Professor at The Ohio State University, United States
Dr. Renukaradhya J. Gourapura (Aradhya) is a distinguished immunologist and professor at The Ohio State University, where he serves as the Director of the Center for Food Animal Health. With extensive expertise in viral immunology, vaccine development, and host-pathogen interactions, he has significantly contributed to veterinary and biomedical research. His work focuses on developing mucosal vaccines and nanoparticle-based adjuvants to enhance immune protection in food animals, addressing global challenges in animal health and food safety.
Professional Profile:
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Education Background
Dr. Gourapura earned his DVM (BVSc) and MVSc (Viral Immunology) from the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, India. He later pursued a PhD in Viral Immunology at the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore. To further his expertise, he completed a Postdoctoral Fellowship in Viral Immunology at Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, USA, where he specialized in immune response mechanisms and vaccine research.
Professional Development
Dr. Gourapura has held various prestigious roles in academia and research. He started his career as a Research Associate and Veterinary Officer in India before transitioning to advanced research in the United States. He joined The Ohio State University in 2008 as an Assistant Professor and progressed through academic ranks to become a Full Professor and Director of the Center for Food Animal Health in 2023. His work has been instrumental in shaping the field of food animal immunology, leading to novel vaccine strategies and advancements in infectious disease control.
Research Focus
His research primarily focuses on mucosal vaccine development, host-pathogen interactions, and immune response modulation in food animals. He is also actively engaged in nanoparticle-based adjuvant formulations to enhance vaccine efficacy. His interdisciplinary approach integrates immunology, virology, and biotechnology to develop innovative solutions for infectious disease prevention in animals.
Author Metrics:
Dr. Gourapura is a prolific researcher with 5,754 citations, an h-index of 40, and an i10-index of 103 as per Google Scholar. His impactful research contributions have been widely recognized, with numerous publications in high-impact journals covering immunology, virology, and vaccine development.
Awards and Honors:
Dr. Renukaradhya J. Gourapura has been widely recognized for his outstanding contributions to immunology and vaccine research. His accolades include:
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University Merit Fellowships & Gold Medals – Awarded three Gold Medals for Academic Excellence during his veterinary education in India.
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ICAR Research Fellowships – Recognized by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) for excellence in postgraduate research.
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Best Poster Awards – Received multiple awards for research presentations at Indiana University and various international conferences.
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Early Career Investigator Awards – Honored by the American Association of Immunologists (AAI) for his pioneering work in viral immunology.
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Junior Faculty Travel Awards – Sponsored by USDA/NIFA & AAVI to present his research findings at global scientific forums.
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Grant Awards & Recognitions – Secured competitive research grants from USDA, NIH, and private foundations, contributing to advancements in food animal immunology.
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Leadership Recognition – Appointed as Director of the Center for Food Animal Health at The Ohio State University in 2023, acknowledging his leadership in immunological research.
Publication Top Notes
1. “Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV): Pathogenesis and Interaction with the Immune System”
- Authors: JK Lunney, Y Fang, A Ladinig, N Chen, Y Li, B Rowland, GJ Renukaradhya, et al.
- Journal: Annual Review of Animal Biosciences, 2016
- Citations: 731
- Summary: A comprehensive review discussing the pathogenesis of PRRSV, its impact on the immune system, and strategies for vaccine development and disease control.
2. “Epidemiology, Zoonotic Aspects, Vaccination and Control/Eradication of Brucellosis in India”
- Authors: GJ Renukaradhya, S Isloor, M Rajasekhar
- Journal: Veterinary Microbiology, 2002
- Citations: 365
- Summary: This study explores the epidemiology of brucellosis in India, its zoonotic potential, and vaccination strategies for controlling and eradicating the disease.
3. “Type I NKT Cells Protect (and Type II NKT Cells Suppress) the Host’s Innate Antitumor Immune Response to a B-Cell Lymphoma”
- Authors: GJ Renukaradhya, MA Khan, M Vieira, W Du, J Gervay-Hague, et al.
- Journal: Blood, The Journal of the American Society of Hematology, 2008
- Citations: 192
- Summary: This research investigates the role of natural killer T (NKT) cells in regulating immune responses against B-cell lymphoma, providing insights into tumor immunity.
4. Evaluation of Safety, Immunogenicity, and Efficacy of Inactivated Reverse-Genetics-Based H5N8 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus Vaccine with Various Adjuvants”
- Authors: K Tabynov, A Kuanyshbek, L Yelchibayeva, K Zharmambet, GJ Renukaradhya, et al.
- Journal: Frontiers in Immunology, 2025
- Citations: 1
- Summary: This study assesses the efficacy of an H5N8 avian influenza vaccine, exploring different adjuvants to improve immunogenicity in poultry.
5. “Concurrent but Consecutive Vaccination of Modified Live PRRSV-1 and PRRSV-2 Provides Better Protection in Nursery Pigs”
- Authors: YS Lakshmanappa, P Shang, S Renu, S Dhakal, B Hogshead, Y Xiao, GJ Renukaradhya, et al.
- Journal: Veterinary Microbiology, 2025
- Summary: This research examines the protective effects of sequential vaccination against PRRSV strains in pigs, contributing to improved vaccine strategies for swine health.
Conclusion
Dr. Renukaradhya J. Gourapura is eminently deserving of the Best Researcher Award in Immunology. His body of work exemplifies:
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Deep scientific excellence,
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Societal relevance in animal and zoonotic health,
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Strategic leadership in research direction and vaccine innovation.
His contributions have not only advanced the academic field but have also had tangible implications for animal health, food safety, and public health globally. While minor opportunities for broader engagement exist, his qualifications and track record place him at the forefront of immunological research.
✅ Final Verdict: Highly Recommended for Best Researcher Award in Immunology.