Scientific Officer

Dr. Pradip Chaudhari

Scientific Officer 'H'

Honors and Recognitions

• Oration Award 2026 SCRAC (Society for Cancer Research and Communication)- March 14, 2026, during a scientific gathering organized by the society. As part of the honour, Dr. Chaudhari delivered an insightful oration titled “The Translational Odyssey,” where he highlighted the journey of translating scientific knowledge into clinical applications, with a focus on improving cancer diagnosis and therapeutic strategies.

• Visiting Scientist Fellowship - Dept. of Biology-Genetics-Nanomedicine, Medical School, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens. Greece (Nov 18-2, 2024).

• Member - Committee Constituted by Veterinary Council of India for framing of regulations on laboratory animals under the purview of Minimum Standards of Veterinary Practice Regulations. (2022)

• Member - Sub-Committee for Large Animal Research protocol constituted by CPCSEA. (2021-2024)

• Member - CPCSEA (Committee for the Purpose of Control and Supervision on Experiments on Animals) is a statutory Committee of Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying (MoFAH&D) constituted under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act, 1960. (2021-2023)

• Brigadier SK Mazumdar Oration of the Society of Nuclear Medicine (India) 2020 in recognition of excellent academic and research contribution in the field of Nuclear Medicine and the related disciplines during 52nd Annual Conference of the Society of Nuclear Medicine-India (SNMICON) held at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Raipur, India (December 11-13, 2020)

• Tata Education and Development Trust Travel fellowship for visiting Flint Animal Cancer Centre, Colorado State University (October 1-12, 2018)

• Ad-hoc Specialist of AAALAC International, USA to promote humane treatment of animals in science through voluntary accreditation and assessment programs. (June 2017 – June 2020)

• Fellow of Indian College of Nuclear Medicine (FICNM) (2017)

• BOYSCAST fellowship (Better Opportunities for Young Scientist in Chosen Areas of Science and Technology) of Department of Science and Technology, Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India, to perform research and gain experience at Dept. of Applied Radioisotopes, Frederic Joliot-Curie National Research Institute of Radiobiology and Radiohygiene, Budapest, Hungary (Feb 2001- Feb 2002)

• Young Scientist Award of Indian Society for Nuclear Technology in Animal Sciences for research paper entitled “Beginning of Veterinary Nuclear Medicine in India: First experience” (1998)

• Young Surgeon Award of the Indian Society of Veterinary Surgery for research paper entitled ‘Radionuclide bone scan: Sensitive tool for diagnosis and management of canine bone disorders’ at 22nd Congress of ISVS, Bhubaneshwar, (November 1998)

• Best Paper Award for research paper entitled ‘Effective Counter Measures To Curtail Radio strontium Uptake By Bone - A Preliminary Report’ at 23rd Annual Conference of The Indian Association For Radiation Protection, Gurunanakdev University, Amritsar, Punjab (February 19-21, 1997)

• Best Article Award for research paper entitled ‘Effects of gamma irradiation and heat treatment of oocysts of E. tenella’ published in Indian J. Vet. Parasitology, 10 (2):179-184, 1996

• Punjabrao Krishi Vidyapeeth Merit Scholarship during 1988-1990 for outstanding performance during the entire academic session

• Junior Research Fellowship on a project of National Dairy Development Board (NDDB, Anand) titled “Epidemiology of gastrointestinal helminthes of dairy cattle in agro-climatic conditions of Bombay region” (1992-1994)

• Brigadier SK Mazumdar OrationAward of the Society of Nuclear Medicine (India) 2020 in recognition of excellent academic and research contribution in the field of Nuclear Medicine and the related disciplines during 52nd Annual Conference of the Society of Nuclear Medicine-India (SNMICON) held at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Raipur, India (December 11-13, 2020), 2020

• Ad-hoc Specialist of AAALAC International (USA) to promote humane treatment of animals in science through voluntary accreditation and assessment programs. (2nd Term), 2020-2024

• Tata Education and Development TrustTravel fellowship for visiting Flint Animal Cancer Centre, Colorado State University, USA (October 1-12, 2018), 2018

• Ad-hoc Specialist of AAALAC International (USA) to promote humane treatment of animals in science through voluntary accreditation and assessment programs, 2017-2020

