Skill Development Programme on DNA Barcoding and Marine Biodiversity at CSIR-NIO, Visakhapatnam

I am pleased to be part of the five-day Skill Development Programme on DNA Barcoding and Marine Biodiversity at CSIR-NIO Regional Centre, Visakhapatnam, from 16–20 November 2026. The programme offers hands-on training in DNA sequence analysis, molecular phylogenetics and biodiversity research. Participants will gain practical experience with modern bioinformatics tools and evolutionary analysis methods. Along with my colleagues from CSIR-NIO, I look forward to sharing our knowledge and experience with young researchers. An exciting opportunity to strengthen research skills and explore the fascinating world of marine biodiversity!

Posted on 28 October 2026

Fungi, Fortune & Future | Dr. Munazza Kiran

I am pleased to share the video of “Fungi, Fortune & Future”, a special online talk organised by MycoAsia as part of the World Fungus Day 2026 celebrations. The talk was delivered by Dr. Munazza Kiran, Mycologist at the University of Education, Lahore, Pakistan. This session highlights the fascinating world of fungi and their importance for our future. My sincere thanks to Dr. Kiran for sharing her knowledge with the MycoAsia community. Watch the video: https://youtu.be/2iQbI1SYajk

Posted on 28 October 2026

A Mushroom Thali, a MycoAsia T-shirt, and an Unexpected Lesson in Branding! 

Sometimes, the most interesting lessons come when you are simply looking for lunch!

During a recent drive through Odisha, I was hungry and searching for a place to eat. Several restaurants came and went, but none caught my attention. Then, along Badshahi Road in Sasan, I spotted Hotel Mumbai, with a board advertising Mushroom Thali.

That was enough to make me stop!

I settled comfortably into the AC section and ordered the mushroom thali. Unfortunately, it wasn't available. I settled for rotis and mushroom curry instead, with a polite request to make it less spicy.

The food was delicious!

While paying the bill, I casually asked when the mushroom thali would be available.

“Banake de sakte hain,” came the reply. We can make it for you.

Now he tells me! 

Then something interesting happened. I pointed to the MycoAsia logo on my T-shirt, and the gentleman said he had already noticed it!

That small exchange got me thinking.

I frequently wear MycoAsia T-shirts during my travels, often without giving them much thought. But how many people notice the logo? How many become curious about the mushrooms? And how many might eventually discover MycoAsia and our journal?

A mushroom on a restaurant signboard persuaded me to stop for lunch. A mushroom on my T-shirt caught someone else's attention.

Perhaps that is how awareness grows—not always through grand campaigns, but through small, everyday encounters.

Mushrooms make wonderful ambassadors for mycology, and our MycoAsia T-shirts might be doing more outreach than we realise!

One mushroom, one conversation, one curious mind at a time! 

📍 Hotel Mumbai, Badshahi Road, Sasan, Odisha 756120

https://lnkd.in/gPDubP66

Posted on 28 October 2026

Fungal Taxa: Systematics & Evolution

Fungal Taxa: Systematics & Evolution, led by Prof. Samantha Karunarathna, is inviting reviewers and editors. Interested researchers may send their biodata to connect.fungaltaxa@gmail.com. 

For details, visit https://www.fungaltaxa.org/

Posted on 28 October 2026

Beyond the Deep Ocean Mission: Wishing Ann Rose C. O. New Horizons! 

It was a pleasure having Ann Rose C. O. work with me as a Project Associate under the Deep Ocean Mission at CSIR-NIO Vizag. As she begins a new chapter, I wish her all the very best. May greater opportunities, exciting challenges and success come her way. Keep exploring, learning and growing, Ann! The ocean is vast, and so are the opportunities ahead!

Posted on 28 October 2026

MycoIndia Is Back: Renewed, Rigorous and Ready! 

After a brief pause, MycoIndia Journal of Indian Fungi returns with renewed commitment to scientific excellence. Under the leadership of its new Editor-in-Chief, Dr. Yamini Agrawal, the journal enters an exciting new chapter. As a diamond open-access journal, MycoIndia promotes quality research without publication charges. Its focus remains on fungal diversity, taxonomy, systematics and other areas of mycology. The goal is simple: not more publications, but better science!

Posted on 28 October 2026

Rejection Is Not the End: Sometimes It Leads to Something Greater!

I had been occupied with something rather difficult since morning when, suddenly, my phone rang. Truecaller flashed the name “Gurme.”It was the Hon’ble MLA of Kaup, Shri Gurme Suresh Shetty, calling to congratulate me on my inclusion in the Top 5% list. I thanked him profusely for taking the time to call and, more importantly, for his kind words and blessings.

