Farah Ishtiaq
My research encompasses many aspects of biology including conservation genetics, ecology, evolution ecology and host-parasite interactions in vector-borne diseases. My experience in research and conservation is based on 25 years of involvement in various projects around the world. I have conducted research on critically endangered and threatened birds (Forest Owlet, Heteroglaux blewitti) and coordinated Important Bird Areas programme (IBA, India) with Bombay Naturual History Society, impact of introduced birds and their parasites such as avian malaria on remote pacific islands (Hawaii, New Caledonia, Vanuatu and other islands) and their vector communities (New Caledonia, Vanuatu, and India), ecology of avian influenza (Mongolia). I use genetic markers and their applications to address scientific questions of interest. As part of TIGS, I lead the Disease ecology and Environmental Surveillance wherein we study the field ecology and population genomics of key mosquito species involved in malaria and dengue transmission in India and Wastewater-based Epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 and other pathogens in wastewater as an early warning system. |
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Current Position
2019- : Principal Scientist, Tata Institute for Genetics and Society, Bangalore (Disease Ecology, Environmental Surveillance and population genomics)
Professional Experience
2013-2019: Wellcome Trust/DBT India Alliance Intermediate Fellow (Faculty Fellow)
2012: Ramanujan Fellowship, Department of Science and Technology, Govt. of India (Not taken up).
2010- 2011 : Postdoctoral Research Associate, Global Health Programme, Wildlife Conservation Society, USA: Ecology of Avian Influenza in Mongolia and SE Asia.
2008-2010: Marie Curie Research Fellow (return phase), Wildlife Institute of India, Dehra Dun
2006-2008: Marie Curie Research Fellow, Edward Grey Institute, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford
2005-2006: Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Edward Grey Institute, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford
2002- 2005: Postdoctoral Research Associate, Genetics Program, Smithsonian Institution, USA.
1999-2002: IBA-IBCN National Coordinator, Bombay Natural History Society funded by Royal Society of the Protection of Birds and BirdLife International, UK
1998-1999: Research Fellow, Bombay Natural History Society, Ecology and behaviour of Forest Spotted Owlet (Heteroglaux blewitti) funded by Smithsonian Institution, USA.
Education
PhD. Avian Ecology and Behaviour, Centre for Wildlife Science, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India
Research Fellowships/Grants
2019- : Principal Scientist, Tata Institute for Genetics and Society, Bangalore (Disease Ecology, Environmental Surveillance and population genomics)
Professional Experience
2013-2019: Wellcome Trust/DBT India Alliance Intermediate Fellow (Faculty Fellow)
2012: Ramanujan Fellowship, Department of Science and Technology, Govt. of India (Not taken up).
2010- 2011 : Postdoctoral Research Associate, Global Health Programme, Wildlife Conservation Society, USA: Ecology of Avian Influenza in Mongolia and SE Asia.
2008-2010: Marie Curie Research Fellow (return phase), Wildlife Institute of India, Dehra Dun
2006-2008: Marie Curie Research Fellow, Edward Grey Institute, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford
2005-2006: Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Edward Grey Institute, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford
2002- 2005: Postdoctoral Research Associate, Genetics Program, Smithsonian Institution, USA.
1999-2002: IBA-IBCN National Coordinator, Bombay Natural History Society funded by Royal Society of the Protection of Birds and BirdLife International, UK
1998-1999: Research Fellow, Bombay Natural History Society, Ecology and behaviour of Forest Spotted Owlet (Heteroglaux blewitti) funded by Smithsonian Institution, USA.
Education
PhD. Avian Ecology and Behaviour, Centre for Wildlife Science, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India
Research Fellowships/Grants
- 2022: Indian Council for Medical Research grant on Wastewater-based epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 (INR 740000)
- 2013-2019: Wellcome Trust /DBT India Alliance Intermediate Fellowship (INR 3.5 Crores)
- 2012: Ramanujan Fellowship, Department of Science and Technology, Govt. of India (Not taken up).
- 2008-2009: International Incoming Marie Curie Fellowship, European Commission, EUR 22,062.54
- 2006-2008: International Incoming Marie Curie Fellowship, European Commission, EUR 220,141.76
- 2001: Small Grant Programme (SGP), UNDP, India, for Training of the Indian Bird Conservation Network (IBCN) members and local stake holders in North East India for enhancement of bird conservation. This grant was submitted through Bombay Natural History Society with support of the Royal Society of the Protection of Birds.
- 2001: Ministry of Environment and Forests (MOEF), Govt. of India, Rs. 140,000 ($28,000) for the Study on Ecology and Behaviour of the Forest Owlet, Bombay Natural History Society.
- 2000: Leica Award of £500 by the Oriental Bird Club, UK: The Status and distribution survey of the Forest Spotted Owlet Heteroglaux blewitti in India.