K. Thangaraj, a distinguished geneticist based at CSIR-CCMB in Hyderabad, has been awarded the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar (Vigyan Shri category) for the year 2025 by the Indian government. This prestigious accolade recognizes his significant contributions to the field of biological sciences over a career spanning more than three decades.
Thangaraj”s extensive research has provided vital insights into population genetics and medical genomics. Notably, he discovered that the tribes of the Andaman Islands were among the first modern humans to migrate out of Africa approximately 65,000 years ago. Furthermore, his work has shown that Indian populations have engaged in endogamy for nearly 2,000 years, which has resulted in a prevalence of specific recessive genetic disorders within these communities.
Currently, Thangaraj is focused on pinpointing genetic variations associated with these inherited diseases and is dedicated to offering genetic counseling aimed at preventing such conditions in future generations. His leadership extends to two national mission programs: GenomeIndia and Paediatric Rare Genetic Diseases, which aim to advance research and understanding in these critical areas.
Throughout his career, Thangaraj has been the recipient of numerous prestigious awards, including the CSIR-Bhatnagar Fellowship and the JC Bose Fellowship. These honors reflect his unwavering commitment and substantial impact on the field of genetics, as highlighted in a recent press release.
