Shailendra K. Saxena

Professor Dr. Shailendra K. Saxena is a globally recognized biomedical scientist, currently serving as Vice Dean and distinguished Professor & Head at King George's Medical University (KGMU), Lucknow, India. With a distinguished career in biomedical sciences, and molecular & translational medicine, Prof. Saxena has significantly contributed to the global understanding of viral infections and their neurological consequences. His research interests involve understanding the molecular mechanisms of host defense during human viral infections including Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), HIV & neuroAIDS, COVID-19, and its variants such as Omicron, as well as other emerging viruses and virus-induced neurological disorders as models via stem cell/cell culture technologies and developing new predictive, preventive, and therapeutic strategies for them. Internationally acclaimed for his pioneering efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, Prof. Saxena authored the world’s first book on COVID-19, Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): Epidemiology, Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Therapeutics, offering one of the earliest comprehensive overviews of the novel coronavirus. He further led the global scientific community by providing the world’s first detailed characterization of the Omicron variant, identifying 32 key mutations in its spike glycoprotein and analyzing its increased transmissibility, immune evasion potential, and rapid global spread. His comparative study of Omicron and Delta variants provided critical insights that informed international health policies and vaccine strategies. Beyond laboratory science, Prof. Saxena has also made notable contributions through epidemiological studies assessing the burden, transmission, and long-term neurological effects of viral diseases, thereby influencing public health responses, particularly in resource-constrained settings. His interest in integrative health has also led to key contributions in the field of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM), where he has explored traditional and herbal therapeutics for managing viral infections and enhancing immune responses. By scientifically validating CAM-based approaches alongside conventional medicine, Prof. Saxena advocates for evidence-based integration of traditional knowledge into modern healthcare systems, promoting holistic and accessible treatment strategies, especially in low- and middle-income countries. His research outputs have been published in some of the world’s most prestigious journals, including Science, PNAS, Nature Medicine, American Chemical Society journals, and Journal of Medical Virology, earning several thousands of citations and reinforcing his status as a leading voice in biomedical research. Recognized for his mentorship and advocacy of interdisciplinary collaboration, he actively nurtures early-career scientists across borders and promotes global partnerships in infectious disease research. His work not only advances academic knowledge but also addresses real-world health challenges, particularly those affecting vulnerable populations in low- and middle-income countries. Prof. Saxena's contributions have had a transformative impact on the fields of biomedical sciences, and translational medicine, positioning him as a key figure in the international biomedical community. His ability to link cutting-edge science with practical healthcare solutions has made him a valuable contributor to global health security, especially in the face of pandemics and emerging infectious threats. With a vision rooted in scientific excellence and societal impact, Prof. Shailendra Saxena continues to shape the future of global health through innovation, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to addressing some of the most urgent medical challenges of our time. Overall, Prof. Saxena's work embodies a blend of academic rigor and practical application, aimed at addressing pressing health issues. He has received many awards and honours in India and abroad, including various Young Scientist Awards, the BBSRC (UK)-India Partnering Award, and the Dr. JC Bose National Award of the Department of Biotechnology from the Ministry of Science and Technology of the Government of India. Dr. Saxena is a Fellow of various prestigious international societies/academies, including the Royal College of Pathologists, United Kingdom; Royal Society of Medicine, London; Royal Society of Biology, United Kingdom; Royal Society of Chemistry, London; and Academy of Translational Medicine Professionals, Austria. He was named a Global Leader in Science by The Scientist. He is also an international opinion leader/expert on the vaccination for Japanese encephalitis by IPIC (UK). He has been recognized among the 'World's Top 2% Scientists' by Stanford University, California, USA; ScholarGPS™ (USA) World's Top 0.05% or better Highly Ranked Scholar- Lifetime™; and 'Clarivate's Highly Cited Researchers.' His inclusion in these prestigious databases is a testament to his exceptional contributions to global research.