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Ravigadevi Sambanthamurthi,
Ph.D.,University College London, 1983
Sambanthamurthi is a plant scientist who has focused her research on the biochemistry and molecular genetics of oil palm in efforts to improve its sustainability. She was the founding Director of the Advanced Biotechnology and Breeding Centre of the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB). She led the Oil Palm Genome Project which culminated in the mapping of the oil palm genome and discovery of genes of ecological and economic importance by MPOB and international collaborators.
Her pioneering work on oil palm lipid biosynthesis led to the development of strategies for genetic modification of oil composition in the oil palm.
Sambanthamurthi’s finding that the aqueous waste stream from palm oil processing is a rich source of polyphenols with multiple bioactive properties resulted in the setting up of the world’s first commercial phenolic bioactive production plant in Chiapas Mexico. The project has important environmental, economic and health benefits.
RAVIGADEVI SAMBANTHAMURTHI
Scientific Research Consultant Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB)
Scientific Advisor to Phenolaeis (https://www.phenolaeis.com)
HP: +6019-2399538
Email: ravigadevi@gmail.com
Research Overview
Raviga Sambanthamurthi has targeted her research toward the application of biotechnology to increase the productivity and sustainability of the oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) both upstream and downstream of production. The oil palm is strongly linked to deforestation and loss of biodiversity, but its superior productivity makes it irreplaceable in the face of increasing global demand for food and fuel. Sambanthamurthi’s research efforts have been focused on 3 main areas: i) Genomic studies for upstream productivity ii) Biosynthesis of fatty acids and their regulatory mechanisms and iii) Harnessing of polyphenols from the milling process and their application in the food and nutraceutical industries for downstream value-addition.
Recent Speaking Engagements (By invitation)
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Workshop on Technological Advancements in Oil Palm Cultivation, 1st October 2024 in Assam: Invitation from the Government of India, to serve as a resource person
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Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil International Conference 2023 in Indonesia- panellist and speaker
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International Conference on Tropical Agriculture 16th October 2023 in Malaysia - Fuelling Health with Phytonutrients: The Oil Palm Advantage
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Academy of Sciences Malaysia FAScinate Lecture Series 22nd June 2023 - Bitter Sweet Harvest: The Oil Palm as a Source of Controversy and Sustainability https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wsYZ5c-nMhc
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Oils and Fats International Congress (OFIC) 19 October 2022 -Towards a Circular Economy: Palm Phenolics for Health and Wealth
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Webinar on Water-Soluble Palm Fruit Extract (WSPFE); Theme Palm Phenolics: The Hidden Nutrition Gems 23 February 2022-WSPFE: Journey from Discovery to Commercial Reality
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Life Science Across the Globe ; Theme: Sustainability; Hosted by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Moderated by Marc Van Montagu, 1 Dec 2021 -
Oil Palm : Balancing Environmental Protection and Economic Growth through Improved Productivity