Prof. Dr. Devinder Dhawan: Professor at Panjab University, India
Prof. D.K. Dhawan is a highly respected figure in the field of biophysics and nuclear medicine with over 38 years of research and teaching experience. Having served as Professor and Chairperson in the Department of Biophysics at Panjab University, he has made significant contributions to nuclear medicine, cancer biotechnology, and toxicology. He is known for his work in radioactive trimer complexes for tumor detection and has authored over 240 research papers, many of which are highly cited. A patent holder for his innovative work in cancer diagnostics, he is actively engaged in mentoring young researchers and has supervised over 49 Ph.D. theses. Prof. Dhawan’s leadership extends beyond research into academic administration and the development of specialized programs at the university.
Online Profiles
Citations
Prof. Dhawan has accumulated a total of 1604 citations, with 838 from international journals, reflecting the widespread impact of his research in nuclear medicine and cancer biotechnology.
h-index
His h-index is 25, indicating that 25 of his publications have been cited at least 25 times. For international journals, his h-index is 18.
i10-index
Prof. Dhawan has an i10-index of 44, with 30 for international publications, signifying consistent citation of his work across global research communities.
Education
Prof. Dhawan completed his Ph.D. in Biophysics at the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, in 1984, where he began his academic career in the realm of medical radiation. Before pursuing his Ph.D., he earned a Post Graduate Diploma in Medical Radioisotope Techniques (DMRIT) from Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Mumbai (1979). Additionally, he holds an M.Sc. in Biophysics (Honours School) from Panjab University, which provided the foundation for his in-depth studies in biomedical sciences and nuclear medicine. His academic training laid the groundwork for his subsequent research into tumor biology, radioisotopes, and diagnostic imaging.
Research Focus
Prof. Dhawan’s research spans nuclear medicine, cancer biotechnology, toxicology, and radioisotope development. His work has been instrumental in developing radioactive tracers and imaging agents for tumor detection, focusing on innovative methods to improve diagnostic precision and early detection. His contributions in cancer biotechnology are especially significant in understanding the role of zinc in cancer prevention and diabetes management. Additionally, Prof. Dhawan has focused on exploring the toxicity of various chemicals and their impact on cellular functions, especially in relation to neurochemistry and radiation-induced damage. He has contributed to understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying cancer chemoprevention, which has broader implications in both clinical and preventive medicine.
Experience
Prof. Dhawan’s professional journey spans over 38 years, with significant roles in both academic and research administration. He served as Professor and Chairperson of the Department of Biophysics at Panjab University and was instrumental in establishing and leading the Centre for Nuclear Medicine and the Centre for Medical Physics at the university. His leadership helped shape the university’s research direction and the academic programs in these specialized areas. Prof. Dhawan’s involvement in interdisciplinary research is evident in his collaboration with institutions like the PGIMER, Chandigarh, and various national and international research bodies. Throughout his career, he has mentored numerous students, contributing significantly to the training of scientists in the fields of biophysics and nuclear medicine.
Research Timeline & Activities
Prof. Dhawan’s research has been evolving over the last four decades, with a primary focus on nuclear medicine and biomedical research. His career began with an exploration of medical radioisotopes at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, followed by his doctoral research at PGIMER, Chandigarh. In 2007, he established the Centre for Nuclear Medicine at Panjab University, marking a major milestone in his career. Over the years, Prof. Dhawan has led more than 18 funded research projects, working with organizations like ICMR, UGC, and CSIR. He has published over 240 research articles, and his research has shaped advancements in the use of radioactive tracers and imaging technologies in medicine. His work also includes significant contributions to cancer biology, particularly in areas involving tumor detection and prevention.
Awards & Honors
Prof. Dhawan’s excellence in research has earned him several prestigious awards, including the Best Researcher Award from Panjab University in 2018 and the M.K. Nambiar Oration Award from the Indian Association of Biomedical Scientists in 2017. He was awarded the Golden Scroll of Excellence by the International Biographical Centre, Cambridge, UK, and has received numerous best paper awards at international conferences, including the Medical Olympiad held in Greece. His contributions have been globally recognized through International Fellowships with organizations like the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), allowing him to further his research at leading institutions like Baylor Medical Centre, USA. Additionally, he received the Rashtriya Gaurav Award for his contributions to science in 2010.
Top Noted Publication
One of Prof. Dhawan’s most groundbreaking contributions is his patented work on the “Radioactive Trimer Complex for Tumor Detection”. This innovation, patented by the Government of India (Patent No. 306804, 2019), has immense potential for early cancer detection through advanced radiopharmaceuticals. Another highly cited work is his research on zinc‘s role in diabetes prevention and chemoprevention in cancer, published in leading international journals. Additionally, his studies on prostate cancer detection using 99mTc-17-oximino as a diagnostic probe have received widespread recognition in the field of medical imaging and radiology, offering new avenues for non-invasive diagnostics and targeted therapies.
Cross-talk between gluten, intestinal microbiota, and intestinal mucosa in celiac disease: Recent advances and basis of autoimmunity
AM Chander, H Yadav, S Jain, SK Bhadada, DK Dhawan
Published in Frontiers in Microbiology, 9:2597 (2018)
Citations: 97
This study explores the complex interplay between gluten, the intestinal microbiota, and the mucosal immune system in the context of celiac disease.
Development of Lu-177-trastuzumab for radioimmunotherapy of HER2 expressing breast cancer and its feasibility assessment in breast cancer patients
P Bhusari, R Vatsa, G Singh, M Parmar, A Bal, DK Dhawan, BR Mittal, …
Published in International Journal of Cancer, 140(4):938-947 (2017)
Citations: 86
This paper investigates the use of Lu-177-trastuzumab for targeted radioimmunotherapy in HER2-positive breast cancer, assessing its clinical feasibility.
Zinc improves antioxidative enzymes in red blood cells and hematology in lithium-treated rats
A Malhotra, DK Dhawan
Published in Nutrition Research, 28(1):43-50 (2008)
Citations: 77
The research shows how zinc supplementation boosts antioxidant enzyme activity in red blood cells and improves hematological parameters in lithium-treated rats.
Study to evaluate molecular mechanics behind synergistic chemo-preventive effects of curcumin and resveratrol during lung carcinogenesis
A Malhotra, P Nair, DK Dhawan
Published in PLoS One, 9(4):e93820 (2014)
Citations: 72
This work examines the combined chemo-preventive effects of curcumin and resveratrol against lung carcinogenesis.
Over-Expression of Cyclooxygenase-2 in Colorectal Cancer Patients
RR Negi, SV Rana, V Gupta, R Gupta, V Dani, KKP Chadha, DK Dhawan
Published in Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention, 20(6):1675-1681 (2013)
Citations: 66
This study highlights the role of COX-2 overexpression in colorectal cancer and its potential as a therapeutic target.