Dr Shyam Sundar Nandi Honoured with Phoenix Award at Health AI Con 2026 for Driving India's Rapid Diagnostic Revolution

As India strengthens its preparedness against emerging infectious diseases and future pandemics, scientists working behind the scenes to develop faster, affordable, and accessible diagnostic technologies are playing an increasingly important role. Among them is Dr Shyam Sundar Nandi, Scientist-E and Deputy Director at the ICMR-National Institute of Virology (NIV), whose work in molecular virology, CRISPR-based diagnostics, rapid testing platforms, and infectious disease surveillance has contributed significantly to India's public health ecosystem.

In recognition of his contributions to healthcare innovation and indigenous diagnostic technology development, Dr Nandi has recently been honoured with the Phoenix Award at HealthAIcon 2026, a platform that celebrates individuals driving impactful advancements in healthcare, medical research, and public health. The award was presented by Dr Abhijat Sheth, Chairperson, National Medical Commission (NMC) and President, NBEMS, along with Dr Anil Kohli, Former President of the Dental Council of India, and Dr Sanghamitra Pati, Additional Director General, ICMR, during the event held at Hotel Eros, New Delhi, on May 17, 2026.

Over the years, he has led the development of multiple diagnostic technologies targeting diseases such as COVID-19, Nipah virus infection, Mpox (Monkeypox), diphtheria, enteroviruses, and silicosis-associated conditions.

One of Dr Nandi's key areas of focus has been the development of rapid, low-cost, and field-deployable diagnostic tools that can function even in resource-constrained settings. His work spans RT-LAMP-based molecular diagnostics, CRISPR-powered detection systems, genome engineering, and point-of-care testing platforms designed to reduce dependence on sophisticated laboratory infrastructure. Several of these innovations have been commercialised and have supported disease surveillance and outbreak response efforts in India.

Beyond diagnostics, Dr Nandi's research has also contributed to advancing virology research through innovations such as CRISPR-engineered cell lines and novel screening tools for occupational diseases like silicosis. His work reflects a broader vision of strengthening India's biotechnology capabilities through indigenous innovation, affordable healthcare technologies, and enhanced pandemic preparedness. 

In his conversation with Deshbandhu Singh, Managing Editor of Health Dialogues, Dr Nandi shares insights into rapid diagnostics, CRISPR technology, future infectious disease threats, and the evolving landscape of public health innovation in India.

Q1. What inspired you to focus on rapid infectious disease diagnostics and CRISPR-based technologies?

My interest comes from the need for faster, accessible diagnostics, particularly in resource-limited settings where delayed diagnosis can affect patient outcomes and outbreak control. CRISPR-based technologies offer highly specific molecular detection and can be adapted for portable, point-of-care use. The possibility of combining innovation, affordability, and public health impact continues to motivate my work.

Q2. During the COVID-19 pandemic, what gaps did you observe in India’s diagnostic ecosystem?

The pandemic exposed limitations in decentralised testing, dependence on imported diagnostic components, uneven distribution of laboratory infrastructure, and gaps in real-time surveillance systems. It also highlighted the need for portable diagnostics, stronger domestic manufacturing, better digital integration, and multiplex testing platforms capable of detecting multiple pathogens simultaneously.

Q3. How is RT-LAMP different from conventional RT-PCR?

Both detect viral RNA, but RT-PCR requires repeated temperature cycling, whereas RT-LAMP works at a constant temperature. This makes RT-LAMP faster, simpler, and more suitable for portable and point-of-care applications, particularly in low-resource settings.

Q4. Why are portable and low-cost molecular diagnostics important for India?

India’s large population, diverse geography, and unequal healthcare access make decentralised diagnostics essential. Portable and affordable molecular tests can reduce diagnostic delays, improve outbreak response, strengthen surveillance, and bring advanced healthcare closer to rural and remote communities.

Q5. Can you explain your CRISPR-engineered cell line innovation in simple terms?

It functions like a “living biosensor” that has been genetically programmed to recognise specific biological signals. Using CRISPR-Cas9 and lentiviral technology, we introduced targeted genetic modifications and increased viral titers from 10⁷ to 10¹⁰, improving research and diagnostic capabilities.

Q6. How important is rapid diagnosis during outbreaks such as COVID-19, Nipah, or Mpox?

Rapid diagnosis is critical because it enables early isolation, timely treatment, efficient contact tracing, and better outbreak surveillance. Faster detection helps reduce transmission, improve patient management, and support informed public health responses.

Q7. Is India better prepared for future pandemics compared to 2020?

Yes. India has significantly expanded molecular testing capacity, strengthened indigenous manufacturing, improved genomic surveillance, enhanced digital health systems, and increased public awareness. However, further improvements are needed in decentralised healthcare access, workforce training, integrated surveillance, and rapid translation of research into scalable products.

Q8. How can indigenous diagnostic technologies reduce dependence on imports?

Domestic diagnostic technologies improve self-reliance, affordability, and supply-chain resilience during public health emergencies. The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the importance of strong indigenous manufacturing ecosystems, and such technologies can eventually become common in district hospitals and field laboratories.

Q9. What role will CRISPR play in the future of diagnostics and virology research?

CRISPR has the potential to transform diagnostics through rapid pathogen detection, mutation tracking, and portable testing platforms. In virology research, it helps scientists study viral infection mechanisms, develop disease models, identify drug targets, and strengthen pandemic preparedness through adaptable detection systems.

Q10. Which future infectious disease threats concern you the most?

The greatest concerns are emerging zoonotic viruses, antimicrobial resistance, and pathogens with high transmissibility and mutation rates. Future preparedness will depend on rapid diagnostics, genomic surveillance, early pathogen detection, and integrated public health response systems.

Q11. What technologies is your team currently working on?

We are developing CRISPRDx, RT-LAMP and SELEX-based platforms, along with microfluidics-enabled point-of-care diagnostic kits for high-risk pathogens such as Nipah, Zika, Ebola, and Mpox.

Q12. What advice would you give young Indian scientists?

Build strong scientific fundamentals, embrace interdisciplinary research, develop practical laboratory skills, remain curious, uphold scientific integrity, and focus on solving real-world healthcare challenges. Meaningful innovation comes from combining scientific excellence with societal impact.