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MetaBioSys Group

Integrated Omics, Bioinformatics, and AI Lab

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Candidates interested in postdoctoral position, PhD or project position can send their detailed CV to vineetks@iiserb.ac.in

Our Team


Dr. Vineet K Sharma
Professor, Dept. of Biological Sciences,
Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Bhopal, India


I obtained my PhD in Bioinformatics and Biomedical Sciences from Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, New Delhi in 2006. I briefly worked as a Postdoctoral Researcher at RIKEN, Yokohama, Japan and then worked as a Scientist. I joined IISER Bhopal in July 2011. The focus of my lab is to gain functional insights into the healthy and diseased human microbiome in Indian and other populations. We have carried out the largest gut microbiome and scalp microbiome study in the Indian population. We also employ machine learning and artificial intelligence approaches to carry out the large-scale human gut data analysis and develop new algorithms and software using the BIG data of Biology. For the first time in the world, we have sequenced significant bird, animal and plant genomes including Peacock, Indian Tiger (from India), Turmeric, Giloy, Aloe vera, Banyan tree, Peepal tree, Jamun, Water Hyacinth, Amla, Custard apple, Indian cows. I also founded the Innovation and Incubation Centre of Entrepreneurship (IICE) and established a DBT Bioinformatics Centre, and NGS sequencing facility at IISER Bhopal.

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Selected publications
• XenoBug: Machine learning based tool to predict pollutant degrading enzymes from environmental metagenome. NAR Genomics and Bioinformatics 2025.
• GutBug: A tool for prediction of human gut bacteria mediated biotransformation of biotic and xenobiotic molecules using machine learning. Journal of Molecular Biology, 2023
• Genome sequencing of turmeric provides evolutionary insights into its medicinal properties. Communications Biology. 2021
• Western and non-western gut microbiomes reveal new roles of Prevotella in carbohydrate metabolism and mouth-gut axis. Biofilms and Microbiomes, 2021.
• Association of Flavonifractor plautii, a Flavonoid-Degrading Bacterium, with the Gut Microbiome of Colorectal Cancer Patients in India. mSystems. 2019.
• The unique composition of Indian gut microbiome, gene catalogue and associated faecal metabolome deciphered using multi-omics approaches. GigaScience. 2018.
• Genome Sequence of the Tsetse Fly (Glossina morsitans): Vector of African Trypanosomiasis. International GlossinaGenome Initiative. Science. 2014.
• Complete genome sequences of rat and mouse segmented filamentous bacteria, a potent inducer of th17 cell differentiation. Cell Host Microbe (Cover page). 2011.
• MetaBioME: a database to explore commercially useful enzymes in metagenomic datasets. Nucleic Acids Research. 2010.
• Genome of an Endosymbiont Coupling N2 Fixation to Cellulolysis Within Protist Cells in Termite Gut. Science. 2008.
• Complete genome of the uncultured Termite Group 1 bacteria in a single host protist cell. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 2008.




PhD Students


Sudhir Kumar, PhD Student
I joined Metagenomics and Systems Biology Laboratory in August 2019 after my M.Sc. in Biotechnology from University of Allahabad. I have worked on Physiological and Biochemical effects of heavy metal stress on Cyanobacteria and molecular marker based genotyping. Here I will be involved in sequencing and analysis of Eukaryotic genomes. I am interested in wildlife conservation and ecology. I like reading and listening to songs.


Deepika Pateriya, PhD Student
I joined MetaBioSys lab in August 2020 as a PhD student after completing my M.Sc in Zoology (Majoring in Molecular and Human Genetics) from Banaras Hindu University. My previous work experience is primarily in experimental biology having worked with mouse and fly models. Currently, I am involved in understanding the human microbiome using computational and experimental approches. When I am not busy in lab, I enjoy playing Basketball, Volleyball, singing and writing poetry.


Manohar Singh Bisht, PhD Student
I joined the lab in August 2021 as a PhD student after completing my Master's from the Department of Botany, University of Delhi, where I explored sewage microbial community structure data. Currently, my area of research is to analyse metagenomic and genomic data by employing computational appraoches. Besides that, I love to read and explore new places.


Mitali Singh, PhD Student
I joined the MetaBioSys lab in August 2021 and here I'll be studying skin and gut microbiome. I did my bachelor's and master's in Zoology from Banaras Hindu University. During my Master's dissertation work, I studied insect immunity and their cancer therapeutic values. Besides science, I am interested in painting, photography and food.