• Visiting Faculty - Mumbai University, Mumbai, 2010-2015

• Adjunct Faculty - Dept of Veterinary Nuclear Medicine Centre, Maharashtra Animal and Fishery Sciences University Bombay Veterinary College, Mumbai, 2007

• Spokesperson DAE VISION 2020 (DAE Collective Vision for The Future) Radioisotopes and Nuclear Technology Applications in Animal Health and Production (April 14, 2004), 2004

• BOYSCAST Fellowship – of Department of Science and Technology to conduct research work at Frederic Joliot-Curie National Research Institute of Radiobiology and Radiohygiene, Dept. of Applied Radioisotopes, Budapest, Hungary, 2001-2002

• Young Surgeon Award of the Indian Society of Veterinary Surgery for research paper entitled ‘Radionuclide bone scan: Sensitive tool for diagnosis and management of canine bone disorders’ at 22nd Congress of ISVS, Bhubaneshwar, (November 1998), 1998

• Young Scientist Award - of Indian Society for Nuclear Technology in Animal Sciences for research paper entitled “Beginning of Veterinary Nuclear Medicine in India: First experience”, 1998

• Junior Research Fellowship - National Dairy Development Board (NDDB, Anand), 1992-1994 

Overview

ABOUT THE LAB:

The Translational Preclinical Imaging and Radiotherapy Facility (TPIRF) is a multidisciplinary research facility dedicated to advancing translational biomedical research through state-of-the-art preclinical imaging, radiotherapy, and comparative oncology approaches. Our laboratory aims to bridge the gap between fundamental research and clinical application by providing advanced platforms for non-invasive imaging, image-guided radiotherapy, and disease modeling to better understand disease progression, treatment response, and therapeutic efficacy. The facility is equipped with advanced imaging and therapeutic platforms, including PET-CT and SPECT systems for functional and molecular imaging, enabling real-time visualization and monitoring of disease processes and therapeutic responses. Our radiotherapy capabilities include the XRad 225 XL, which facilitates image-guided radiation delivery for translational cancer research and treatment evaluation. Additionally, our facility houses Phosphor Imaging System technology for sensitive detection and quantification of radiolabelled samples, supporting molecular biology, biodistribution, and imaging-based studies.

A key focus of our facility is the Comparative Oncology Program, which leverages naturally occurring and experimental disease models to generate clinically relevant insights into cancer biology, tumor progression, and therapeutic interventions. By integrating imaging technologies with radiotherapy and translational research methodologies, we support the development and evaluation of novel diagnostic tools, therapeutic strategies, and personalized treatment approaches.

The Comparative Oncology Program also maintains a dedicated Biorepository of Animal Cancers, serving as a valuable resource for comparative oncology and translational cancer research. This repository includes well-characterized veterinary tumor specimens that support investigations into tumor biology, biomarker discovery, disease progression, therapeutic response, and the development of novel treatment strategies. By preserving clinically relevant tumor samples from veterinary patients, the biorepository enables cross-species research that enhances our understanding of cancer and strengthens the translation of findings from preclinical studies to human medicine.

By combining advanced imaging modalities, radiotherapy, comparative oncology research, and biobanking resources, TPIRF serves as a collaborative platform for interdisciplinary innovation in oncology, drug discovery, and medicine, with the goal of accelerating discoveries that improve outcomes in both human and veterinary health.

iVISION WORKSHOP

The In-Vivo Preclinical Imaging and Drug Discovery (iVISION) Workshop at ACTREC, Navi Mumbai, is an annual three-day hands-on program conducted since 2011, typically in November or December. It serves as a prominent platform for learning and collaboration in preclinical imaging, translational research, and drug discovery, bringing together distinguished faculties from India and leading international institutions. The workshop attracts a diverse audience, including undergraduate and postgraduate students, PhD scholars, faculty, and industry professionals, fostering interdisciplinary knowledge exchange. It covers key areas such as imaging modalities (CT, PET, SPECT, Bioluminescence), drug development pipelines, regulatory guidelines, radiopharmaceuticals, and experimental models, along with ethical and laboratory practices.

