Translational Research Laboratory

People

Founder and Head of the Laboratory

Dr. Indraneel Mittra

MBBS, PhD (London), FRCS (England), FASc, FNA

Indraneel Mittra is the Dr. Ernest Borges Chair in Translational Research and Professor Emeritus in the Department of Surgical Oncology, Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai.

Indraneel Mittra is one of India's leading cancer surgeons, public health researchers, and basic scientists, with a career spanning over six decades.

For further information, please click on the link below
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indraneel_Mittra (opens in a new tab)

Dr. Indraneel Mittra, 2025 — **2025** State-of-the-art lecture British Association of Surgical Oncology, 87th Annual Scientific Conference, London

“We have been trying to kill cancer cells for 2,500 years, since the time of the ancient Greeks, without success. Maybe it is time to look at cancer treatment differently and work towards healing tumours, rather than annihilating them”
— Dr. Indraneel Mittra

Our Research Team

Gorantla Venkata Raghuram, PhD

Scientific Officer

Raghuram, a cell biologist and molecular cytogeneticist, joined TRL in 2016. He studies circulating nucleic acids in ageing, chronic diseases, and cancer. With a PhD in Life Sciences and postdoctoral training under Prof. Indraneel Mittra, he leads translational research, mentors trainees, develops biomarker strategies, and manages the laboratory’s fluorescence microscopy facility. He has authored over 50 peer-reviewed research publications.

Snehal Shabrish, PhD

Scientific Officer

Snehal is an immunologist with 17 years of experience. She earned her PhD from the University of Mumbai and completed postdoctoral research at ICMR–National Institute of Immuno-haematology under the SERB-DST Young Scientist Scheme. Since joining TRL in 2019, her research has focused on cell-free chromatin-induced DNA damage, immune regulation, cancer and other pathological conditions, and novel therapeutic approaches.

Naveen Kumar Khare, M.Sc

Scientific Officer

Naveen joined TRL in 2010 and is its longest-serving member. His research focuses on isolating and quantifying circulating chromatin, DNA labeling, cytokine assays, and DNA isolation from clinical samples. He plays a key role in laboratory management and administration, oversees daily operations, and mentors JRFs, SRFs, and trainees, supporting the laboratory’s research and training programmes.

Ashish Pawar, M.Sc

Scientific Officer

Ashish holds a Master’s degree in Biotechnology and joined TRL as a Junior Research Fellow in 2020, becoming a Scientific Officer in 2024. Experienced in immunofluorescence and molecular biology techniques, he assists Professor Indraneel Mittra with scientific manuscript preparation and also contributes to laboratory administration, research coordination, and the day-to-day management of the laboratory’s research activities.

Relestina Lopes, M.Sc

Scientific Assistant

Relestina joined TRL in 2020 as a Junior Research Fellow, progressed to Senior Research Fellow, and is now a Scientific Assistant. With over six years of experience in translational cancer research, she is in-charge of the cell culture laboratory and supports the group's research. Her expertise includes cell culture methodologies and the maintenance, characterization, and management of diverse cell lines.

Sushma Shinde, M.Sc

Scientific Assistant

Sushma joined TRL in 2017 and has over 14 years of experience in preclinical and translational cancer research. With an MSc in Biochemistry, she previously worked at Tata Memorial Centre’s Molecular Epidemiology and Molecular Pathology Department. Sushma oversees all animal experimentation in the laboratory. Her expertise includes murine models, molecular and cellular biology, biomarker studies, and immune profiling.

Sudarshan Khedekar, B.Sc

Lab Technician

Sudarshan joined TRL in 2022 and has expertise in molecular biology, cell culture, and laboratory management. A Biotechnology graduate from the University of Mumbai, he previously worked at Molecular Pathlabs, contributing to COVID-19 diagnostics and laboratory operations. At TRL, he conducts preclinical animal studies, manages laboratory procurement, and supports the lab’s translational research and novel therapeutic strategies.

Some who departed for greener pastures

Pradyumna Kumar Mishra, PhD

Scientific Officer

2010-2013

Currently, Professor & Head, Division of Environmental Biotechnology, Genetics & Molecular Biology ICMR-National Institute for Research in Environmental Health, Bhopal

Kavita Pal, PhD

Scientific Officer

2015 – 2022

Currently, Consultant- Research and Innovation, ALWIS Solutions, Milton Keynes, and Visiting Lecturer, School of Life Sciences, University of Bedfordshire, Luton, UK

Our Research Group Over the Years

Since its inception, nearly 100 Research Fellows and Research Interns have worked in the lab. Each has contributed to the lab's research development, bringing us to where we are today. The group photographs below are intended to tell the story of how the lab has developed since 2009 and to provide snapshots of groups over time.

Click any photograph to enlarge it.

Translational Research Laboratory — 2025 — 2025

Translational Research Laboratory — 2019 — 2019

Translational Research Laboratory — 2015 — 2015

Translational Research Laboratory — 2013 — 2013

Translational Research Laboratory — New Year gathering 2025 — New Year gathering 2025