Educational Background
- B.Sc. (Hons) in Chemistry: Delhi University (1970-1973), Recipient of the National Science Talent Scholarship (1970-1979).
- M.Sc. Chemistry: IIT Bombay (1973–1975)
- Ph.D. (Biochemistry): CSIR - Central Food Technology Research Institute, affiliated with Mysore University (1980).
- GOI Scholarship Abroad: Department of Biochemistry, Imperial College of Science and Technology, UK, London (1979-1982).
Key Professional Roles and Contributions
- Pioneer of Biotechnology in India: Significant impact on school education, university education, industry, and CSIR national laboratories.
- Vice Chancellor, Nagaland University (A Central University): August 2006 to July 2011, where he established the first professional courses including the School of Engineering and Technology and School of Management.
- Professor and Founder Dean of Biotechnology, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (GGSIPU), New Delhi: 1999 to October 2017 (Superannuated). He established the first modern Biotechnology curriculum at GGSIPU, which became a highly popular program.
- Scientist C, Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (Hyderabad): 1982 to 1986, where he established a state-of-the-art protein sequencing lab.
- Reader (Associate Professor), University of Pune, Maharashtra: 1986-1988, established one of the first post-graduate programs in Biotechnology in India.
- Director, Span Research Centre and Manager, Span Diagnostics Pvt LTD, Surat: 1988-1993, developing diagnostic products and initiating the area of Stem cell biology in the diagnostic industry.
- General Manager and Associate Director of Biotechnology and Diagnostics, Ranbaxy, New Delhi: 1993-1997, established biotechnology R&D and developed the first highly sensitive AIDS detection kit in 1994.
- Advisor and Consultant: Mahaan Proteins (1997-1999) and DSS Image Tech (1997-1999).
- Dean Students Welfare (1999-2001) and Director Students Welfare (2001-2006), GGSIPU.
- Chairman Library Committee, GGSIPU: 1999-2006.
- National Convenor Biotechnology for CBSE: 2002-2008, actively involved in promoting Biotechnology and was editor and contributor of "A Text Book of Biotechnology" for classes XI and XII.
- Elected as a Fellow of the Bhoovigyan Vikas Foundation (2005).
- Regular contributor to leading newspapers and media.
- Founder of Anugoonj, a major student festival at GGSIPU.
- Governing Board member of SPIC MACAY (2000 onwards).
- Advisor, Karpaga Institute of Medical Sciences, Tamil Nadu (2020 Onwards).
- Chair Professor Biotechnology at Manav Rachna International University (Jan 2020-April 2021).
- Advisor Research, Shobhit University, Meerut and Gangoh campus (April 2021 to date).
Major Research Achievements and Publications
Prof. Kannan is particularly noted for his path-breaking work on the molecule Ubiquitin.
- Internationally Recognized Original Contribution to the World (Ubiquitin and Stem Cells): He was the first to demonstrate an extracellular role for Ubiquitin, specifically identifying a ubiquitin-binding site on murine hemopoietic progenitor cells and its implication in homing and adhesion. This work was published in the British Journal of Haematology in 1993 and is considered a classic paper, cited in international reviews and American Hematology textbooks. His research suggested Ubiquitin could be a novel growth factor and potentiate other cytokines. This work was shortlisted for the Nobel Prize in 2004 for demonstrating the extracellular role of ubiquitin.
- Stem Cell Research: His work on stem cells, including techniques like FISH, CGH, and DNA array technology in fertilized embryos, has been presented at international conferences.
- Bioinformatics: Contributed to significant papers on Alu repeat analysis in the human genome and comparative analysis of protein sequences from complete genomes using novel tools.
- Protein Purification & Characterization: Developed mild and rapid purification procedures for Ubiquitin and worked on the characterization of various enzymes and proteins.
- Development of Techniques: Developed methods for functionalization of cellulose membrane for immobilization of biomolecules and heat-mediated ELISA procedures.
- Natural Products: Researched radioprotective mechanisms and insect antifeedants.
- Sustainable Development: Authored a chapter on "Sustainable Development: A New Social Contract for Science & Technology.
- Patenting: Contributed to publications on procedural aspects of patenting living forms.
- Biochemical Engineering: Researched simulation of enzyme denaturation.
- Microbiology: Published on the inhibition of Salmonella Typhimurium by probiotic Lactobacillus Rhamnosus GG.
Mentorship and Academic Leadership
He has successfully guided numerous Ph.D., M.Phil., M.Sc.., B.Tech., and MTech. students, many of whom have gone on to achieve significant success in academia and industry both in India and abroad.
Other Notable Achievements
- Built a highly sensitive amino acid analyzer at CFTRI, Mysore, in the 1970s.
- Organized numerous lectures as Convenor of the Biochemical Society at Imperial College, London, including inviting Nobel Laureate Dr. Fred Sanger.
- Developed the first commercial product of whey protein concentrate from buffalo milk in 1998.
- Popularized the life and work of Dr. Yellapragada SubbaRow as a role model.
- Invited as a visiting Professor at the University of Sydney, Australia (2000).
- Biotechnology in India: Four Decades of Human Resource Development in India,(2024),Chapter 14, 351-366In Biotechnology in India: Reworking strategy,edited by George John, Amulya K Panda, Springer Verlag Nature
