Dr. Bharti Bhatia is a Principal Scientist at the Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI) with over 10 years of expertise in vaccine development and zoonotic pathogen research. Her work focuses on developing innovative vaccine platforms using genomics, molecular biology, and immunological engineering to address emerging infectious diseases. Her recent projects include the development of Vesicular Stomatitis Virus-based vaccines for Kyasanur Forest Disease and Alkhurma Hemorrhagic Fever Virus. Dr. Bhatia is dedicated to global health security and pandemic preparedness through interdisciplinary research and collaboration. 🌍🧬

Profile

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Education

Dr. Bharti Bhatia holds a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology from the National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi (2015). She completed her Master’s in Science in Biotechnology at Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi (2009), and her Bachelor’s in Science in Biotechnology, Chemistry, and Zoology from Guru Nanak Khalsa College, Kurukshetra University (2007). She further enhanced her expertise with fellowships at the Laboratory of Virology and Laboratory of Bacteriology at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), USA. 🎓🔬

Experience

Dr. Bhatia currently serves as Principal Scientist at THSTI (2024-present), where she leads the development of rapid-response vector-based vaccines against priority pathogens like Kyasanur Forest Disease Virus and Nipah. Previously, as Group Head of R&D Genomics at BBB Incubation Center, RCB Faridabad (2022-2024), she innovated the world’s first RT-PCR-based “single tube HBV detection kit.” Her earlier roles include working on the development of replication-competent vaccines against Kyasanur Forest Disease and Alkhurma Virus (2018-2021), as well as significant research on spirochete virulence in Lyme disease (2015-2018). 🔬💉

Research Interest

Dr. Bhatia’s research interests lie in vaccine discovery, vaccine platform development, and infectious disease immunology. She specializes in the development of rapid-response vaccines for viral and bacterial diseases, with a focus on zoonotic pathogens. Her work encompasses viral pathogenesis, diagnostics, and immunological approaches to combat emerging infectious diseases, ensuring global pandemic preparedness and health security. 🧬🦠

Awards

Dr. Bhatia has received several prestigious awards, including the NIH Director’s Award (2021) for her work with the Laboratory of Virology COVID-19 Research Group and the NIAID Merit Award (2020). She has been recognized with an IRTA fellowship for postdoctoral training (2015-2021) and has received multiple fellowships, including the DBT Fellowship (2009-2014) and CSIR NET Junior Research Fellowship (2008). 🏆🎖️

Publications Top Notes

Bhatia B, Tang-Huau TL, et al. “Single-dose VSV-based vaccine protects against Kyasanur Forest disease in nonhuman primates,” Science Advances, 2023, PMID: 37672587.

Bharti B, Marzi A, et al. “VSV-based Kyasanur Forest Disease Virus vaccines protect mice from lethal challenge,” NPJ Vaccines, 2021, PMID: 34907224.

Bharti B*, Hillman C, et al. “Probing the role of bba30, a highly conserved gene of the Lyme disease spirochete,” Infection and Immunity, 2021, PMID: 34581605.

Bharti B, Furuyama W, et al. “Ebola Virus Glycoprotein Domains Associated with Protective Efficacy,” Vaccines, 2021, PMID: 34200548.

Solanki AK, Bhatia B, et al. “Molecular docking analysis of Clostridium perfringens beta toxin model,” Bioinformation, 2021, PMID: 35173385.

Conclusion

Dr. Bharti Bhatia’s achievements in the field of infectious diseases, vaccine development, and immunology make her an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her work is not only advancing scientific understanding but is also vital for improving global health security. With her groundbreaking research, she is well-positioned to lead efforts in combating emerging infectious diseases and ensuring global pandemic resilience.