Within the scientific community, such a list may perhaps be regarded as something fairly routine or even trivial. But outside that circle, it can become a small occasion for happiness and pride—especially when the recognition reaches someone connected to one’s own soil, village, and roots. That made his call particularly touching for me.

After receiving the call from the local MLA, I suddenly found myself thinking about the many rejections I have faced in my career—and how differently I see them today. In the final year of my BSc, a veterinary company came to our campus for recruitment. During the interview, I told them quite candidly, “I want this job, but my ultimate aim is to clear the UPSC examination and become an IAS officer.” I was not selected! At the time, I wondered what had gone wrong.

Rejection was not fun.

After my BSc, I went to Delhi and worked as a lab assistant in a school. Four months later, I returned to Udupi because I realised that the job was not for me. I then worked as a medical representative for another four months before joining an MSc programme in Biosciences.

After my MSc, I worked as a lecturer at Mulki and later as a Senior Research Fellow at the College of Fisheries, Mangalore before beginning my PhD. The years from 2003 to 2007 were full of learning, uncertainty, experimentation and course corrections.

I even spent four months in Canada before eventually joining CSIR-IMTECH as a scientist in 2008.

Looking back now, that first campus rejection feels very different. Perhaps the company saw something that I could not see then—that I was unlikely to stay, that my ambitions lay elsewhere, and that the job was simply not the right fit for me.

That experience taught me something I have understood better with time: Not every rejection is a judgement on your ability.

Sometimes, it is simply a redirection. A closed door can force you to look for another path. Years later, you may realise that the detour, the uncertainty and even the disappointment were all part of the journey.

So when a door closes, perhaps we should also remember the people who closed it. Sometimes, without intending to, they become the unexpected guardians who redirect us towards a path we could not yet see. 

Posted on 28 October 2026

Ph.D. Opportunity in Marine Mycology at CSIR-NIO Regional Centre, Visakhapatnam

Marine Mycology Laboratory at CSIR-NIO Regional Centre, Visakhapatnam invites enthusiastic researchers to explore the fascinating world of marine fungi.

Under the AcSIR Ph.D. Programme (January 2027 Session), candidates will investigate marine fungal diversity, ecology and functioning.

Research opportunities include deep-sea fungi, molecular techniques, metagenomics and bioinformatics.

NET-JRF-qualified candidates passionate about marine mycology are encouraged to apply.

Last date: 31 October 2026 | 

Apply: https://www.acsir.res.in/admissions

Posted on 28 October 2026

Molecular Phylogenetics Made Simple: Dos and Don’ts for Beginners

Molecular phylogenetics can be challenging for beginners, particularly when choosing molecular markers, aligning sequences and interpreting phylogenetic trees.

To make learning easier, MycoAsia presents a practical visual guide highlighting 15 dos and 15 don’ts in molecular phylogenetics, from asking the right biological questions to interpreting evolutionary relationships.

The guide reminds young researchers that generating a phylogenetic tree is not the same as understanding its biological significance.

Special credit to ChatGPT (OpenAI) for assisting in developing and presenting this educational resource.

Remember: The computer can build the tree. The researcher has to decide whether the tree makes biological sense!

Posted on 28 October 2026

My Ajja: A Pioneer in Science, a Role Model in Life

He has been my role model since my childhood.

A pioneer in electrical engineering, my granduncle inspired me not only through his remarkable academic and scientific contributions, but also through the kind of person he was — humble, thoughtful, affectionate and deeply humane.

This is one among the many emails from him that I will always treasure. When I was promoted to Principal Scientist, he wrote to me with such warmth and pride. His words were not merely about the promotion; they reflected how closely he understood my journey, the circumstances in which I had grown up, and what that achievement meant to me.

For many, he will always be remembered as an eminent scientist and a pioneer in his field. For me, he was also my Ajja — my granduncle, my role model, and someone whose encouragement and affection meant a great deal to me.

Some people inspire us through their achievements. A very few inspire us equally through their humanity.

I was the fortunate one — to have known him not only as a pioneer and a scholar, but also as my Ajja. 

Posted on 28 October 2026

An Evening with Friends and My PhD Mentor in Kharar, Punjab , India

It was a pleasure catching up with our friend, Professor Ashish Vyas, Director of Saraswati Group of Colleges, Kharar, Punjab, along with my PhD advisor, Dr. Jeewon Rajesh. A wonderful evening of friendship, memories and engaging conversations!

Posted on 28 October 2026

A Challenge, Five Bayesian Trees, and a Pleasant Surprise!

