Dr. Vikas Sharma

About

My research interests span viral genomics, evolutionary biology, and bioinformatics, with a focus on understanding the evolution, diversity, emergence, and transmission of viruses of public health importance. I employ next-generation sequencing (NGS), metagenomics, comparative genomics, phylogenetics, phylodynamics, and recombination analyses to investigate viral evolution, molecular epidemiology, and outbreak dynamics.

A major focus of my research is the discovery and characterization of endogenous viral elements (EVEs) in diverse eukaryotic genomes, particularly those of mosquitoes and ticks. Using large-scale genomic and transcriptomic datasets, I investigate the evolutionary history of virus–host interactions, the diversity and origins of EVEs, and their potential roles in antiviral immunity, vector competence, and genome evolution, contributing to the field of paleovirology.

I also collaborate on the genomic investigation of diverse medically important viruses to understand their evolution, adaptation, and transmission. My current interests include applying metagenomics for pathogen discovery and integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) with viral genomics to enhance genomic surveillance, evolutionary prediction, outbreak forecasting, and preparedness for emerging and re-emerging viral diseases.

Employment

• ICMR-National Institute of Virology Scientist C
  2024 - Present

Education

Education history is unavailable.

Projects & Funding

Projects & funding information is unavailable.

Publications

Publications are unavailable.