Hyderabad, Aug.11 (Hydnow): Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (CDFD), an autonomous institute under Dept of Biotechnology announced the appointment of Dr Kumarasamy Thangaraj as its new Director. The appointment would be effective from August 11.
Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (CDFD) is an autonomous organization funded by the Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India. The institute was established in 1996 and has since excelled in its diverse activities. The institute provides services in the areas of DNA fingerprinting, diagnostic tests for human genetic disorders and analysis of basmati rice for purity, and is also engaged in basic research activities in different disciplines of modern biology.
Before taking over as Director, CDFD, Dr. K. Thangarajwas scientist at the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Hyderabad since 1993.
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Dr. K. Thangaraj is well known for his outstanding contributions in the field of population and medical genetics. His genetic studies have shown that the enigmatic tribal populations of Andaman and Nicobar islands are the first modern humans who migrated out of Africa through southern coastal route about 65,000 years ago. This finding brought to the end of speculations about the origin and migration of modern human. Subsequently, hefound that the present day Indian populations descend from two diverse groups and they have admixed during the past 2000 – 4000 years followed by strict endogamy,hence likely to have population-specific recessive disease.He also found certain deleterious genetic mutations that cause cardiovascular diseases; mitochondrial disorders; male infertility, and developmental sex disorders.
He is an elected fellow of the leading Indian scientific academies, and received several honours and awards, including; J C Bose Fellowship, Sun Pharma Research award, Distinguished Scientist Award, Life-time Achievement Awards, etc. He was the President of the Indian Society of Human Genetics (2011 – 2015) and the founder of the Society for Mitochondrial Research and Medicine.
Speaking on this occasion, Dr Thangaraj acknowledged, “I am humbled and honoured to be chosen to lead a truly great institution. It will be my endeavour to take CDFD further to greater heights”. (Hydnow)
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