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Biochemist

Asis Datta

Born 2 February 1944 · verify

Discovered genes that extend the preservation of fruits and vegetables.

Asis Datta is an Indian biochemist, molecular biologist and genetic engineer, known for his research on genetically modified foods and food nutritional security. He was the founding Director of the National Institute of Plant Genome Research and is credited with the discovery of genes that assist in extended preservation of fruits and vegetables. He is a recipient of the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award, the highest Indian award and in the Science category, and was awarded the fourth highest civilian award of the Padma Shri, by the Government of India, in 1999. In 2008, he was included again in the Republic Day Honours list for the third highest civilian honour of the Padma Bhushan.

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A detail that
surprised us

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In 2010, Datta’s research team genetically engineered tomatoes in New Delhi that stayed firm and fresh for 45 days, tripling their usual shelf life without adverse effects.

The Story

1
🌱 In 1964, Asis Datta began his research at Bose Institute in Kolkata under a Government of India fellowship, setting the stage for his pioneering work in molecular biology.
2
Between 1971 and 1974, he worked as an assistant virologist at UCLA, contributing to virology research during a period of rapid advances in genetic engineering.
3By 1978, he became a professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University's School of Life Sciences, where he later served as vice chancellor from 1996 to 2002, shaping India's academic biotechnology scene.
4🌿 In 2002, Datta was appointed founding director of the National Institute of Plant Genome Research, where he led breakthroughs in genetically modified crops, including tomatoes that remain fresh for 45 days instead of 15.

🏅 Awards & Honours

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Padma Shri

🔍 One thing most people don't know

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Datta’s group was the first in India to patent genes in the United States, marking a milestone in Indian biotechnology intellectual property history.

📸 Through the Years

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🗓️ A Life in Moments

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Birth
Birth of Asis Datta
Born on 2 February 1944, setting roots for a future in molecular biology.
1944
📚
Education
PhD research at Bose Institute begins
Started doctoral research at Bose Institute in Kolkata with a Government of India fellowship lasting until 1968.
1964
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Career
Research associate at Public Health Research Institute, NY
Worked in New York as a research associate continuing molecular biology studies until 1971.
1971
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Career
Professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University
Promoted to professor at JNU's School of Life Sciences, marking a key academic milestone.
1978
🏅
Award
Awarded Padma Shri
Received the Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian award in India, recognizing his scientific achievements.
1999
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Career
Founder Director, NIPGR
Appointed founding director of the National Institute of Plant Genome Research, leading pioneering plant gene research.
2002
🏅
Award
Awarded Padma Bhushan
Received the Padma Bhushan, the third highest civilian award, acknowledging his impact on science and agriculture.
2008
📖
Publication
Publication on extended tomato shelf-life
Published research showing tomatoes genetically modified to stay fresh for 45 days, tripling normal shelf life.
2010
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🗝️Discoveries

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01 / 04
🔍LESSER KNOWN

During 1976–77 and 1980–81, Datta was a visiting scientist at the Roche Institute of Molecular Biology, gaining international research exposure at a time when Indian scientists rarely worked abroad.

02 / 04
💡SURPRISING

His research on the pathogenicity of Candida albicans opened pathways for therapeutic strategies against candidiasis, a major threat to AIDS patients.

03 / 04
🏆ACHIEVEMENT

Datta’s team suppressed enzymes A-Man and B-Hex in tomatoes, delaying softening and extending freshness by 30 days, a rare example of applied plant genome research published in a leading U.S. journal.

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🌱 What changed because of them

Asis Datta's discovery of genes that extend the shelf life of fruits and vegetables led to the establishment of the National Institute of Plant Genome Research as a premier center for agricultural biotechnology in India. His work influenced government policies on genetically modified crops and food nutritional security, bridging molecular biology research with practical solutions for farmers and consumers. His leadership roles in scientific advisory bodies shaped research directions in Indian agricultural and biomedical sciences.

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