Dr. Sushama R. Chaphalkar is a senior researcher and academician based in Pune, India. She holds a PhD in Microbiology and comes with vast experience in research and education in Biotechnology. In her illustrious career spanning three decades and a half, she held prominent leadership positions in academia and industry. As the Founder-Director of a renowned Biotechnology institute, she worked extensively on high-end research projects of industrial significance, fostering a stronger bond between industry and academia.
Dr. Chaphalkar is passionate about sustainable development through Biotechnology and brought about significant agrarian development in parts of rural Maharashtra, through her 11-year-long project titled “Biovillage,” which involved need-based research as well as training of the rural population, especially farmers. When she is not working or mentoring students, she finds joy in avid reading, music, gardening, culinary adventures, and exploring new destinations through travel.