement of scientific temper and those who are actively involved in expansion of Sardar Patel’s thoughts and ideals.
Dr Anand is credited to have set up tricolour centric cell and molecular biology laboratory after resigning from his research position in USA and returning to India. It is currently the only research laboratory in India which conducts its high risk experiments using stringent quality assurance tools, skilled human infrastructure and providing neurogenetic testing services for the nation. He has been involved in publishing his discoveries in reputed Journals like Nature, Scientific reports etc for which he was earlier awarded the ICMR’s Shakuntala Amir Chand Award(2010) by Govt of India. He and his team have led the field of age associated disorders like memory loss and retinal degeneration, using Brahmi and stem cells as therapeutic agents, paving the way for launch of clinical trials. Dr Anand was also recipient of Royan International Award (2013), runners up for the prestigious NASI-Scopus award for Biological Sciences (2012) and awarded the Young Scientist Research Award by Department of Atomic Energy (2005), based on the impact of his research. Dr Anand serves on over two dozen international Neuroscience Journals including Nature Scientific Reports, Neuroepidemiology and Frontiers in Behavioral Neurosciences, acting as resource person in various international forums. He has several international collaborations and projects that are translational in nature. Dr Anand is a known critic of stem cell opponents and aims to convert the upcoming research wing of Neuroscience Centre into an international magnet of neuroscience education and knowledge generation.