During a recent workshop at Panjab University, Chandigarh, India, I introduced participants to molecular phylogenetic analysis using MEGA and IQ-TREE. Unfortunately, there was little time left to explore MrBayes in detail.

So, I threw them a challenge: “Anyone who successfully constructs a Bayesian phylogenetic tree using MrBayes will receive an Amazon voucher from MycoAsia!” 

The following day, during their presentations, I was pleasantly surprised. Five participants had successfully constructed Bayesian trees! Most had figured it out independently, with a little help from ChatGPT!

What impressed me even more was that most of them were MSc students, willing to explore a challenging computational tool beyond what had been taught.

And, of course, a promise is a promise! All five received Certificates of Appreciation and Amazon vouchers from MycoAsia Journal of Modern Mycology, recognising their initiative and commitment to learning. 

I have enormous respect for this young generation. Their curiosity, confidence, willingness to experiment and ability to learn independently are genuinely inspiring.

Perhaps the most rewarding part of teaching is discovering how much students can learn when we challenge them to go beyond what we teach!

Posted on 28 October 2026

From Padubelle to Global Recognition: A Scientific Journey

A pleasant surprise to see Udayavani report my inclusion among the world's top 5% of scientists in the 2025 Global Scientist Index.

Coming from Padubelle, a small village in coastal Karnataka, this recognition feels particularly special.

Scientific journeys are shaped by curiosity, perseverance and the support of many people.

Grateful to my mentors, colleagues, collaborators, students and family.

Recognition is encouraging, but curiosity remains the greatest reward of being a scientist!

Posted on 28 October 2026

Reuniting with My PhD Mentor After 19 Years!

Some meetings are special, no matter how many years have passed.

It was an immense pleasure to meet my PhD advisor, Prof. Rajesh Jeewon, in Chandigarh, India, after 19 long years! 

A PhD advisor plays a significant role in shaping a young researcher's scientific thinking, confidence and approach to research. The lessons learnt during those formative years often stay with us throughout our careers.

Meeting him again brought back wonderful memories of my doctoral days. Despite the passage of nearly two decades, the warmth, affection and respect remain unchanged.

Nineteen years may have passed, but the bond between a teacher and a student remains timeless.

Grateful for the mentorship, encouragement and memories! ❤️

Posted on 28 October 2026

A Special Recognition from Home: Thank You, Vijayavani! 

A heartfelt thank you to Vijayavani, one of Karnataka’s leading Kannada newspapers, for featuring my inclusion among the world’s top 5% of scientists in the 2025 Global Scientist Index.

Recognition from my home region, coastal Karnataka, makes this particularly special.

Grateful for the encouragement and appreciation! 

Posted on 28 October 2026

Thank You, The Times of India!

A heartfelt thank you to The Times of India, Visakhapatnam edition, for featuring my inclusion among the world's top 5% of scientists in the 2025 SciRank Global Scientist Index.

It is particularly heartening to receive this recognition from the city where I work and pursue my scientific interests.

Grateful for the encouragement and appreciation! 

Posted on 28 October 2026

Thank You, BelleVision.com, for the Recognition!

My sincere thanks to BelleVision.com and Dr. Eugene D’Souza for highlighting my scientific journey and research contributions.

It is particularly heartwarming to receive recognition from a publication connected to my native village, Padubelle.

Such encouragement makes the journey in science even more meaningful.

Grateful for the appreciation and continued support! 

Original article: Dr. Belle Damodara Shenoy among World’s Top 5% Scientists

Posted on 28 October 2026

Top 5% Scientist? I’m Just Me!

Apparently, I’m now among the World’s Top 5% Scientists, according to SciRank Global! 

To me, such rankings are largely marketing tools. Someone makes a list, applies some interesting criteria, runs an algorithm, and somehow my name survives! 

Does that make me a better scientist? Certainly not. Nor does being left out of such lists make anyone less deserving.

I’m just me, doing my little bit of science, driven by curiosity rather than rankings.

The real impact of science cannot be measured by badges, certificates, rankings or lists. Perhaps its true value will only become clear long after we have left this earth. 

Until then, I’ll keep doing what I enjoy. Not better. Not worse. Just me. 

Posted on 28 October 2026

Honoured to Join Karnataka Science and Technology Academy (KSTA)

Honoured to be admitted as an Associate of the Karnataka Science and Technology Academy (KSTA), Government of Karnataka, for the 2026–2031 term.

Grateful for this recognition and the opportunity to contribute to the Academy’s initiatives in advancing science, technology and innovation.

Looking forward to supporting scientific excellence, fostering collaboration and encouraging the next generation of scientists.

