With his extensive expertise, Prof. Vinay has made significant contributions to biotechnology, serving at prestigious institutions like IIT Roorkee and Banasthali Vidyapeeth. He is also a visiting professor at the University of Central Florida. Throughout his career, he has received numerous prestigious fellowships and awards for his work in the field.

Professor Vinay Sharma serves as the Dean of Research and Director of the Amity Institute of Biotechnology. In his role, he oversees all research and innovation initiatives at Amity University, Rajasthan. He is responsible for monitoring research activities, guiding students in R&D projects, patent filings, and research publications. Additionally, he supervises the PhD programme in accordance with UGC guidelines.

As the Director of Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Professor Sharma oversees overseas teaching, research, and administrative operations for both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, as well as research activities. The school boasts a faculty of 27 highly trained teachers, many of whom hold PhDs from prestigious universities in India and abroad. Many faculty members also serve as visiting professors at universities both in the country and abroad, further enriching the academic environment and expertise available to students.

At Amity School of Biotechnology, a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs are offered, including BTech in Biotechnology, Bioinformatics, and Food Technology, as well as BSc in Biotechnology. Postgraduate options include an MSc in Food Technology and Biotechnology and an MTech in Biotechnology. Additionally, research programmes such as PhDs in Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Food Technology, Nanoscience, and Nanotechnology are available.

Professor Vinay proudly highlights Amity's significant contributions to both research and the field of biotechnology. The institution boasts a strong research publication profile, reflected in various parameters such as H-index, Google Scholar index, patents filed, granted, and commercialised, as well as startup initiatives. Amity hosts approximately 600 scholars enrolled in PhD programmes spanning diverse fields including management, liberal arts, law, engineering, and architecture. PhD candidates are required to have completed two research programmes or hold a patent before submitting their thesis, with over 200 scholars having already received their PhD degrees.

Amity University, Rajasthan, is acclaimed as one of the best institutions in Northern India, with programmes consistently ranking among the top ten in the country. The school is committed to providing cutting-edge biotechnology education with a strong emphasis on industry connections. Their curriculum aims to equip undergraduates with up-to-date knowledge and practical skills, ensuring they are industry-ready upon graduation. Many alumni pursue further education abroad, while others find success in research, industry, and academia. Amity has established strong partnerships with industries and academic institutions, enabling graduates to excel in various sectors.

Originally from Meerut, Western Uttar Pradesh, Professor Vinay Sharma completed his graduation, post-graduation, and PhD from Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Meerut. His exceptional research performance led to his selection by the UGC for a post-doctorate abroad under the German Academic Exchange Service programme. Following the completion of his PhD, he secured the prestigious scholarship and spent three years conducting research in Germany. Upon his return to India, he applied for the position of Assistant Professor at IIT Roorkee and was successfully appointed.

During the establishment of the Department of Biotechnology in India, only six programmes were launched with support to provide an MSc degree in biotechnology, and IIT Roorkee was one of them. Professor Sharma began his career as an Assistant Professor at IIT Roorkee and was later promoted to Associate Professor. He stresses the importance of staying updated with cutting-edge technology and techniques in the field, as rapid advancements necessitate continuous learning and adaptation for career progression.

Professor Vinay Sharma embraced the challenge of working in the emerging field of biotechnology and made significant contributions to teaching and research. During his tenure at IIT Roorkee, he mentored 10 PhD scholars and eventually assumed the roles of Head of the Department and Professor at Banasthali Vidyapith, Rajasthan. As the Dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology, he had the opportunity to implement his innovative ideas, leading to substantial funding and government projects for the institute's Department of Biotechnology. Under his leadership, the department flourished into an excellent educational institution in the field of biotechnology.

Biotechnology has emerged as a crucial discipline, particularly highlighted by its role in the rapid development of vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic. India's contribution to vaccine development underscores the potential of biotechnology in the health, medical diagnosis, and agriculture sectors. The discipline offers vast opportunities, leveraging advanced tools for higher crop yields and contributing to India's agricultural transformation. Biotechnology is recognized as a non-polluting and environmentally friendly technology, appealing to aspiring youngsters. With increasing environmental concerns and global warming, biotechnology holds promise for addressing these challenges and aligning with the sustainable development goals of the UN.

Professor Vinay Sharma highlights the significance of Bioinformatics, a collaboration between biotechnology and computer science that facilitates the interpretation and sequencing of human genomes. Biotechnology's pervasive influence across various sectors challenges the human mind's capacity and encourages individuals to explore this fascinating field.

Regarding role models, Professor Sharma says that while he doesn't cite specific role models, he underscores the value of maintaining a work-life balance to foster creativity and generate new ideas. He underscores the importance of balancing professional endeavours with social service.

In times of uncertainty, Professor Sharma advises connecting with one's heart to find the right answers.

Throughout his career, Professor Vinay Sharma has received numerous awards and fellowships, highlighting his contributions to the field of biotechnology. He was selected for the prestigious German Academic Exchange Fellowship early in his career and participated in the Indian National Science Academy programs in Hungary and Germany. He has engaged in collaborative research with a German professor, visiting India multiple times during their PhD programs. Additionally, he serves as a visiting professor at the University of Central Florida, collaborating with a renowned biotechnologist and editor-in-chief of Plant Biotechnology. Professor Sharma is a fellow of the National Academy of Sciences and has received several awards, including the Distinguished Scientist Award, the Professor BN Johri Award, and the Professor HS Srivastava Award from the Society for Plant Research in India. He was also recognized with the Young Scientist Award by the Indian Science Congress Association and is a member of the New York Academy of Sciences.

Professor Sharma encourages young enthusiasts to pursue biotechnology at the Amity Institute of Biotechnology, citing its variety of courses and research programmes, well-equipped laboratories, and excellent teaching faculty as invaluable resources for achieving their career goals in the field.