Dr. S.R. Rao

Dr. S. R. Rao is well known for his active involvement in the research and development endeavors towards the establishment and development of oil palm cultivation in India, the foundation of several sophisticated biotech infrastructure facilities, forging bilateral collaboration with Asian and European countries, triggering Golden Rice research in India, formulation of national biotech policies, strategic planning and investment matters. He is Adviser, Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Minister of Science & Technology, Government of India and is also coordinator for the establishment of the National Biotechnology Regulatory Authority and drafting of the new biotechnology regulatory bill. Dr. Rao is a graduate in agriculture with a Ph.D. in Mycology and Plant Pathology from the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi and an expert in areas that encompass cross-sectoral policy issues of biotechnology development, regulation, safety, public private partnership, international relations and biotech R&D, and public concerns and consensus building. Dr. Rao has 30 published research papers in national and international journals to his credit and is also the founder and editorial board member of the Asian Biotechnology Development Review (ABDR)