Varshney (PhD, 1985, University of Calgary, Canada) is a Professor of Microbiology and Cell Biology and Chair of Biological Sciences Division, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore. He is fellow of Indian National Science Academy, New Delhi; Indian Academy of Sciences, Bangalore; and the National Academy of Sciences (Allahabad), India. He is a recipient of the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize; GN Ramachandran Gold Medal for Excellence in Biological Sciences and Technology; JC Bose National Fellowship; Life Sciences Research Award of Novo Nordisk Education Foundation, India; Ranbaxy Research Award for basic research in medical sciences; PS Sarma Memorial Award of the Society of Biological Chemists (India) and the first National Bioscience Career Development Award, among others. He is an honorary Professor at the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre of Advanced Scientific Research, Bangalore. He serves as a member/Chair on various advisory committees of research institutions and funding agencies.