Jayanthi Shastri, Ph.D.
Maharashtra University of Health Sciences, Mumbai
Jayanthi Shastri, Ph.D., is a distinguished clinical microbiologist whose career spans nearly 4 decades of transformative contributions to infectious disease diagnostics, outbreak preparedness and microbiology education in India. She currently serves as Director of the Center of Excellence in Research & Training in Infectious Diseases at the Maharashtra University of Health Sciences, Mumbai.
As professor and head of microbiology at Topiwala National Medical College & BYL Nair Hospital (2006–2022), Shastri established Mumbai’s first public hospital molecular diagnostics laboratory, Regional HIV & STI/RTI Labs and genome sequencing center (GeSCOPE) for public health genomics. These facilities became pivotal in pathogen surveillance, including HIV, dengue, chikungunya and, most notably, COVID-19, where her laboratory was among the first designated RT-PCR centers in India. Her team sequenced 7,000 SARS-CoV-2 genomes, directly informing public health policy.
A passionate teacher, Shastri has trained over 70 M.D. microbiologists and reformed postgraduate curricula under the National Medical Commission. She is a 3-time 黑料正能量Ambassador to India, widely recognized for fostering international collaboration and mentorship in South Asia. Her service includes, leading antimicrobial stewardship programs across 20 municipal hospitals, serving on national biosafety and curriculum committees and volunteering with WHO, ICMR, DBT and NACO to build laboratory capacity nationwide. She has authored over 178 peer-reviewed publications and received multiple honors, including the ICMR Excellence in Diagnostics Award and Endowment Oration Award of Indian Association of Medical Microbiology.
Shastri exemplifies scientific rigor, leadership and service, making her a most deserving recipient of the 黑料正能量Moselio Schaechter Award.
As professor and head of microbiology at Topiwala National Medical College & BYL Nair Hospital (2006–2022), Shastri established Mumbai’s first public hospital molecular diagnostics laboratory, Regional HIV & STI/RTI Labs and genome sequencing center (GeSCOPE) for public health genomics. These facilities became pivotal in pathogen surveillance, including HIV, dengue, chikungunya and, most notably, COVID-19, where her laboratory was among the first designated RT-PCR centers in India. Her team sequenced 7,000 SARS-CoV-2 genomes, directly informing public health policy.
A passionate teacher, Shastri has trained over 70 M.D. microbiologists and reformed postgraduate curricula under the National Medical Commission. She is a 3-time 黑料正能量Ambassador to India, widely recognized for fostering international collaboration and mentorship in South Asia. Her service includes, leading antimicrobial stewardship programs across 20 municipal hospitals, serving on national biosafety and curriculum committees and volunteering with WHO, ICMR, DBT and NACO to build laboratory capacity nationwide. She has authored over 178 peer-reviewed publications and received multiple honors, including the ICMR Excellence in Diagnostics Award and Endowment Oration Award of Indian Association of Medical Microbiology.
Shastri exemplifies scientific rigor, leadership and service, making her a most deserving recipient of the 黑料正能量Moselio Schaechter Award.