“I feel humbled and honored to be rewarded and recognized for our work. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the jury members who have judged and shortlisted our paper to be one among top picks for the science quality. I sincerely thank TNQ organization, co-sponsor Cell Press and Prof. Anuranjan Anand for initiating inspiring science award from this year in addition to lecture series. I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to my mentor Dr. Soumen Basak, who actually introduced me to science & research in an unprecedented manner where I rediscovered my passion for science. And, also would like to thank fellow colleagues whose contribution holds a paramount significance for the study. Right from the seminal discovery of NF-κB in Prof. David Baltimore laboratory, researchers were perplexed to have a clear understanding of NF-κB signaling owing to its pleotropic effects. In our study, we aimed to comprehend NF-κB regulatory functions in a tissue microenvironment where a plethora of signaling cascades converge onto activation of NF-κB transcription factor. We appreciated a crosstalk between canonical and non-canonical NF-κB signaling that resulted in enhanced NF-κB activity and utilizing mouse bacterial colitis models, we were able to reveal that the crosstalk is essential for mounting adequate innate immune responses towards Citrobacter rodentium. We are now looking forward to screen human colon biopsies from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients for regulatory function of non-canonical NF-κB signaling. We hope that our work will open up new avenues for therapeutic intervention regulating inflammatory immunopathologies.

TNQ-Cell Press lecture series was started in 2009 with a motto of bridging the gap between Indian and international scientific community for overall growth of scientific society This initiative provides a great platform for young biologists to share ideas with eminent pioneers and leading experts of the socio- scientific community to promote, build and enhance Indian science. I myself witnessed immense success of these events for the past three years being part of it and had chance to listen to great speakers like Prof. Eric Lander (genomic medicine), Prof. Karl Deisseroth (neural circuits) and Prof. Huda Zoghbi (neurogenetics) which had immense impact over my scientific skills. Attending these lectures were always scientifically stimulating and inspirational to me and fellow scholars. It presented a new outlook with cutting edge advancements to imbibe new facets of science. Introduction of inspiring science award from this year will inspire more Indian young students and scientists. This award not only bestows appreciation for their scientific merit but also allows them to present their work through travel fellowship at an international stage. I acknowledge this would offer young fellows to get exposure, explore issues and structure a successful career in science. I feel work being cited through these events helps in further broadened community outreach of the research unlike the conventional system. Graduate student and postdoctoral community would greatly benefit of this prospect for their professional development in research career. I am grateful for being associated with the lecture series events and for the recognition of my research work by TNQ-cell press to provide motivation for accelerated scientific contribution. I would like to once again extend my appreciation towards TNQ-Cell Press for this honor.”