Usha Longwani, PhD Student

I joined MetaBioSys lab in August 2022 as a doctoral student. I have completed my M.Sc. (2022) in Forensic Science from National Institute of Criminology and Forensic Science, Delhi. I am working on Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning approaches for analysing and understanding microbiome. I like to dance, play badminton and watch movies.


Martin Abraham Puthumana, PhD Student

I joined MetaBioSys lab in January 2024 as Phd Scholar. I completed my M.Sc. Botany from St. Berchmans College (Autonomous) affiliated to Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerala. Currently, my area of research is genomic data analysis using machine learning approaches. Apart from my academia, I am interested in listening to music and watching movies and sports. I enjoy playing basketball.


Siddhant Mahato, PhD Student

Hello, I hopped on the journey with this lab in August 2024 after completing my Integrated MSc from NISER, Bhubaneswar. Here, I am interested in unraveling the mysteries of host-microbial interactions through the application of AI and ML. When not decoding nature's secrets, you can find me capturing life's fleeting moments through the lens, diving deep into coding adventures, or enjoying the strategic essence of cricket.


Vanshika Srivastava, PhD Student
I joined MetaBioSys Lab in August 2024 as a PhD student. I had completed my MSc from Jawaharlal Nehru University in Computational and Integrative Science(2021-23). After then, I had gained experience in Metagenomics analysis as a Project Associate in CSIR-IGIB lab. I love to do swimming, sketching, painting, digital art,and travelling to the new places.


Bayasis M Sharma, PhD Student
I joined the lab in August 2024. I completed my master's from OUAT, Bhubaneswar in Microbiology in 2021. My love for this subject and the necessity to study it has encouraged me to pursue a Ph.D degree. Here I will be working on metabolomes associated with Microbiome. I don't have any hobbies, rather have a passion for the game of basketball and I have represented my state and university at the national level. Being an Odia, I am a foodie and like to explore different cultures and the food of our country. Jay Jagannath!!



BS-MS Students

Sonal Sharma, M.Sc. Student
In May 2024, I joined the MetaBioSys Lab as an Msc student, where I am currently working on my master's thesis. My research is focused on the human gut microbiome and various aspects of metagenomics. Specifically, I am interested in understanding the composition and function of gut microbiota, their role in human health and disease, and the potential for therapeutic interventions through microbiome modulation.I hold a bachelor's degree from the Central University of Rajasthan. Beyond my academic pursuits, I love to read and travel.


Laya Benny, BS-MS Student
Though often invisible, microbes dominate all of Earth’s ecosystems, and while their interactions with us can lead to diseases, they also offer significant advantages. Fascinated by such marvels of Microbiology, I joined the MetaBioSys lab in May 2024 for my MS Thesis project, which focuses on the Human Gut Microbiome. I study various microorganisms to identify those that can positively impact health and well-being. Besides my ongoing research, I enjoy reading fiction, traveling, and music.


Lopamudra Kashyap, BS-MS Student
I joined the MetaBioSys Lab in May 2024 for my thesis project, focusing on isolating various gut microbial strains and exploring how different dietary structures impact metabolomic conditions. This opportunity perfectly aligns with my long standing interest in cell culturing and gut microbiota, allowing me to refine my experimental lab skills in a structured and well-guided environment. During my non-working hours I really enjoy listening to music and reading.


Kavya Katara, BS-MS Student
I joined the Metabiosys Lab in May 2024 to explore the different types of microbes in the human gut and how they vary across the world. With a strong interest in learning computational biology and AI-ML, this lab offered me the perfect opportunity to dive deeper into these fields. In my free time, I enjoy social volunteering, powerlifting, reading books, and sketching.


Varun Ajit Nair, BS-MS Student
I joined the MetaBioSys lab in August 2024 to pursue my master's thesis. I am interested in using machine learning methods to investigate microbiome-host interactions.



Abhijith M G, BS-MS Student
I joined the MetaBioSys lab in August 2024 as an MS Thesis student. My current area of research is Metabolomics. Apart from my academic work, I enjoy playing and watching football, and I’m interested in watching movies.



