Dr. Sanjay Kumar holds a Master's degree from G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, and a Ph.D. from the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi. He received post- doctoral training at Texas Tech University (USA), Rothamsted Research (UK), and Kansas State University (USA). He joined CSIR–Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (CSIR-IHBT), Palampur (HP) as Scientist in 1990 and superannuated as Director of the same institute in 2023; also, during this period, held additional charge as Director of CSIR-IGIB, CSIR-CSIO, and Head of CSIR-HRDG. Currently, Chairman, Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board, New Delhi; President, Indian Society of Plant Physiologists.

Research: Major contributions include (i) discovery and transplantation of a novel carbon fixation pathway to minimize photorespiratory losses, leading to enhanced photosynthetic efficiency and yield (work lauded by the international scientific fraternity), (ii) discovery, characterization, and modification of an autoclavable superoxide dismutase from a high-altitude plant, (iii) deciphering plant adaptation mechanisms at high altitude, mechanisms of prickle formation in rose, winter dormancy and drought stress in tea, and understanding plant–microbe interactions, to quote some. His contributions on genome and transcriptome sequencing of Himalayan plants and microbes to decipher adaptive mechanisms and secondary metabolite synthesis are valuable.

Guided 30 MSc/PhD students, holds international patents, and more than 210 research/review articles, book chapters, and books, etc. Key contributions have percolated to books and major reviews as well.

New initiatives: Vitalised several initiatives for empowering society/farmers, which include successful procurement and introduction of asafoetida (Heeng), tulip production technology, monk fruit, and Russian varieties of sea buckthorn in the country; introduction of saffron, cinnamon, liquorice (Mulethi) in Himachal Pradesh; lilium in Ladakh; and apple in the North Eastern Region; technologies for waste management and vitamin D-enriched Shiitake mushroom production; combating malnutrition, preserving traditional knowledge, and conserving biodiversity. Promoted aromatics in mountain farming systems that positioned Himachal Pradesh as the top state in the country for producing essential oil of wild marigold. Coordinated multi-institutional projects of CSIR as Director of Agri, Nutri and Biotech Theme, as well as Nutraceuticals and Nutritionals Missions.

Entrepreneurship development: With a strong emphasis on the bioeconomy, the number of technologies and products developed at CSIR-IHBT surged to 85 (2015–2023); several of these were commercialized to ensure their availability in the market. He pioneered the establishment of a startup culture, resulting in the launch of 56 ventures in the institute. The rise of entrepreneurial activity significantly increased industry collaborations, as evidenced by the 8-fold increase in MoUs, agreements, and MTAs signed (from 110 during 1984–2014 to 995 during 2015–2023).

Recognitions: Fellow of INSA, NASI, NAAS, Crop Improvement Society of India; Honorary Fellow ISPGR, CHAI-Honoured Fellow by the Confederation of Horticulture Associations of India. Bestowed with the prestigious VASVIK Industrial Research Award; INSA Young Scientist Award; Certificate of Merit in CSIR Leadership Programme; Ultra International Team Award; Lifetime Achievement Award by MOBILIZATION; R.D. Asana Endowment Lecture Award; Professor G.V. Joshi Memorial Lecture Award; Prof. Shri Ranjan Memorial Lecture Award; Dr S.K. Talpatra Memorial Oration by DUVASU, Mathura; Dr Subodh Kumar and Mamata Mukherjee Memorial Award by SFE; Dr D.S. Athwal Memorial Lecture Award by ISPGR, and Recipient of the Outstanding Alumnus Award from both G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology (for CBSH) and the Indian Agricultural Research Institute.

With a relentless approach to quality science and technology development, led CSIR-IHBT to attain the top position in the state and be ranked among the top 10 institutes of CSIR as per the SCImago rating.