Scientist III, Tata Institute for Genetics and Society, India.
Dr. Gayatri R. Iyer (MSc, PhD), a passionate genetic scientist and DST-INSPIRE Fellow, specializes in rare genetic disorders, molecular diagnostics, and genetic counseling. As a Scientist Grade III at the Tata Institute for Genetics and Society, Bangalore, she is actively involved in advancing affordable genetic testing solutions. A certified Level II Genetic Counselor and Executive Council Member of BGC-I, sheβs dedicated to integrating advanced research with clinical care, genetic counseling, and patient advocacy, especially for rare disorders. Her work bridges research, diagnostics, and clinical application seamlessly. ππ§¬
Professional Profile
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π Education
Dr. Iyer holds a PhD in Human Genetics from Kamineni Hospitals, affiliated with Osmania University, Hyderabad (2016-2021), supported by a prestigious DST-INSPIRE Fellowship. She earned her MSc in Applied Genetics from The Oxford College of Science, Bangalore (2012-2014), where she was a Gold Medalist, and a BSc in Biotechnology from Birla College, Mumbai University (2012), securing second rank. Additionally, she has completed multiple certifications, including a PG Certificate in Medical & Genetic Counseling and a Diploma in Bioinformatics. ππ
πΌ Experience
Dr. Iyer has diverse research and clinical experience. She is currently a Scientist Grade III at TIGS, Bangalore (2025βpresent), focusing on rare genetic disorders using long-read sequencing and pharmacogenomics. Previously, she held roles as Scientist Grade II and Postdoctoral Fellow in proteomics and biomarker discovery. She has provided genetic counseling in top hospitals and conducted over 2,000 counseling sessions across pediatric, oncology, and obstetric settings. Her teaching experience spans molecular diagnostics and genetic counseling. π§ͺπ©ββοΈ
π¬ Research Interests
Dr. Iyerβs research interests include genetic counseling, pharmacogenomics, molecular diagnostics, next-generation sequencing, microarray technology, epigenetics, and genomic imprinting. She focuses on developing cost-effective diagnostic methods for rare disorders, studying the psychosocial and ethical aspects of genetic testing, and applying advanced molecular tools for precision medicine. ππ§¬
π Awards
Dr. Iyer has received numerous accolades, including the Alumni Achiever Award (2025) from The Oxford College of Science and DST Faculty Grant (2024β2029). She is a recipient of ICMR CAR Grant (2024β2029), multiple international conference grants, and the INSPIRE Fellowship for her PhD. Additionally, she holds top academic honors, such as Gold Medalist in MSc and first rank in Bioinformatics. She serves as Joint Secretary on the Executive Committee of BGC-I (2023β2027). πποΈ
π Top Noted Publications
Cataloging Actionable Pharmacogenomic Variants for Indian Clinical Practice: A Scoping Review. J. Xenobiot. 2025 β Cited by multiple pharmacogenomic studies.
Targeted proteomics for classifying meningioma tumors. Clinical Proteomics. 2023 β Referenced in proteomics research.
Telegenetics aids Hunter syndrome diagnosis in rural India. Int J Contemp Pediatr. 2022 β Discussed in pediatric genetics circles.
Next-generation sequencing utility in musculoskeletal disorders. J Orthop Surg Res. 2022 β Widely cited in genetic diagnostics.
Clinico-molecular spectrum of Angelman syndrome involving GABRG3 gene. Ann Hum Genet. 2021 β Referenced in epigenetics research.
Conclusion
Dr. Gayatri R. Iyer exhibits outstanding research excellence, leadership, and dedication in the field of human genetics and genetic counseling. Her multidisciplinary expertise, extensive publication record, leadership roles, and consistent commitment to impactful research projects make her a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. With her remarkable academic journey, she embodies the qualities sought in distinguished researchers contributing to advancing science and healthcare.