Tonmoy Kundu, Materials Science, Best Innovator Award

Dr. Tonmoy Kundu: Principal Scientist at CSIR-Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology, Bhubaneswar, India

Dr. Tonmoy Kundu, Ph.D., is a Principal Scientist in the Mineral Processing Department at the CSIR–Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology (IMMT), Bhubaneswar, India. He possesses a unique blend of industrial and academic experience in mineral processing, specializing in the beneficiation of low-grade ores and the recovery of valuable metals from complex resources. Over the years, Dr. Kundu has made significant contributions to the field of extractive metallurgy through his research on critical and strategic minerals such as lithium, rare earths, platinum group elements (PGEs), and iron ore. His work emphasizes sustainable resource utilization, circular economy practices, and cleaner production technologies. With more than a decade of experience, numerous publications in SCI-indexed journals, and participation in major national R&D projects, Dr. Kundu continues to advance innovative beneficiation methods for industrial and strategic minerals in India.

Online Profiles

Google Scholar Profile

  • Citations: 287 (Since 2020: 287) → The researcher’s work has been cited 287 times total, and all of those citations occurred since 2020.

  • h-index: 9 (Since 2020: 9) → The author has 9 papers that have each been cited at least 9 times. The fact that both numbers are the same means that all those impactful citations happened after 2020.

  • i10-index: 7 (Since 2020: 7) → The author has 7 papers that have been cited 10 or more times, again all since 2020.

Education

Dr. Kundu obtained his Ph.D. in Engineering Sciences from the Academy of Scientific and Industrial Research (AcSIR) in 2025, where his doctoral research focused on the “Characterization and processing of lean-grade lithium ores”, contributing to the understanding of India’s lithium resource potential. He completed his M.Tech in Mineral Engineering from the Indian School of Mines (ISM), Dhanbad in 2012, securing the Gold Medal for achieving the first rank in his department, with a thesis on “Beneficiation of Low Volatile Medium Coking Coal and its Coke Making Properties of Kusunda Area, Dhanbad.” Prior to that, he earned his B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering from Dr. B.C. Roy Engineering College under West Bengal University of Technology in 2010, graduating with distinction and a strong technical foundation in mechanical and process engineering.

Research Focus

Dr. Kundu’s research expertise lies in mineral beneficiation, process flowsheet development, and critical mineral recovery from both primary and secondary sources. His work integrates advanced beneficiation technologies such as gravity concentration, froth flotation, high-gradient magnetic separation, and sensor-based sorting to upgrade low-grade ores of lithium, tungsten, manganese, and iron. He also focuses on waste valorization and circular economy approaches by recovering metallic values from discarded slags, mine tailings, and e-waste. His ongoing research targets the development of energy-efficient and environment-friendly mineral processing solutions that bridge laboratory innovations with industrial-scale applications.

Experience

With more than 12 years of combined industrial and research experience, Dr. Kundu has worked across diverse domains of mineral processing and project engineering. He began his career in the private sector, working with McNally Bharat Engineering Co. Ltd. and Larsen & Toubro Ltd. (L&T), where he was involved in process design, equipment sizing, and project execution for coal and mineral beneficiation plants. In 2016, he joined CSIR–IMMT, Bhubaneswar, as a Scientist, later promoted to Senior Scientist and then Principal Scientist in 2023. At CSIR–IMMT, he leads research projects on the beneficiation of lean-grade ores, process scale-up, and pilot-plant testing. His multidisciplinary approach bridges the gap between academic research and industrial implementation, significantly impacting India’s mineral processing sector.

Research Timeline & Activities

Dr. Kundu’s research trajectory from 2016 to 2025 highlights steady advancements in mineral processing and sustainable resource development. From 2016–2020, he worked on beneficiation of coal, iron, and manganese ores, focusing on improving recovery efficiency and reducing energy consumption. Between 2020–2025, his research expanded toward critical minerals, including lithium, PGEs, and rare earth elements. He has served as Principal Investigator (PI) and Co-Principal Investigator (Co-PI) for several national and industrially sponsored projects funded by the CSIR, Ministry of Mines, Tata Steel, and Odisha Mining Corporation, with a cumulative budget exceeding ₹15 crores. His group has successfully developed multiple process flowsheets at pilot scale, some achieving technology readiness levels (TRL) 3–4, and these have been transferred to industrial collaborators for implementation.

