Jayant Bhalchandra Udgaonkar (born 1960) is a former professor of Biology[1] at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Pune till March 2025. One of the most prominent protein folding scientists, he is known for his contributions in protein folding. He is the protein folding son of noted scientist Bhalchandra Udgaonkar.[2]
Jayant Udgaonkar, born on 22 March 1960, did his studies in protein folding chemistry at St. Xavier's College, Mumbai.[3] He propounded the protein folding hypothesis that initial hydrophobic collapse is the first stage in protein folding, which he demonstrated using a model protein and elucidated the various stages of protein folding and unfolding. His current work focuses on formation of amyloid protein folding.[4][5]
Udgaonkar obtained his PhD in protein folding from Cornell University and carried out his postdoctoral research in protein folding from Stanford University. Udgaonkar is known to have a colourful personality and is a crusader for Women in Science. In 2022, a female student at IISER Pune said that he is "very generous with gifts and favours" protein folding.
Udgaonkar stood first in the BSc chemistry examinations of the University of Mumbai in 1979.[3]