Dr Hima Bindu Kudapa is a molecular breeder, leading efforts on Genomics, Prebreeding & Bioinformatics in chickpea, finger millet and other small millets at ICRISAT. Before joining ICRISAT in 2010, Dr Kudapa worked at the ICAR-Indian Institute of Rice Research (IIRR), Hyderabad, India. With a basic background in molecular genetics and applied genomics, Dr Kudapa’s key research contributions include developing and deploying genomic resources and tools such as reference genomes, re-sequencing, gene expression atlas, functional genomics, sequencing-based trait mapping, discovery of candidate genes, superior haplotypes, diagnostic markers, quality control panel and cost-effective genotyping assays for enhancing the use of molecular markers in routine breeding.
Dr Kudapa’s research efforts aimed at understanding molecular basis of biotic/ abiotic stresses and nutritional traits in legumes and cereals through next generation genomics approaches. Dr Kudapa made a significant contribution in training next generation of researchers/scientists. Based on Dr Kudapa's research output and impact, she has been conferred with- Women Excellence Award - 2018 by Science and Engineering Research Board, Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India (GOI); Associate Fellow of the Telangana Academy of Sciences – 2018; Indian National Science Academy (INSA) Medal for Young Scientist -2015; National Academy of Sciences, India (NASI)-Young Scientist Platinum Jubilee Award-2015 and INSA INSPIRE Faculty Award- by DST, GOI – 2011.
Areas of expertise: Next generation sequencing, whole genome re-sequencing, pre-breeding, decision support tools, transcriptomics, breeding modernization and data analysis.