Bachelor of Science: Ravenshaw Collage, Cuttack (1982)
Master of Science: Utkal University, Odisha (1984)
Ph.D.: Delhi University (1992)
Post-Doctoral Research: University Collage of Wales, Aberystwyth, UK;
University of Naples, Italy;
International Rice Research Institute, Philippines
Awards
- PADMA SHRI (2014) by Govt. of India in the category of Science and Engineering
- M.G.K. Menon Lecture Award, Natl. Academy of Sceinces
- Samanta Chandrasekahar Award, Govt. of Odisha
- RUCHI BHARAT JYOTI SAMMAN, by Ruchi Foundation, Odisha (2014)
- RECOGNITION AWARD in Crop Improvement, National Academy of Agriculture Sciences (2014)
- PROF. T. S. SADASIVAM MEMORIAL AWARD, Madras Science Foundation, Chennai
- TATA INNOVATION FELLOWSHIP, Dept. of Biotechnology, Govt. of India
- NASI-RELIANCE AWARD for Application Oriented Research in Biological Sciences (2009), by the National Academy of Sciences India.
- NATIONAL BIOSCIENCES AWARD FOR CAREER DEVELOPMENT, 2006, by the Department of Biotechnology, Govt. of India
- UMAKANTA SINHA MEMORIAL AWARD (1999-2000) by the Indian Science Congress Association in the area of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- B. M. BIRLA SCIENCE PRIZE FOR BIOLOGY, B. M. Birla Science Foundation, Hyderabad
Recognitions
- ELECTED FELLOW, National Academy of Sciences, Allahabad (2006)
- ELECTED FELLOW, National Academy of Agricultural Sciences, New Delhi (2007)
- MEMBER, International Advisory Board, Transforum, Netherlands (2008-2010)
- MEMBER, International Advisory Board, Biosafety International Network and Advisory Service (BINAS), UNIDO, Geneva (2006-Continuing)
- PRESIDENT, Agriculture and Forestry Session, Indian Science Congress Association 2012
- Selected for 3rd CGIAR SENIOR LEADERSHIP PROGRAMME, as a NARS Participant, July 2007
- OVERSEAS ASSOCIATESHIP of the Department of Biotechnology to work at International Rice Research Institute, Philippines
- MEMBER, TSC (Agriculture), Biotechnology and Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), GOI
Research Expertise and Experience:
Dr. Parida’s research has focused on developing climate resilient crop varieties with abiotic stress tolerance. He have made significant contribution in identifying stress tolerant genes specifically for salt and drought stress using Mangroves (for salinity stress) and Prosopis juliflora (for dehydration stress). Significant progress has been made in the area of gene identification, characterization, understanding regulation and transformation to crop plants for developing stress tolerant genotypes. Dr. Parida have used molecular markers for understanding morphological and genetic diversity and species relationship in mangroves, wild relatives of cultivated cereals, legumes, millets and other species. He has implemented a number of developmental projects that aimed at evolving models for sustainable development in fragile coastal and dry land region through identification low water requiring genotypes, effective management of water resources and sound agriculture practice.
Dr. Ajay Parida has made notable research contributions in the field of agriculture, plant molecular biology and biotechnology. His pioneering contributions in identifying stress tolerant genes specifically for salt and drought stress. His research has contributed to the basic understanding of the genetic architecture and species relationship in mangroves, cereals, legumes and other cultivated crop species. He has supervised 25 students for their Ph.D. degree, published more than 100 peer reviewed publications and travelled to more than 30 countries. Parida is involved in application of science and technology for rural development and is actively involved in working with grassroots organizations and local communities in identifying the issues affecting food and livelihood security and providing solutions based on participatory approaches. Ajay Parida is Elected Fellow of the National Academy of Agriculture Sciences (NAAS) and National Academy of Sciences of India (NASI). He is a recipient of several awards and recognition including Padma Shri in 2014 for his outstanding contribution in the field of Science and Engineering. Prior to this, he has served as Executive Director of M. S. Swaminathan Research Foundation, Chennai.