Ludhiana, Dec 27, 2024 (Yes Punjab News)
Dr. Nitika Sandhu, a young and accomplished scientist at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), has made history as the first woman from the University to receive the prestigious Associateship of the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS).
The NAAS Associateship is a prestigious recognition bestowed upon exceptional young scientists under the age of 40 for their outstanding contributions to agricultural research, innovation, and development. This accolade not only highlights Dr. Sandhu’s pioneering work in Crop Sciences but also underscores her role as a trailblazer in advancing agricultural science in India.
Dr. Sandhu completed her Ph.D. in 2014 from CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, in collaboration with the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), Philippines, and CIRAD, France, with support from the Monsanto Beachell Borlaug International Scholarship Program.
Following her doctoral studies, she gained four years of postdoctoral research experience at IRRI, Philippines. She began her independent research career as a Molecular Geneticist at the School of Agricultural Biotechnology, PAU, Ludhiana, in 2018.
Throughout her career, Dr. Sandhu has received numerous accolades, including the NASI-Young Scientist Platinum Jubilee Award, the SERB Women Excellence award, the DBT BioCARe Women Scientist Award, the CSIR/UGC Junior Research Fellowship, the IRRI Seed Grant Postdoctoral Fellowship Award, and the UNLEASH Lab Innovation International Award.
Her exceptional research capabilities have also enabled her to secure funding for five national projects from DBT-India and SERB-India, along with an international project from UKRI-UK, further cementing her reputation as a leading scientist in her field.
Dr. Sandhu’s recognition has brought immense pride to PAU. The University’s Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Satbir Singh Gosal; Director of Research, Dr. Ajmer Singh Dhatt; Director of the School of Agricultural Biotechnology, Dr. Yogesh Vikal; and Director of GSKIGPB&B, Dr. Parveen Chhuneja, extended their heartfelt congratulations to her for this remarkable achievement, which has brought great honor to the institution.
