Prof. P.B. Kavi Kishor: born in Andhra Pradesh, India on 29th March, 1951. Educated from M.S. University, Baroda 1976-1981 (Ph.D.); Center for Biotechnology, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA 1992-1994. Currently working as Emeritus Professor, Department of Genetics, Osmania University, Hyderabad, 500 007. Served as Professor of Genetics, 1994 to 2011, Coordinator, UGC-SAP, 1998-2006, Chairman, BOS in Biotechnology 2001-2004, Head, Department of Genetics 2004-2006, Chairman, Board of Studies in Genetics 2006-2008, Coordinator, Biotechnology Course 2010, Member, Academic Senate 2006-2011.

Awards / Honours: Received a Gold Medal in 2012 from the Academy of Plant Sciences, India, Gold Medal from the Association of Biotechnology and Pharmacy, India, received A.P. State Best Teacher Award in 2008; Worked as Visiting Fellow, Linkoping University, Linkoping, Sweden in 2004; Visiting Fellow, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA, 2000; Rockefeller Foundation Fellowship, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA, 1992; ISCA, received Professor Hiralal Chakravarthy Award in 1990. He is a Fellow of the National Academy of Sciences, Allahabad; Fellow of the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences, New Delhi; Fellow of the A.P. Akademi of Sciences; Honorary Fellow of Association of Biotechnology and Pharmacy; Fellow of Indian Botanical Society; Elected Fellow, Plant Tissue Culture Association, India.

Currently concentrating his research on Plant Physiology and Plant Biotechnology.

Dr. A. Maruthi Rao (b. 1st June, 1962) obtained M.Sc. (1987) and Ph.D. (1991) in Botany from Kakatiya University, A.P. Worked as Junior Research Fellow (UGC) 1987-1988; Senior Research Fellow (CSIR) 1988-1991 and Research Associate (CSIR) 1991-1996. He has 19 years of teaching experience at both U.G and P.G. levels. His areas of research include Plant Cell and Tissue Culture, Plant Molecular Biology, Genetic Engineering, Agricultural Biotechnology and currently handling a Major Research Project funded by DST, New Delhi. He has 30 research publications to his credit published in international and national journals. He authored about 10 books which have been well received by the academic community. Dr. A.M. Rao is also associated with various administrative functions in Telangana University such as Programme Coordinator - NSS (2010-till date); Director, Directorate of Admissions (2007-2008); Head, Department of Botany (2007-2008); and Warden, University Hostels (2008- 2010). He is an active member of many learned societies and academic bodies.

I. Sampath Kumar -

M.Sc.

Lecturer, Department of Biotechnology,

Telangana University, Nizamabad - 503 322

Andhra Pradesh, India.