Sharma,Ashutosh

An energetic, entrepreneur and astute problem solver with inter-functional experience in the world of academia, research, and industry. An influential leader and communicator with a "beyond" attitude, I love collaborating in all functions and teams and using that synergy to identify opportunities for improvement, close gaps and provide unique and innovative solutions to academic, scientific, and industrial challenges.

I am a strong believer in leaving a positive and high-impact contribution through education and science. I grew up in India and completed my Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Biotechnology. Later, I pursued my Ph.D. in Mexico as part of a bilateral project between the State University of Morelos, Mexico, and the State University of Arkansas, USA. After completing my doctorate, I began a postdoctoral fellowship at the National Autonomous University of Mexico, UNAM (QS world ranking: #100), and later joined the Tecnológico de Monterrey in 2012 as a Professor. Prior to my Ph.D., I have worked at several prestigious international research institutions in India, such as IMTECH, NDRI, CCMB, and DWR, after obtaining my Master's degree in Biotechnology. I have 15 years of professional experience in various aspects of academia, research, and industry. Within four years of my tenure at ITESM, I was directly promoted to the highest rank of Full Professor, becoming the youngest on the Querétaro campus. Throughout my career, I have held leadership positions. From 2013 to 2017, I served as the Director of the Biotechnology Program and was later invited to become the Director of the Regional Department of Bioengineering and the Center for Bioengineering (founding director). Currently, I lead academia and research in the field of biosciences, including biotechnology, food sciences, and undergraduate and graduate programs in agronomy. I am a distinguished member of the National Council of Researchers, currently at Level 2. I serve as an editorial board member or reviewer for over 35 international journals (Q1/Q2), including Nature Molecular Psychiatry, Nature Scientific Reports, Molecules, Industrial Crop and Bioproducts, among others. I have participated in more than 80 national and international conferences as a speaker, keynote speaker (20), judge, and organizer. During my leadership in the Department of Bioengineering at RCS, it has gained national and international recognition for its scientific and academic level, achieving a 20X increase in scientific productivity. I have published over 80 original research articles (h-index: 19, citations: >1700), 10 book chapters, an international patent, and have also authored and edited two prestigious books. I have provided consulting services to several national and international companies. I am also the Founding Director and driving force behind the Center for Bioengineering at the ITESM Querétaro campus. Since its inauguration in October 2019, the Center for Bioengineering has gained national and international recognition for its scientific productivity and state-of-the-art infrastructure. I frequently participate as an expert panelist on Indian television programs discussing scientific and educational topics. I have led scientific and academic projects of significant impact, which have not only positioned our institution but also strengthened the scientific productivity and external funding of my department. Currently, I lead a team of over 90 professors and researchers. I have also led four technology development projects with funding of 6.5 million MXN, such as the cloning (Materra-Tec1) of the Kiri tree, and I am currently leading a company that I founded in Querétaro, Mexico in 2022. I have served as an advisor to various biotechnology startups. I have received several national and international recognitions, including TecAwards2020, Best Researcher Award, Young Scientist Award 2021, Global Teacher Award, Recognition from the Embassy of India in Mexico, Excellence in Education Award 2022, an Honorary Doctorate, Golden Magisterial Order, National Inspirational Professor 2022, Querétaro Campus Inspirational Professor 2022, Outstanding Professor 2022, among others.

I have founded and promoted several strategic projects such as NatProlab, Genomics Laboratory, Agrigenomics 2023, various high-impact international congresses, Omics Sciences Laboratory, Biofunding, and Plant Innovation Lab. These projects have not only contributed to positioning and visibility but have also helped consolidate graduate programs and secure significant funding.