Mr. Sumit Basu

Executive Director (Polymer), Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL)

Dr. Rao is a protein engineer and molecular microbiologist with over 15 years of research experience. She is recognized for her discoveries of rare bacterial enzymes and for successfully launching a microbial agricultural product. Dr. Rao has led 22 R&D projects, filed over 15 patents (seven granted & copyrights), and published more than 50 international papers. With over 15 awards and fellowships to her name, she was recognized as one of the “Women Scientist Achievers” in CSIR laboratories in 2023.

Currently, Dr. Rao heads the Science & Standards & Regulations divisions at FSSAI and works with over 250 experts for developing standards, guidance documents, codes of practice and regulations for enhancing food safety in the country. She also serves as the Nodal officer with Codex Alimentarius Commission and Enquiry Point for WTO-SPS Committee.