Past Members of our Lab
Dr. Aditya Sanjay Malwe, as PhD Student >> Currently Postdoctoral Researcher at Section of Hologenomics, University Copenhagen, Denmark
Dr. Abhisek Chakraborty, as PhD Student >> Currently Postdoctoral Researcher at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Germany
Dr. Shruti Mahajan, as PhD Student >> Currently Postdoctoral Researcher at Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznan, Poland
Dr. Vishnu Prasoodanan P.K., as PhD Student >> Currently Postdoctoral Researcher at Umea University
Dr. Shubham K. Jaiswal, as PhD Student >> Currently working in a AI based multinational company
Dr. Parul Mittal, as PhD Student >> Currently Scientist, L&T India
Dr. Darshan Dhakan, as PhD Student >> Curently Postdoctoral Researcher at Champalimaud Foundation
Dr. Rituja Saxena, as PhD Student >> Currently Specialist-Life Sciences, Merck Group, Bangalore
Dr. Ankit Gupta, as PhD Student >> Currently Lead Research Engineer at Siemens Healthineers Bengaluru
Dr. Ashok K Sharma, as PhD Student >> Currently Postdoctoral Researcher at University of Minnesota
Dr. Sanjiv Kumar, as Postdoctoral Fellow >> Currently Postdoctoral Researcher at University of Connecticut Health Center
Dr. Sudheer Gupta, as Postdoctoral Fellow >> Currently Research Scientist at AIIMS Bhopal
Dr. Abhijit Maji, as Postdoctoral Fellow >> Currently Postdoctoral Researcher at South Dakota State University
Sonia Vidushi Gupta, as Project Assistant >> Current a PhD at University of South Florida, USA
Ankita Roy, as BS-MS Student >> Currently a PhD Student at University of Georgia, USA
Dipesh Chothwe, as BS-MS Student >> Currently a PhD Student at TIFR, Mumbai
Vibhuti Shastri, as BS-MS Student >> Current a PhD Student at IISc, Banglore
Harish K, as BS-MS Student >> Currently Project Student at CCMB, Hyderabad
Prashant Waiker, Project Student >> Currently a PhD Student at University of North Carolina, USA
Midhun K Madhu, as BS-MS Student >> Currently a PhD Student at IISER Bhopal
Nikhil Chaudhary, as BS-MS Student >> Currently an Entrepreneur
Pratik Labhane, as BS-MS Student >> Currently working as Bank Manager
Rohan Kapil, as BS-MS Student >> Preparing for Civil Services
Enosh Philips, as MTech Student >> Currently a Faculty at St. Aloysius college
Bhavya Revathy, as BS-MS Student >> Pursuing MBA at IIM Shilong
Nistharsha D R, as BS-MS Student>> Pursuing MBA from IIM Lucknow
Parikshit Thoudam, as BS-MS Student >> Qualified Civil Services, now an IAS officer in North East India
Shreya Gupta, as BS-MS Student >> Pursuing MBA from Ivey London and Canada
Gopal Narayan Srivastava, as BS-MS Student and JRF >> Currently a PhD Student at Ohio State University
Ashwathi Panayanthatta, as BS-MS Student and Project JRF >> Currently a PhD Student at Helmholtz Zentrum Munich, Germany
Akhilesh Khamkar, as BS-MS Student>> Pursuing PhD from IISc Bangalore
Shitij Manojkumar Agarwal, as BS-MS Student >> Pursuing MBA at XLRI
Shruti S. Menon, as BS-MS Student >> Currently a PhD Student at South Dakota State University
Tejas Somvanshi, as BS-MS Student >> Currently a PhD Student at Aalto University, Finland
Jatin Khaimani, as BS-MS Student>> Working at Nalagenetics, Singapore
Subhisha Raj, as BS-MS Student>> Pursuing PhD from Central University of Tamil Nadu
Titas Sil, as BS-MS Student>> Pursuing PhD from University of Oregan, USA
Madhubani Dey, as BS-MS Student >> Currently a PhD Student at University of Gottingen, Germany
Trisha Arora, as BS-MS Student >> Currently a PhD Student at Eurecat technology centre,Spain
Pallavi Gupta, as BS-MS Student >> Currently a PhD Student at IIT Delhi
Samuel Mondal, as BS-MS Student >> Currently a PhD Student at University of Basel
Deeksha Kale, as BS-MS Student >> Pursuing MSc Management at University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
Tanvi Bramhankar, as BS-MS Student >> Pursuing PGDM (RM) at IRMA