The Hindu Business Line : French honour for Avesthagen founder

Bangalore, April 21 Biotechnology company Avesthagen’s Founder-CMD, Dr Villoo Morawala-Patell, has been conferred France’s national award, Officer of the National Order of Merit.

The French Ambassador, Mr Jerome Bonnafont, is to present the award to Dr Patell at a felicitation ceremony in Bangalore on April 23, a release by the company said.

“This award acknowledges your great merits as a prominent figure in the scientific field in the entrepreneurship of your country, as the creator of Avesthagen. It is also a tribute to your cooperation with French scientists, your numerous and fruitful partnerships with major French industrial firms, and to the affection you have on many occasions expressed for our country.”

She received her Ph.D in 1993 in plant molecular biology from the University of Louis Pasteur, Strasbourg, and a post-doctoral tenure from the University of Ghent, Belgium.

Accepting the award, Dr Patell said, “It is recognition of the achievement of India in the field of science and innovation. It is an award for the entire industry. India has arrived on the scientific map of the world and has emerged as an intellectual powerhouse to reckon with.”

Avesthagen focuses on innovation leading to the convergence of food, pharma and population genetics. Its partners include French companies bioMerieux, Limagrain and Danone.

Dr Patell is a key member of the Karnataka Vision Group on Biotechnology and founding member of the Association of Biotechnology Led Enterprises.

More Stories on : Awards & Honours | Bio-tech & Genetics

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication :: Printer Friendly Page