Khem Shahani- He is a microbiologist who conducted pioneer research on probiotics (live microorganisms). Khem Shahani is best known for his discovery of the DDS-1 strain of Lactobacillus acidophilus in 1959, at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. One of his many contributions to biology in the years to come, in this landmark discovery, Shahani observed the high level of stability and nutritional viability of the DDS-1 strain. This unique feature meant that the probiotics were able to pass through the stomach acid and implant in the intestine where it could multiply over 200-fold. Shahani would later name the strain DDS-1 for the Department of Dairy Science Number One strain and spend the rest of his career unlocking its potential for improving overall health. During his lengthy career, Shahani published over 200 articles in peer reviewed scientific journals and was a consultant for international agencies such as the World Health Organization. Among these, 80 publications were about Probiotics and Lactic Cultures.

Natteri Veeraraghavan- He was an Indian physician, microbiologist and medical researcher, known for his contributions to the understanding of diseases like rabies, tuberculosis and leprosy. He was a former director of the Pasteur Institute of India, Coonoor and the chairman of the World Health Organization International Reference Center on Rabies. He was honored by the Government of India in 1967 with the award of Padma Shri, the fourth highest Indian civilian award for his contributions to the society. Natteri Veeraraghavan was born in Parangipettai, in Chennai district in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu on 1 November 1913 to Natteri Venkatesa Iyer and Balambal. His graduated in medicine (MBBChir) from Andhra University in 1936 and did his senior internship at the Government Mental Hospital, Chennai in 1937. His career started as a research officer at the Pasteur Institute of India at Coonoor in 1937 and became the assistant director of the institute in 1941.