Awards & Honors

Dr. Tonmoy Kundu was honored with the Gold Medal by Hon’ble Shri Montek Singh Ahluwalia, the then Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission, Government of India, for securing 1st Rank in M.Tech (Mineral Engineering) at ISM Dhanbad. He has received several commendations for his research contributions in mineral beneficiation and sustainable processing. In recognition of his technical expertise, he was appointed to the editorial board of the Journal of Mining Technologies and Mineralogy. He also holds Life Memberships in leading professional bodies, including the Indian Institute of Mineral Engineers (IIME), Indian Institute of Metals (IIM), Indian Institute of Chemical Engineers (IIChE), and the Society of Geoscientists and Allied Technologists (SGAT).

Top Noted Publication

  • T. Kundu, S.S. Rath, S.K. Das, P.K. Parhi, S.I. Angadi (2023). Recovery of lithium from spodumene-bearing pegmatites: A comprehensive review on geological reserves, beneficiation, and extraction. Powder Technology, 415, 118142. (Cited by 81)

  • T. Kundu, S. Senapati, S.K. Das, S.I. Angadi, S.S. Rath (2023). A comprehensive review on the recovery of copper values from copper slag. Powder Technology, 426, 118693. (Cited by 77)

  • S.K. Das, G. Ellamparuthy, T. Kundu, M.K. Ghosh, S.I. Angadi (2021). Critical analysis of metallic and non-metallic fractions in the flotation of waste printed circuit boards. Powder Technology, 389, 450–459. (Cited by 26)

  • S.K. Das, G. Ellamparuthy, T. Kundu, S.I. Angadi, S.S. Rath (2024). A comprehensive review of the mechanical separation of waste printed circuit boards. Process Safety and Environmental Protection, 187, 221–239. (Cited by 19)

  • S.K. Das, C. Nagesh, T. Sreenivas, T. Kundu, S.I. Angadi (2023). A treatise on occurrence, beneficiation and plant practices of tungsten-bearing ores. Powder Technology, 429, 118938. (Cited by 19)

Strengths for the Best Innovator Award

1. Innovation in Sustainable Lithium Resource Utilization

Dr. Kundu’s pioneering doctoral and postdoctoral research on the characterization and processing of lean-grade lithium ores has laid the groundwork for India’s lithium independence. His innovative beneficiation strategies for spodumene and lepidolite-bearing pegmatites have improved recovery rates while reducing environmental impact, aligning with national priorities on critical minerals and sustainable energy storage.

2. Development of Integrated Process Flowsheets for Low-Grade Ores

As Principal Investigator for multiple CSIR and industry-funded projects, Dr. Kundu developed integrated process flowsheets combining gravity, magnetic, and flotation techniques for ores of iron, tungsten, and manganese. These processes were scaled up to pilot-plant levels (TRL 3–4) and successfully transferred to industrial partners, demonstrating his ability to translate laboratory research into practical industrial applications.

3. Circular Economy and Waste Valorization Technologies

Dr. Kundu’s work on the recovery of valuable metals from industrial waste and secondary resources, such as copper slags, mine tailings, and electronic waste, has contributed to the development of circular economy frameworks within the mineral processing sector. His studies provide cleaner production pathways and resource conservation models that are recognized internationally.

4. Advancement of Critical Mineral Processing and Strategic Material Recovery

Recognizing India’s growing demand for strategic and critical minerals, Dr. Kundu introduced novel beneficiation routes for PGEs, REEs, and tungsten-bearing ores. His cross-disciplinary approach, integrating mineralogical characterization, process simulation, and pilot-scale testing, exemplifies innovation in extractive metallurgy for strategic resource security.

