Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB)

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

Professor of Disease Biology
Former Director, RGCB (2005-2019)
mrpillai@gmail.com
9447800305

Professor M. Radhakrishna Pillai is currently Director of the Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, a national research institute of the Government of India in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala State, India. A fellow of all the Science and Medical Academies of India and the Royal College of Pathologists, London, Professor Pillai has been able to provide one of the most elaborate data bases of cellular and molecular processes occurring during epithelial tumor progression especially the role of human papillomavirus. His work on cellular manifestations of human papillomavirus infection particularly p53 gene inactivation, defective apoptosis and angiogenesis culminated in the description of a "condemned mucosa syndrome". Dr. Pillai currently leads two major vaccine response programs one funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation/International Research Agency for Cancer (IARC) on efficacy of different doses of the HPV vaccine and the other funded by the National Institutes of Health (USA) on reasons for measles vaccine failure in Indian children. Dr Pillai also is a PI for several other research grants funded by various agencies of the Government of India. He has over 200 international peer reviewed research publications and has mentored 25 PhDâ€™s. In recognition of his contributions to medical biotechnology, Professor Pillai was appointed Director, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology in 2005, making him then, at 44, the youngest head of a government research institution. Professor Pillai has a unique track record in India as a director, administrator and scientist bringing with him a history of 13 years of institute leadership tenure and excellent track record of achievements in medical science research.

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📘 Ode to Professor M Radhakrishna Pillai