A major highlight is its strong emphasis on hands-on training, where participants gain practical experience in advanced imaging techniques, data analysis, and real-world research workflows. Lab visits, panel discussions, and daily quiz sessions enhance engagement and learning. Supported by leading biomedical and technology sponsors, the workshop offers exposure to advanced equipment and networking opportunities. Overall, the iVISION workshop plays a vital role in bridging theory and practice, equipping participants with essential skills, and significantly contributing to their academic and professional growth in biomedical research.

iRADIATE – In Vivo Preclinical Radiotherapy & Advanced Dosimetry Workshop is a specialized workshop organized by ACTREC, Tata Memorial Centre, focused on preclinical radiotherapy, dosimetry, radiobiology, and translational research. The workshop will feature expert talks, hands-on training, small-animal irradiation platforms, treatment planning, quality assurance, and case-based learning, bridging laboratory research with clinical applications.

▣ 20–22 January 2027

♧ ACTREC, Tata Memorial Centre, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai

Ideal for students, researchers, clinicians, oncologists, and industry professionals interested in advancing radiotherapy research and translational oncology.

Research Interests

• Translational Radiopharmaceutical Research
• Multimodality preclinical imaging (microPET/SPECT and CT) for rodent models
• Comparative oncology dealing with spontaneous cancer in pet animals
• Veterinary Oncology and nuclear medicine
• Diagnostic and therapeutic and radiopharmaceutical  development
• Preclinical Radiotherapy
• Animal model development for various disease conditions such as cancer, chronic rheumatoid arthritis, bone metastasis, osteoporosis, hepatic shut, inflammation, diabetes, renal hypertension
• Nuclear medicine image based analysis and quantitation

Achievements / Awards / Honors:

• VISTA 2022 - Venus International Science and Technology Award for distinguished researcher in veterinary oncology (2022)
• Member - Committee Constituted by Veterinary Council of India for framing of regulations on laboratory animals under the purview of Minimum Standards of Veterinary Practice Regulations. (2022)
• Member - Sub-Committee for Large Animal Research protocol constituted by CPCSEA. (2021-2023)
• Member - CPCSEA (Committee for the Purpose of Control and Supervision on Experiments on Animals) is a statutory Committee of Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying (MoFAH&D) constituted under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act, 1960. (2021-2023)
• Brigadier SK Mazumdar Oration of the Society of Nuclear Medicine (India) 2020 in recognition of excellent academic and research contribution in the field of Nuclear Medicine and the related disciplines during 52nd Annual Conference of the Society of Nuclear Medicine-India (SNMICON) held at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Raipur, India (December 11-13, 2020)
• Tata Education and Development Trust Travel fellowship for visiting Flint Animal Cancer Centre, Colorado State University (October 1-12, 2018) 
• Ad-hoc Specialist of AAALAC International, USA to promote humane treatment of animals in science through voluntary accreditation and assessment programs. (June 2017 – June 2020)
• Fellow of Indian College of Nuclear Medicine (FICNM) (2017)
• BOYSCAST fellowship (Better Opportunities for Young Scientist in Chosen Areas of Science and Technology) of Department of Science and Technology, Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India, to perform research and gain experience at Dept. of Applied Radioisotopes, Frederic Joliot-Curie National Research Institute of Radiobiology and Radiohygiene, Budapest, Hungary (Feb 2001- Feb 2002)
• Young Scientist Award of Indian Society for Nuclear Technology in Animal Sciences for research paper entitled “Beginning of Veterinary Nuclear Medicine in India: First experience” (1998)
• Young Surgeon Award of the Indian Society of Veterinary Surgery for research paper entitled ‘Radionuclide bone scan: Sensitive tool for diagnosis and management of canine bone disorders’ at 22nd Congress of ISVS, Bhubaneshwar, (November 1998)
• Best Paper Award for research paper entitled ‘Effective Counter Measures To Curtail Radio strontium Uptake By Bone - A Preliminary Report’ at 23rd Annual Conference of The Indian Association For Radiation Protection, Gurunanakdev University, Amritsar, Punjab (February 19-21, 1997)
• Best Article Award for research paper entitled ‘Effects of gamma irradiation and heat treatment of oocysts of E. tenella’ published in Indian J. Vet. Parasitology, 10 (2):179-184, 1996
• Punjabrao Krishi Vidyapeeth Merit Scholarship during 1988-1990 for outstanding performance during the entire academic session
• Junior Research Fellowship on a project of National Dairy Development Board (NDDB, Anand) titled “Epidemiology of gastrointestinal helminthes of dairy cattle in agro-climatic conditions of Bombay region” (1992-1994)