Posted on 28 October 2026

Coming Soon on MycoAsia: Molecular Characterisation of Select Fungi from the Arabian Sea

Exploring the hidden fungal diversity of the Arabian Sea, from shallow waters to depths of 4,470 metres! Our study characterises 34 marine fungal isolates using molecular techniques, offering insights into the largely unexplored world of marine fungi and their biotechnological potential.

Authors: Natasha Barnes, Molugu Harini, Belle Damodara Shenoy and Samir R. Damare.

Stay tuned to MycoAsia for more! 

Posted on 28 October 2026

What’s Happening at RCV Mycology? 

Exploring the hidden fungal world of the deep Bay of Bengal!

At CSIR-NIO Regional Centre, Visakhapatnam, our Mycology Team is investigating fungal diversity in seawater samples collected from depths of 750–1,000 metres. 

Using ITS1 amplicon sequencing and FUNGuild analysis, we aim to uncover the diversity, community composition and potential ecological roles of these largely unexplored marine fungi.

Every drop of deep-sea water may hold a fascinating fungal story waiting to be discovered! Coming soon on MycoAsia! 

Posted on 28 October 2026

My Keynote Address at Sri Venkateswara University Makes the News!

Delighted to see Telugu newspaper coverage of my keynote address at the International Short Course on “Extremophiles in Agriculture, Biomedical and Bioenergy”, held at Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati.

It was a pleasure sharing insights on extremophilic fungi and their potential applications.

My sincere thanks to the organisers for the invitation and to the media for highlighting the event!

Posted on 28 October 2026

Taxonomy Meets Artificial Intelligence: My Keynote on Extremophiles at Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India

On 12 August 2026, I had the privilege of delivering a Keynote Address at the International Short Course on “Extremophiles in Agriculture, Biomedical and Bioenergy” organised by Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati.

My keynote focused on “Taxonomic and AI Tools for Extremophiles Research”, highlighting how modern taxonomy, DNA-based approaches, genome-scale data and Artificial Intelligence are transforming our ability to discover, identify and understand microorganisms thriving in extreme environments.

I also discussed how the integration of traditional taxonomy, molecular tools, genomics, bioinformatics and AI can accelerate the exploration of extremophiles for applications in agriculture, biomedicine, biotechnology and bioenergy.

It was a great opportunity to interact with researchers and students and share perspectives on the rapidly evolving interface of microbial diversity, taxonomy and AI-driven discovery.

Grateful to Sri Venkateswara University for the invitation and for creating a platform for meaningful scientific exchange. 

Posted on 28 October 2026

Mentorship Goes Both Ways: Learning from the Next Generation of Scientists 

It was a pleasure to have Vanshika Mhatre and Aditi Nanaware spend a month in my laboratory at CSIR–NIO Regional Centre, Visakhapatnam.

During their short stay, both of them impressed me with their sincerity, dedication and eagerness to learn. They were quick learners, adapted well to new concepts and techniques, and approached every task with enthusiasm. Their positive attitude and commitment to their work made them a delight to mentor.

One of the most rewarding aspects of being a scientist is the opportunity to interact with young minds. As we grow older, working with the younger generation offers a fresh perspective on life in general and scientific research in particular. Their curiosity, optimism and confidence in tackling challenges often remind us that science is a continuously evolving journey, driven by new ideas and new ways of thinking.

Mentorship is never a one-way process. While we share our experience and knowledge, we also learn from the energy, aspirations and outlook of young students. My interactions with Vanshika and Aditi were a good reminder of this fact.

I thank them for their contributions during their time in the lab and wish them all the very best for their future academic and professional endeavours. May they continue to pursue knowledge with the same enthusiasm and dedication they demonstrated during their stay with us.

Posted on 28 October 2026

Mycology at CSIR-NIO Visakhapatnam — May 2026 

A lovely group photograph from May 2026 at CSIR-NIO Regional Centre, Visakhapatnam, with Aditi Nanaware, Ann Rose C O and Vanshika Mhatre.

Good memories of working together, sharing ideas and nurturing young scientific minds.

Posted on 28 October 2026

Where Are India's World-Class Scientific Journals?

I have repeatedly asked this question: Where are India's top-class scientific journals? The uncomfortable truth is that we have far too few.

Perhaps the deeper problem is our lack of faith in fellow Indian researchers and Indian journals. Call it what you will, but I see a lingering colonial mindset.

I wonder how many crores of rupees flow out of India every year to international publishers through journal subscriptions and exorbitant Article Processing Charges (APCs). Someone should calculate and publish these figures.

We must seriously question our obsession with Gold Open Access, especially when researchers are paying APCs running into lakhs of rupees.

