“The Making of a Breakthrough”
Speaker: Dr. Sanjay Kumar
Chairperson, Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board (ASRB)
President, Indian Society of Plant Physiologists
Date: Wednesday, 14 October 2026
Time: 3:00 PM onwards
Venue: Dr. B.P. Auditorium, IARI, New Delhi – 110012
Chair: Dr. R. S. Paroda
President, IARI Alumni Association
About the Lecture
Scientific breakthroughs often begin with curiosity, a meaningful gap and a question worth pursuing. In The Making of a Breakthrough, Dr. Sanjay Kumar reflects on how recognising national needs and identifying gaps in knowledge and capabilities can open pathways to research with lasting value.
The lecture will explore the progression from discovery to invention and innovation, and how overcoming a critical barrier can transform something previously impossible, impractical or inaccessible into a new possibility with wider societal impact.
Drawing on his research journey in the Himalayas, Dr. Kumar will share experiences involving scientific observation, experimentation and sustained effort, including work on antioxidant enzymes, carbon and nitrogen metabolism, plant adaptation, and the introduction of crops and technologies that have created livelihood opportunities. The lecture will also highlight the importance of mentorship, collaboration, scientific integrity and supportive institutions in enabling breakthroughs.
About the Speaker
Dr. Sanjay Kumar is Chairperson of the Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board (ASRB), New Delhi, and President of the Indian Society of Plant Physiologists. He holds a Master’s degree from G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, and a Ph.D. from IARI, New Delhi. He has also undertaken advanced research training at Texas Tech University, Rothamsted Research and Kansas State University.
He joined CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (CSIR-IHBT), Palampur, in 1990 and superannuated as its Director in 2023. During his career, he made significant contributions to plant physiology and biotechnology and guided 31 MSc/PhD students, with approximately 230 scientific publications, including articles, chapters and books.
His work has addressed areas including plant adaptation, tea dormancy, rose prickle formation, plant–microbe interactions, carbon and nitrogen metabolism, and antioxidant enzymes. He has also led initiatives involving heeng, tulips, monk fruit, saffron and aromatic crops, linking scientific research with livelihood opportunities.
During his directorship, CSIR-IHBT developed 85 technologies and products and supported 56 entrepreneurial ventures. He is a Fellow of INSA, NASI and NAAS and has received several honours, including the VASVIK Industrial Research Award, INSA Young Scientist Award and Outstanding Alumnus Awards from Pantnagar and IARI.
Programme
| Time | Programme |
|---|---|
| 3:00 PM | Welcome – Dr. Anil K. Singh, Secretary, IAA |
| 3:05 PM | Opening Remarks – Dr. Ch. Srinivasa Rao, Director, IARI & Chief Patron, IAA |
| 3:10 PM | Introduction of the Speaker – Dr. R. C. Agarwal, Vice President, IAA |
| 3:15 PM | The Making of a Breakthrough – Dr. Sanjay Kumar, Chairperson, ASRB |
| 4:00 PM | Interactive Session with Faculty & Students – Moderator: Dr. Anupama Singh, Dean & Joint Director (Edn.) & Patron, IAA |
| 4:30 PM | Chairman’s Address & Felicitation of the Speaker – Dr. R. S. Paroda, President, IAA |
| 4:50 PM | Vote of Thanks – Dr. R. R. Burman, Treasurer, IAA |
| Tea |
Join Online
The lecture will also be available through Zoom.
Zoom Meeting:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82809075973?pwd=app8MkGZHcoQeG943od54Hy3PTahpV.1
Meeting ID: 828 0907 5973
Passcode: 610899
We warmly invite IARI alumni, faculty, scientists, students and friends of IARI to join this special IAA Lecture Series programme and participate in the interaction with Dr. Sanjay Kumar.