Mamta Chawla Sarkar

Dr. Mamta Chawla Sarkar serves as Scientist G at the National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases (NICED), Kolkata, leading virology research under the Indian Council of Medical Research. Her work bridges fundamental molecular studies and public health implementation through NICED's WHO Collaborating Centre designation and national surveillance networks for rotavirus and influenza.

Her research expertise spans:

• Molecular epidemiology of enteric/respiratory viruses
• Host-pathogen interactomics using proteomics and RNA-seq
• Development of low-cost diagnostic assays
• Host-targeted antiviral therapeutics

Recent publications reveal a strategic pivot toward lncRNA-mediated mechanisms in viral pathogenesis, with 8 of 15 recent papers exploring non-coding RNA roles in rotavirus and SARS-CoV-2 infection. The work demonstrates sophisticated integration of clinical samples from NICED's hospital collaborations with advanced OMICS platforms to identify druggable host pathways.

Her scientific recognition includes:

• Fellowship of Indian National Science Academy (2020)
• DBT National Women Bioscientist Award (2013)
• ICMR Kanishka Oration Award (2017)
• Fellowships from NASI and West Bengal Academy of Science

Mentorship and funding reflect sustained excellence: 21 PhD students trained (15 awarded), continuous project funding since 2006 including ICMR's Centre for Product Development (2019-2024) and DST-SERB grants. During pandemics, her lab provided critical diagnostic support while advancing mechanistic studies - exemplifying translational research impact.

The laboratory operates within NICED's BSL-3 facility as part of the Virology Division, coordinating eastern India's viral disease surveillance through 12+ network laboratories. Current work focuses on lncRNA-mediated ferroptosis in rotavirus infection and HDAC6 modulation in SARS-CoV-2 replication.