5. Leadership in Translational Research and Technological Innovation

Dr. Kundu’s leadership at CSIR–IMMT has resulted in the development of energy-efficient, environment-friendly mineral processing solutions that merge academic innovation with real-world application. His work has secured over ₹15 crores in project funding, multiple high-impact publications, and significant technology transfers, demonstrating sustained innovation and societal impact.

Jayateertha Diwan, Agriculture, Innovative Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Jayateertha Diwan: Professor of Genetics and Plant Breeding at University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad, Karnataka, India

Dr. Jayateertha R. Diwan is a distinguished agricultural scientist, educator, and research leader currently serving as Professor and Head at the Agricultural Research Station (ARS), Mugad, under the University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS), Dharwad, Karnataka, India. With more than two decades of dedicated experience in genetics, plant breeding, and crop improvement, he has made outstanding contributions toward developing high-yielding, stress-tolerant, and disease-resistant varieties of important crops such as soybean, rice, and minor millets. His scientific pursuits emphasize improving the productivity and sustainability of rainfed and resource-poor farming systems, ensuring that small and marginal farmers benefit from advanced breeding technologies and regionally adapted crop varieties.

Online Profiles

Google Scholar Profile

According to Google Scholar, Dr. Jayateertha R. Diwan’s research has garnered 373 citations in total, with 261 citations since 2020, reflecting the continued relevance and impact of his scientific contributions. He holds an h-index of 11 and an i10-index of 13 overall, while maintaining an h-index of 9 and an i10-index of 9 since 2020. These metrics underscore his sustained influence in the fields of genetics, plant breeding, and crop improvement, where his publications continue to inform and inspire current research across India and beyond.

Education

Dr. Diwan obtained his Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (B.Sc. Agri.), Master of Science in Agriculture (M.Sc. Agri.) in Genetics and Plant Breeding, and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Plant Breeding from the University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad. His doctoral research emphasized genetic diversity analysis, heritability studies, and the development of improved crop genotypes through hybridization and selection methods. Throughout his academic career, he has continued to build on this strong foundation by integrating traditional breeding principles with modern molecular and biotechnological tools, ensuring his research remains relevant and impactful in the era of precision agriculture and climate change adaptation.

Research Focus

Dr. Diwan’s primary research focus lies in crop improvement through genetic enhancement, hybridization, mutation breeding, and marker-assisted selection. His work addresses key agricultural challenges such as yield instability, biotic and abiotic stress tolerance, and quality enhancement in major field crops. He has successfully developed and evaluated several promising genotypes of soybean, rice, and minor millets suited for the agro-climatic zones of Karnataka. His research integrates molecular breeding, phenotypic selection, and multi-environment testing, contributing directly to varietal release programs under ICAR-AICRP networks. Dr. Diwan’s broader vision includes building climate-resilient crop varieties and advancing sustainable farming practices through participatory breeding and farmer-oriented research.

Experience

Over his 25+ years of professional service, Dr. Diwan has held diverse academic, research, and administrative positions within UAS Dharwad. As Professor and Head at ARS, Mugad, he leads multidisciplinary teams in planning and executing research programs across field crops. He has guided several M.Sc. and Ph.D. students, delivered numerous lectures and workshops, and contributed significantly to curriculum development in genetics and plant breeding. His experience spans breeding program coordination, varietal trials, seed production, and technology transfer to farming communities. He also represents his university in national-level committees and AICRP review meetings, strengthening the linkage between research outcomes and on-farm applications.

Research Timeline & Activities

Dr. Diwan’s research journey began in the late 1990s with foundational work on soybean improvement, focusing on genetic variability and heritability analysis. In the 2000s, his work expanded into mutation breeding and trait introgression to enhance yield and pest resistance. Over the past decade, his research has evolved toward molecular breeding and genomic-assisted selection, integrating cutting-edge tools for crop improvement. As a Principal Investigator (PI) and Co-PI, he has managed several externally funded projects supported by ICAR, DST, and UAS Dharwad, leading to the release of regionally adapted, high-performing varieties. His ongoing projects emphasize climate-resilient agriculture, soil health management, and biodiversity conservation, reflecting a commitment to holistic agricultural development.

