Dr. Lalitha R. Gowda Dr. Lalitha R. Gowda is currently Chief Scientist & Head, Food Safety and Analytical Quality Control Laboratory of CSIR‐Central Food Technological Research Institute Mysore. As the Director of Referral Laboratory Mysore under FSSA (I) (previously Central Food Laboratory under PFA) she has the additional responsibility of import clearance and final say on the analysis of dispute samples. She obtained her Ph. D in Biochemistry from Baylor University Waco, Texas USA and has had Post doctoral training at the Department of Biochemistry Cambridge University UK. She has an impressive research record of very high caliber in biochemistry especially in the area of protein chemistry and has established a coherent and productive program of research on elucidating structure‐function relationships of plant proteins and has contributed significantly to the basic knowledge of enzymes. Her highly motivated, principle centered and result‐oriented high‐quality science in structural biology of plant proteins, food safety and biotechnology is evidenced by her publications in high impact journals. She has over 75 publications in international journals of repute and over 100 conference proceedings. She has been singularly instrumental in setting up a state‐of art laboratory and training personnel for the detection of genetically modified foods, which is operational. She has developed very efficient RP‐ HPLC and other analytical methods for the assay of the various biomolecules. She has chosen a research career in biological science and functions with an incisive approach, missionary zeal and gainfully applies her knowledge with confidence and varied experience to create a science‐centered working culture She believes her vision of doing research from the heart, has reached her graduate students/colleagues introducing them to the practice of principle‐centered research, the importance of ethical behavior, and perhaps most importantly work culture. She has guided seven students for their Ph. D and currently she is guiding five students for Ph. D in Biochemistry. Dr. Gowda has a special and devoted interest in teaching and has been a guest faculty for the M. Sc (Biotechnology) and M. Sc (Molecular Biology) of University of Mysore. She has coordinated several short term courses both in HPLC analytical method and detection of GMOs. The short term courses are part of the continuing education for technical staff from food and allied industries, academic and allied institutions, were focused to keep them updated on the current and emerging trends in analytical methods. These training programmes also provided a platform to interact and build a synergy with the industry. Towards the promotion of science at the undergraduate level has delivered several lectures in the colleges in and around Mysore. Dr. Gowda is a life member of several professional bodies. She is a member of Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC) the apex body of India which clears all research and approvals of genetically modified organisms. She is a member of the Scientific Panel on GMOs of FSSA(I). She has served on the Board of Examiners and Board of Studies of the Mysore University for post graduate courses. She is the recipient of several awards the most prestigious being the Sri Devi Memorial Gold Medal for the 1st rank in M. Sc (Biochemistry) from the erstwhile Madras University, Best Teaching Assistant Award from Baylor University, CFTRI Foundation Day award for the best research paper published consecutively for the past five years and the Sir C. V. Raman Young scientist award in Life Sciences from Karnataka Government.