Mandip Singh Sachdeva, Ph.D. a distinguished professor and pharmaceutics section leader in FAMUs College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Public Health (CoPPS, IPH), has been named the 2025 recipient of the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS) Global Leader Award, one of the organization’s highest honors. The accolade recognizes his pioneering contributions to drug delivery research, mentorship, and international collaboration in a career spanning over two decades.
Sachdeva, whose work has garnered more than 14,800 citations on Google Scholar, ranks among the world’s most influential pharmaceutical scientists. He will accept the award in November at the AAPS PharmSci 360 Annual Meeting in Orlando, a gathering of thousands of researchers, industry leaders, and policymakers.
“This recognition reflects the collective effort of my students, postdocs, and colleagues at FAMU, whose commitment, creativity, and collaboration have made our research and outreach possible,” Sachdeva said in a statement, deflecting individual praise. “I am grateful to AAPS for this recognition and look forward to representing our institution on this global platform.”
A legacy of mentorship and innovation
Sachdeva’s impact extends beyond his own research. Multiple students from his laboratory earned Best Abstract Awards and Rapid Fire Presentation slots at this year’s PharmSci 360—a rare feat, as only 7–8% of the 2,200 submitted abstracts are selected annually for such distinctions. These achievements underscore the fertile training ground his lab has become, blending cutting-edge science with real-world applications in drug delivery systems.
Interim Dean Seth Y. Ablordeppey lauded Sachdeva’s leadership, noting his dual role as a researcher and institution-builder. “This honor is a powerful testament to Dr. Sachdeva’s vision, dedication, and commitment to excellence,” Ablordeppey said. “His work advances the profession on an international stage and sets a shining example for our academic community.”
Elevating FAMU’s global profile
The award further solidifies FAMU’s rising stature in pharmaceutical sciences, a field where HBCUs have historically been underrepresented. Under Sachdeva’s guidance, the CoPPS, IPH has emerged as a hub for interdisciplinary research, partnering with institutions from India to Switzerland on projects addressing global health disparities. His current work focuses on transdermal drug delivery technologies, which aim to improve access to treatments in underserved regions.
“Dr. Sachdeva doesn’t just publish papers—he changes paradigms,” said Dr. Angela Willis, a former postdoc in his lab now leading a biotech startup. “His insistence on tackling problems that matter to vulnerable populations has inspired generations of scientists.”
As FAMU prepares to celebrate Sachdeva at November’s ceremony, the university also eyes broader ambitions. With his lab’s breakthroughs attracting increased federal and industry funding, administrators hope the recognition will catalyze new opportunities for students and reinforce the college’s mission: to train innovators who bridge the gap between discovery and equity.