
Prof. Rana P Singh
Vice-Chancellor
Gautam Buddha University
Greater Noida, India
Professor
School of Life Sciences
Jawaharlal Nehru University
New Delhi, India
RPS Cancer Lab, under the leadership of Prof. Rana P. Singh at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi, stands at the forefront of cutting-edge research in cancer biology and therapeutics. Prof. Singh, a distinguished cancer biologist and currently the Vice Chancellor of Gautam Buddha University (GBU), has dedicated over three decades to unraveling the complexities of cancer progression and exploring innovative strategies for its prevention and treatment.
The lab is committed to investigating the intricate molecular mechanisms that drive cancer development, progression, and metastasis. Central to its research philosophy is a multidisciplinary approach that integrates molecular biology, cell signaling, oxidative stress biology, tumor angiogenesis, and experimental therapeutics. The team places a special emphasis on identifying and evaluating non-toxic, mechanism-based anticancer agents derived from natural sources, particularly phytochemicals, with the potential to serve as chemopreventive and therapeutic agents.
At RPS Cancer Lab, state-of-the-art facilities and advanced experimental models — including in vitro cell culture systems, in vivo animal models, and genetically tractable Drosophila melanogaster models — are employed to dissect the molecular pathways involved in carcinogenesis. The lab is actively involved in exploring how natural compounds can modulate key processes such as oxidative stress, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and immune responses, with the goal of developing effective combination therapies alongside conventional chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
The lab’s research ecosystem thrives on international collaborations and academic partnerships. Notably, Prof. Singh has played a pivotal role in establishing the "Centre for Integrative Cancer Biology and Therapeutics" in collaboration with prestigious institutions like Stanford University and Oregon Health & Science University.
With a strong commitment to translational research and innovation, RPS Cancer Lab continues to contribute valuable insights to the global scientific community, working towards safer, more effective, and personalized approaches to cancer prevention and treatment.
Administrative Positions/Activities
Position | Institution | Duration |
---|---|---|
Vice-Chancellor | Gautam Buddha University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India | Feb 2025-present |
Rector | Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi | 2017-2022 |
Dean of Students | Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi | April 2016-May 2017 |
Court Member | Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi | 2016-present |
Executive Council Member | Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi | 2016-2017 |
Dean of Students’ Welfare | Central University of Gujarat, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India | 2011-2012 |
Chairman, Admission Committee | Central University of Gujarat, Gandhinagar, India | 2011 |
Dean, School of Life Sciences | Central University of Gujarat, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India | 2010-2012 |
Dean, School of Environmental Sciences | Central University of Gujarat, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India | 2011 |
Provost | Central University of Gujarat (CUG), Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India | 2010-2011 |
Warden (Senior/Mess/Health/Recreation) | Sabarmati Hostel, JNU, New Delhi | 2007-2010 |
Awards/Honors
Period | Award/Honor | Institution/Organization |
---|---|---|
2019 | Indo-US Science Technology Forum (IUSSTF) - Award for establishing "Centre for Integrative Cancer Biology and Therapeutics" | Virtual Networked Centre - JNU and Stanford University |
2013-14 | ICMR International Fellowship for Young Biomedical Scientists | University of California Riverside, USA |
2003-05 | Post-doctoral Trainee Award for Prostate Cancer Research | U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command, Department of Defense, USA |
2002 | Scholar-in-Training Award | American Association for Cancer Research, Philadelphia, PA, USA |
1993-95-98 | JRF and SRF | University Grant Commission/School of Life Sciences, JNU, New Delhi, India |
