Prof. K. VijayRaghavan, former Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India, is the Chair of the Advisory Board at Sankala Foundation. With a illustrious career spanning decades, Prof. Vijay Raghavan has made a name for himself in the scientific community and has been instrumental in reshaping the research and innovation landscape both in India and around the world.

Prof. VijayRaghavan earned his Bachelor of Technology in Chemical Engineering from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, in 1975. His passion for scientific exploration led him to pursue doctoral work in Molecular Biology and in 1983 he received his Ph.D. from the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR). As a testament to his dedication and pursuit of excellence, he furthered his expertise as a Research Fellow at the renowned California Institute of Technology from 1984 to 1988.

Prof. VijayRaghavan began his career in academia and research in 1988 when he joined the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research. He went on to play a pivotal role in establishing the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS) in Bengaluru in 1992, operating under the auspices of TIFR. His visionary and inspiring leadership and commitment to encouraging interdisciplinary research have been instrumental in developing young talent and advancing science.

Throughout his career, Prof. Vijay Raghavan has undertaken ground-breaking research to unravel the intricate principles and mechanisms governing the nervous system and muscles. His research helped to clarify how these neuromuscular systems control specific locomotory behaviors, contributing significantly towards our understanding of basic biological processes. Prof. VijayRaghavan’s influence extends beyond the laboratory and research institutions. He served as the Secretary of the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India, from January 2013 to January 2018, where his knowledge and guidance were instrumental in shaping the nation’s biotechnological landscape of the country.

His dedication to science and technology and his achievements earned him the prestigious position of Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India where he served from 2018 to 2022. During the period, Prof. VijayRaghavan advised policy makers at the strategic level, led initiatives to promote evidence-based decision-making and worked hard for country-wide development of science.

As an Advisory Board member Prof. VijayRaghavan’s vast experience, profound knowledge, visionary and inspiring leadership, and unwavering dedication to scientific exploration will undoubtedly guide and inspire Sankala Foundation’s mission to drive positive change and make a lasting impact on society.