Finalist, TNQ Inspiring Science Awards 2026

Vivek Hari Sundar Gandhivel

Affiliation: National Centre for Biological Sciences, Bangalore

Now: Postdoctoral researcher, Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, St. Louis, USA

Research paper title: An Oryza-specific histone H4 variant predisposes H4 lysine 5 acetylation to modulate salt stress responses

Journal: Nature Plants

“I am humbled and honoured by this recognition for my Ph.D. publication. My work uncovered a novel histone that orchestrates the epigenetic choices enabling rice to tolerate salt. Seeing this research recognized with an academic award was profoundly affirming – it validates years of curiosity and perseverance. This accolade fuels my ambition to translate fundamental insights in plant biology into crops for the future.”