In a significant achievement for Indian science, Dr. Shekhar Mande and Dr. Sharmila Mande, a scientific couple from Pune, have made history as the first husband-and-wife duo to receive the Distinguished Alumni Award from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru.
For the year 2025, Dr. Sharmila Mande, a pioneering computational biologist and leader in bioinformatics, was recognized as one of eight distinguished scientists chosen for this prestigious award. Her husband, Dr. Shekhar Mande, who previously served as the Director General of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), was honored with the award in 2024.
A Shared Journey in Science
The couple's journey began as classmates during their MSc in Physics at Nagpur University, where their mutual passion for science formed the basis of both their relationship and their professional paths. Subsequently, they both pursued PhDs at IISc -- Dr. Shekhar in Molecular Biophysics and Dr. Sharmila in Physics.
"Balancing research and parenthood was challenging," Dr. Sharmila reflected, acknowledging the support of their family and the welcoming environment at IISc as key factors in their achievements. The couple completed their doctorates in 1991, engaged in post-doctoral research in the Netherlands and the US, and returned to India with a commitment to advancing local science.
Building India's Scientific Strength
In 2001, Dr. Sharmila established and led the Bioinformatics R&D Division at Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), spearheading one of India's largest computational biology initiatives. She has created nearly 100 patented algorithms, many of which are utilized in healthcare and diagnostics, and continues to serve as an advisor to TCS Research while also being a visiting professor at prominent institutions.
On the other hand, Dr. Shekhar took on leadership positions at the National Centre for Cell Science in Pune and the Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics in Hyderabad before becoming the Director General of CSIR and Secretary of DSIR in the Government of India.
The Mandes' recognition by IISc not only marks a personal milestone but also celebrates the evolution of India's research ecosystem -- one where collaboration, inclusion, and perseverance have led to world-class scientific progress.