ABOUT DR. T.S. RAO
Dr. TS Rao is a former Senior Adviser (Additional Secretary) in the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science and Technology, Govt. of India. Dr. Rao has been associated with the DBT for the past 34 years (since its inception) and has coordinated programs related to Medical Biotechnology, Vaccines, Human Genetics, Medical technologies, Translational research etc. Dr. Rao played a significant role in the Polio Eradication programme of the Govt. of India from 1987-88, and India became a polio-free Nation in 2014.
Coordinated the development and commercialization of the first indigenously developed ROTAVAC and ROTASIL vaccines, which were introduced in the National Immunization Program in all states. Involved in developing Covaxin, including intranasal vaccine for Covid-19. Established BIBCOL, IVCOL, NBRC, THSTI, InStem and Niche centres, viz, VIDRC, PBC, CBD, CDSA, CAMP, CCBT, CNS etc. Establish several biotech science clusters including NCR and B-Life Bengaluru. Developed DPR for IIT Delhi to establish a Health Technology Campus (HTC) with NCI- AIIMS Jhajjar. Associated with development of immunotherapy for lung and ovarian cancers (cancer vaccine). Dr Rao is a member of several expert committees of national and international organizations. Dr. Rao has about 23 scientific publications and popular articles to his credit in National and International Peer Reviewed Journals in the area of Vaccines, Genetics, immunology etc. He has also published books in the field of biotechnology in both languages (Hindi and English).
Awarded Prestigious Distinguished Service Award of USIBS at Atlanta, USA and Pratibha Puraskar of Government of AP in 2015. Dr. Rao received HonorisCausa, Honorary D.Sc. Degree from NITTE University (Medical) in Nov 2022 for his significant contribution to public health, especially in the polio eradication program, development of indigenous ROTA and Covid vaccines. He was also awarded the “Bharat ke ANMOL” National Award on 31st July 2023 for his significant contribution to health sciences over the past three decades. Dr. Rao was involved in G-21 Indo-African initiative in vaccines, pharma and medical technologies. Dr. Rao is a part of scientific advisory committee of Govt of AP. Dr. Rao received the Globax international award on 5th September 2024 for significant contribution in biomedical research for developing cost-effective vaccines and affordable medical technologies.
