Dr. Rajeev Varshney

Dr. Rajeev Varshney completed his postgraduate studies in Biochemistry from Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India, and his Doctorate from Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India. He joined the Institute of Nuclear & Allied Sciences (INMAS), a DRDO Laboratory at Delhi, as Scientist C. Dr. Varshney has successfully contributed towards the development of a mechanism-based drug for countering radiation injuries. The technology has been transferred to Dr Reddy’s lab after Phase III multi-centric clinical trials. 

Thereafter, he served as Director Technology Support & Management at O/o Secretary DD R&D & Chairman DRDO, where he coordinated within DRDO and with other Govt departments and supported various Administrative, Financial, and Managerial matters for expeditious actions/approval.

He served as the Director of the Defense Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences (DIPAS), Delhi, India, and understood human responses to high altitude adaptation and maladies using ‘omics’ approaches. He has spearheaded the development of a point-of-care device (Medical Device) for High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) diagnosis in soldiers deployed at extreme high altitudes. The technology has been transferred to the industry, and a Manufacturing license has been obtained from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) for production.

Realized the potential of Human Factors Engineering (HFE) in developing Indigenous military platforms, pioneered the efforts on the creation of DRDO HFI & HRA guidelines, and spearheaded activities for its implementation in all indigenous military equipment to boost Atma Nirbharta through Joint Task Force with tri-services, DRDO labs, and Industries. Designed and developed three-layered modular Extreme Cold Weather Clothing (ECWECS). The technology of this is transferred to 5 industries. A bulk supply order has already been placed with ToT Partners by the user (CAPF). Developed 7-layered clothing (HIMKAVCH), ranging from +20 to -60°C temp required by the Army, which has successfully cleared user trial in actual operation and is now undergoing wider user trials. 

Dr. Varshney has been awarded the DRDO Spin-off award, DRDO Lab-level Technology Group award, and the Young Scientist Travel Awards from abroad. He has contributed towards the transfer of over 17 technologies developed at DIPAS through License agreement for technology transfer (LA  ToT) to approximately 160 industries for bulk production and the induction of products with users. Dr. Varshney used his experience and physiological understanding of high altitudes in establishing the COVID-19 testing & research facility at DIPAS. He was also involved in the development of cost cost-effective and highly sensitive ELISA kit for the detection of IgG antibodies against N and S proteins of SARS-CoV-2 for mass screening, which is now ICMR and CDSCO approved , transferred to industry for bulk production. He has published several papers in peer-reviewed national and international journals. He has edited a widely circulated book, Preparedness for Future Pandemics: Threats and Challenges, and a very recent book entitled Health and Sustenance in Extreme Environments: A Military Perspective, both published by Springer Nature.