1993 | National Eligibility Test for Junior Research Fellowship and Lecturership | UGC/CSIR, New Delhi, India |
1993 | All India JNU Entrance examination for M.Phil/Ph.D. admission in Life Sciences (First Rank) | JNU, New Delhi, India |
1991-93 | Merit-cum-Means Scholarship for Masters | School of Life Sciences, JNU, New Delhi, India |
Academic Career
Year | Position | Institution |
---|---|---|
2012-present | Professor of Cancer Biology | School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India |
2014 (Feb-June) | Visiting Scientist | University of California Riverside, CA, USA |
2012-2016 | Professor-Adjunct | School of Life Sciences, Central University of Gujarat, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India |
2010-2012 | Professor | School of Life Sciences, Central University of Gujarat, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India |
2006-2010 | Associate Professor, Molecular Cancer Biology | School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India |
2003-2006 | Assistant Professor - Research | Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Colorado Denver, CO, USA |
2001-2003 | Research Associate | Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Colorado and Health Sciences Center, Denver, CO, USA |
2000-2001 | Post-doctoral Research Fellow | Center for Cancer Causation and Prevention, AMC Cancer Research Center, Lakewood, CO, USA |
Other Professional Activities
Activity | Organization/Location | Duration |
---|---|---|
Academic Committee Member | CIMAP, Lucknow, India | 2019-21 |
Academic Committee Member | NII, New Delhi, India | 2019-2021 |
Board Member | SERB, Department of Science and Technology, Govt. of India | 2018-20 |
Academic Committee Member | ICGEB, New Delhi, India | 2019- |
LEAP Program participant | JNU, New Delhi and NUS, Singapore | Feb 2019 |
Chairman of Program Review Committee | National Council for Science and Technology Communications, DST, Govt. of India | 2018 |
Council’s Nominee for Committee in Biological/Life Sciences | IISER Kolkata, India | 2018- |
Academic Committee Member | Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI), Faridabad, Haryana, India | 2017-2019 |
Council’s Nominee for Committee in Biological/Life Sciences | IISER Bhopal, India | 2017- |
Academic Committee Member | Raman Research Institute, Bangalore, India | 2017-2019 |
Chairman, Selection Committee | National Overseas Scholarship, Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Govt. of India | 2017 |
Member-Expert | Faculty Selection Committee, J&K Public Service Commission, Jammu, India | 2017 |
Academic Committee Member | Army Cadet College, IMA, Dehradun, UK, India | 2016 |
Academic Committee Member | CSIR–CDRI, Lucknow, UP, India | 2016-2018 |
Member-Expert | Selection Committee, Chinese Government Scholarship, MHRD, New Delhi | 2016 |
School Board Member | Manglayatan University, UP | 2016-2017 |
Member, Joint-Coordination Committee | National Institute of Animal Welfare, Faridabad, Haryana | 2016-17 |
School Board Member | Central University of Punjab, Bhatinda | 2016-2018 |
Advisory Committee Member | UGC-HRD Centre, DDU Gorakhpur University, UP, India | 2015-2017 |
Member, Indo-Overseas Fellowship Committee | DST, India | 2015 |
Academic Council Member | JNU, New Delhi | 2015- |
School Board Member | Dept. of Biotechnology, DDU Gorakhpur University, UP, India | 2014-2017 |
Scientific Advisory Committee Member | Institute of Cytology and Preventive Oncology, ICMR Institute, Noida, UP, India | 2013- |
Faculty-in Charge | Central Laboratory Animal Resources, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India | 2012- |
Academic Council Member | Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University, Kanpur, UP, India | 2012-2015 |
Moderation Committee Member | Gujarat State Eligibility Test, Gujarat, India | 2011, 2012 |
Chair, Search Committees | Project Research Assistant/Post-doctoral Fellows /Project Research Associate – Bio-fractionation, isolation, purification and characterization of active components having anticancer activity in natural extracts, and Cancer Intervention Research at DOPS/SOP/University of Colorado | September 2005, March 2006 |
Invited Judge | 17th and 18th Annual Student Research Forum, University Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver, CO, USA | 2002 and 2003 |
Invited Judge | Denver Metropolitan Regional Science Fair, Denver, CO, USA | 2003 |