M. Radhakrishna Pillai, FRCPath, PhD, FAMS, FASc, FNASc, FNA

Ex-Director, Rajiv Gandhi Center for Biotechnology, India

Dr. Pillai was Director (2005 to 2020) of the Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, a national research institute of the Government of India in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala State, India. Dr. Pillai is one of India’s well-known cancer and virus disease biologists. A fellow of all the Science and Medical Academies of India and the Royal College of Pathologists, London, Dr. Pillai has led large international research programs including a major European Union funded program on HPV in the development of oro-pharyngeal cancers, an International Research Agency for Cancer (IARC)/Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation program on efficacy of different doses of the Human Papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine as well as a NIH research program on efficacy of measles vaccination. In addition, Professor Pillai has been Principal Investigator of several national research programs including a large program on biology of triple negative breast cancer. Dr Pillai led the WHO funded program on the efficacy of different doses of the HPV vaccine, the results of which (Lancet Oncology 2016) have contributed to many countries recommending two vaccine doses of the vaccine for young children. Dr Pillai also led the large public health efforts providing molecular diagnosis for viral outbreaks in Kerala and DNA fingerprinting procedures to identify unidentified bodies from the massive Kerala temple fire and Ochi cyclone disaster. Dr. Pillai has 235 international peer reviewed research publications and has mentored 28 PhD’s. In recognition of his contributions to medical biotechnology, Professor Pillai was appointed Director, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology in 2005, making him then, the youngest head of a national research institution. Professor Pillai used RGCB’s excellent expertise for nation building through new start up industries and utilization of infrastructure for education, research and testing facilities by managing a technology development incubator – BioNest at Cochin. This incubator now boasts of 30 start-up companies – the only biotechnology institute in the country to do so. Professor Pillai has undoubtedly one of the best and unique track records in India as a director, administrator and scientist bringing with him a history of 15 years of institute leadership tenure and excellent track record of achievements in medical science research.