Instead, every Indian research laboratory should make a conscious effort to support credible Swadeshi scientific journals by submitting quality research, reviewing manuscripts and strengthening editorial standards.

The responsibility must begin with leaders of our research institutes. Building world-class Indian journals should be an institutional priority, not an afterthought.

Give this mission five years of genuine institutional commitment, and we could transform India's scientific publishing landscape.

Until then, we will continue judging the quality of Indian science through that deeply flawed and over-glorified metric called the Journal Impact Factor.

It is time we stopped merely producing world-class research and started building world-class journals of our own.

Posted on 28 October 2026

Reconnecting After 13 Years: A Conversation on the Future of Fungal Taxonomy  

It was a pleasure to meet Prof. Prasad Gandham S at CSIR–IMTECH, Chandigarh, in May 2026, after a long gap since I left MTCC in 2013.

We had an engaging discussion on the current state and future directions of fungal taxonomy.

A wonderful reunion after 13 years, with fungi once again bringing us together!

Posted on 28 October 2026

Highway Encounters: Cops, Truckers and the People Who Keep India Moving 

Two episodes with traffic police during my road trip in May 2026 stayed with me for very different reasons.

Till I reached Agra from Visakhapatnam, not a single cop stopped me. But as I started from Agra towards Chandigarh early in the morning around 7 AM, one policeman suddenly flagged me down. I honestly wasn’t expecting that at that hour! Turns out, he simply wanted a lift till Brindavan. Before I could process the situation, another cop in white dress also jumped into the car. 

After the initial ice-breaking, the drive became surprisingly memorable. We spent nearly an hour talking about policing, families, long duty hours, and India’s development. At one toll gate, the officer even offered to waive off my ₹145 toll fee. I politely declined. Before getting down at Brindavan, he guided me to a fantastic breakfast spot — “Maama ke Dhaba.” The second cop had already hopped out about 15 minutes earlier.

The second encounter happened at the entry to the Western Peripheral Expressway. I greeted the policeman with a cheerful “Namaste.” He looked at me, probably noticed I was thoroughly enjoying the drive, smiled and said, “Chill karke aa rahen hain!” I showed him my Chandigarh-issued driving licence, and he immediately waved me through. I thanked him profusely and continued my journey with a smile.

This trip gave me a deeper respect for two groups of people: cops and truckers. Both work incredibly hard, mostly under demanding and thankless conditions. Somewhere near Seoni in Madhya Pradesh, before Nagpur, I even stopped at a Punjabi dhaba and had lunch with truckers. Long highways really teach you that India runs not just on software and startups, but also on uniforms, diesel, dust, tea, and people quietly doing difficult jobs every single day. 

Posted on 28 October 2026

Reconnecting with My Teacher After 26 Years at Chandigarh University

It was a pleasure visiting Chandigarh University and meeting Prof. (Dr.) Raviraja N. Seetharam, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, who was my MSc teacher at Mangalore University in 2000, on 5 May 2026.

We had a wonderful discussion on the changing landscape of higher education, scientific research and the role of universities in nurturing future scientists.

The visit brought back fond memories of my student days and reminded me how teachers continue to influence our journeys long after we leave their classrooms.

The warm hospitality and delicious lunch at The Pepper made the reunion even more memorable!

Posted on 28 October 2026

Our New Springer Book on Entomopathogenic Fungi 🍄

I am pleased to share the publication of our co-edited volume, Frontiers in Entomopathogenic Fungi: Diversity, Ecology and Bioprospects, published by Springer Nature.

Co-edited with Drs. Sunil Kumar Deshmukh, Kandikere Ramaiah Sridhar and Gurmeet Kour Bali, this volume brings together research on fungal diversity, taxonomy, ecology, molecular biology, biocontrol and biotechnological applications.

The book explores the growing importance of entomopathogenic fungi in sustainable agriculture, pest management and the discovery of bioactive compounds.

My sincere appreciation to all the contributing authors and fellow editors for making this volume possible.

📖 Book details (official Springer link):

https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-981-95-6529-0

Posted on 28 October 2026

Skill Development Is Nation-Building!

Honoured to have contributed to the CSIR Skill Development Programme on Hands-on Training in DNA Barcoding of Marine Biodiversity, held at CSIR–National Institute of Oceanography, Goa, in January 2026.

It was a pleasure being part of an initiative that bridges modern molecular techniques with practical training for students and early-career researchers.

My sincere thanks to Dr. Rakhee Khandeparker for the invitation and excellent coordination, and to the entire CSIR–NIO Goa team for their warm hospitality.

Skill development is not merely an academic activity. It is nation-building, one trained mind at a time! 

Posted on 28 October 2026