Hyderabad, Feb 15 (TNT): Since 2016, the TNQ Inspiring Science Awards (TNQ ISA) have celebrated creative and impactful research in the life sciences by recognizing young researchers behind outstanding scientific work. Over the years, four PhD students and one postdoctoral fellow from the CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) have featured among the finalists.
The latest recognition this year went to Dr Jotin Gogoi for his work exploring how cells tolerate certain errors during protein synthesis — and how such tolerance may have contributed to the evolution of early living systems, the center said in a release here on Sunday .
His research sheds light on fundamental questions about how life maintains balance between accuracy and flexibility at the molecular level.
In a significant move this year, TNQ ISA also recognized two senior scientists from CCMB for their exceptional mentorship of young researchers.
Dr Rajan Sankaranarayanan and Dr Santosh Chauhan have each mentored four researchers whose work has been honored by TNQ ISA. Notably, the PhD scholars trained under Dr Chauhan were enrolled at BRIC–Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar, underscoring the collaborative nature of research training across institutions.
This initiative by the awarding agency highlights the crucial role of mentorship in building a vibrant and sustainable scientific ecosystem.
Dr Sankaranarayanan’s research group focuses on understanding how the structure of enzymes determines their unique properties — properties that are fundamental to life.
A major area of focus in his lab is the cellular machinery responsible for selecting the correct orientation of amino acids during protein synthesis, a process essential for accurate protein formation.
Dr Chauhan’s research group studies the cell’s first line of defense against invading pathogens — the innate immune system.
His work has opened up a new research direction termed “Programmed Cell Revival,” which explores how cells on the brink of death possess built-in molecular mechanisms that allow them to recover and survive.
Reflecting on the award, both senior scientists emphasized the central role young researchers play in advancing science — not only through experimental rigor, but also through their creativity, curiosity, and energy.
Speaking about his mentoring philosophy, Dr Chauhan remarked: “For me, mentorship is not about telling people exactly what to do. It’s about giving them space to think, ask questions, make mistakes, and slowly become confident and independent scientists. When I see someone grow in that way, it feels more rewarding than any single result or paper.”
Dr Sankaranarayanan echoed similar sentiments while emphasizing the importance of fundamental science: “Awardees from my lab have worked on very fundamental problems in biology, rather than on fashionable topics or work with immediate application relevance. I really appreciate that the TNQ jury has recognized such fundamental work, and I hope this will encourage young scientists to continue to take up basic biological problems.”
TNT KSV
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