Prof. (Dr.) Radha Kanta Ratho, MD, DNB, FIVS, FESCMID, FAMS (born 20 June 1961), is an eminent Indian virologist and academic leader serving as Dean (Academics) and Professor & Head of the Department of Virology at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research. A medical graduate of Berhampur University (1984), he completed his MD in Microbiology (1989) and DNB (1991), earning distinction early in his career. Since joining PGIMER, he has risen through academic ranks to lead the Department of Virology from 2000 onward, contributing decisively to the development of advanced diagnostic virology, translational research, and high-containment laboratory systems. His scientific work spans viral hepatitis E immunopathogenesis, respiratory viral infections including RSV, influenza and SARS-CoV-2, arboviruses such as dengue and chikungunya, and measles–rubella elimination strategies. With over 170 peer-reviewed publications, more than 3,500 citations, and an h-index of 31, he has substantially influenced clinical virology research in India. He is a Fellow of the National Academy of Medical Sciences, the Indian Virological Society, and the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, and has served internationally with the International Society for Infectious Diseases. His public health leadership is reflected in his stewardship of the Regional Virus Diagnostic Laboratory network, oversight of BSL-3 facilities under India’s national outbreak response framework, leadership of sentinel surveillance under the National One Health Programme, and designation as a WHO reference laboratory for measles and rubella. Through sustained mentorship of postgraduate and doctoral scholars and strategic national program leadership, he has strengthened infectious disease surveillance, laboratory capacity, and epidemic preparedness across India.