Dr. Upadhyay is currently working as an Assistant Professor at the Department of Botany, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India. He has been working in the field of Plant Biotechnology for more than 16 years. He is currently working in functional genomics. His research group at PU has characterized numerous important defence-related protein families such as receptor-like kinases, antioxidant enzymes, calcium transporters, chitinases, lectins, etc. They are also characterizing long non-coding RNAs related to the abiotic and biotic stress response. He has authored more than 130 publications including research papers in leading journals of international repute, national and international patents, book chapters and books. He has been awarded the NAAS Young scientist award (2017-18) and NAAS-Associate (2018) from the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences, India, INSA Medal for Young Scientist (2013) from the Indian National Science Academy, India, NASI- Young Scientist Platinum Jubilee Award (2012) from the National Academy of Sciences, India, and Altech Young Scientist Award (2011).