Awards & Honors

Dr. Diwan’s scientific excellence has been recognized through numerous awards and honors at institutional and national levels. He has received the Best Scientist Award from the University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad, and commendations from ICAR-AICRP on Soybean for his exceptional contributions to varietal development. He has also been honored for his leadership in seed production programs, technology dissemination, and farmer outreach initiatives. His dedication to advancing agricultural science and mentoring young researchers has earned him widespread respect among peers, students, and farming communities alike.

Top Noted Publication

Among his many scholarly contributions, one of Dr. Diwan’s most influential publications is titled “Genetic variability and heritability studies in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] for yield and yield components,” published in Legume Research. This widely cited study has become a reference point for breeders working on soybean improvement and has significantly influenced subsequent research on genetic parameters and selection efficiency. In addition to this, Dr. Diwan has authored and co-authored over 50 research papers, book chapters, and technical bulletins, contributing valuable insights to the domains of plant breeding, seed technology, and sustainable crop production.

  • Diwan, J., Channbyregowda, M., Shenoy, V., Salimath, P., & Bhat, R. (2013). Molecular mapping of early vigour related QTLs in rice. Research Journal of Biology, 1, 24–30.
    Cited by 57 times. This influential paper identified and mapped quantitative trait loci (QTLs) governing early vigour in rice, contributing to enhanced understanding of seedling establishment and early growth performance in breeding programs.

  • Manu, D. G., Tembhurne, B. V., Kisan, B., Aswathnarayana, D. S., & Diwan, J. R. (2014). Inheritance of fusarium wilt and qualitative and quantitative characters in chilli (Capsicum annuum L.). Journal of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, 3(2), 433–444.
    Cited by 27 times. This study provided key insights into the inheritance of fusarium wilt resistance and morphological traits in chilli, facilitating development of resistant cultivars.

  • Kariyanna, B., Prabhuraj, A., Mohan, M., Bheemanna, M., & Diwan, J. R. (2020). Insecticide usage pattern and evolution of resistance in eggplant shoot and fruit borer, Leucinodes orbonalis Guenée (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) in India. Plant Archives, 20(2), 1255–1261.
    Cited by 24 times. This work documented resistance evolution in a major pest, guiding integrated pest management strategies for sustainable eggplant production.

  • Kariyanna, B., Prabhuraj, A., Asokan, R., Agrawal, A., Gandhi Gracy, R., Jyoti, P., & Diwan, J. R. (2020). Genome mining and expression analysis of carboxylesterase and glutathione S-transferase genes involved in insecticide resistance in eggplant shoot and fruit borer, Leucinodes orbonalis. Frontiers in Physiology, 11, 594845.
    Cited by 23 times. This high-impact publication employed genomic and transcriptomic tools to unravel detoxification gene networks underlying insecticide resistance.

  • Vanishree, R. L., Diwan, J. R., & Ravi, M. V. (2011). Study on character association and contribution of yield related traits to seed yield in segregating generation (F4 families) of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.). Electronic Journal of Plant Breeding, 2(4), 559–562.
    Cited by 20 times. The paper elucidated interrelationships among yield-contributing traits in sesame, aiding efficient selection in early segregating generations.

Strengths for the Innovative Researcher Award

  1. Pioneering Genetic Mapping in Rice:
    Through his highly cited work on molecular mapping of early vigour-related QTLs in rice, Dr. Diwan demonstrated innovative application of molecular genetics for trait discovery. His research enhanced understanding of early growth physiology and contributed to the breeding of high-vigor rice varieties suitable for rainfed conditions.

  2. Advancing Disease-Resistance Breeding:
    Dr. Diwan’s research on inheritance of fusarium wilt in chilli combined classical genetics with field evaluation to uncover the heritable basis of resistance. This work provided practical selection strategies that directly benefit breeders and farmers battling major soil-borne diseases.

  3. Integrative Pest-Resistance Studies:
    His collaborative investigations on insecticide usage patterns and resistance evolution in eggplant showcased a multidisciplinary approach, linking entomology, plant breeding, and molecular biology. This innovation helped design more sustainable and region-specific pest management frameworks.

  4. Molecular Insight into Detoxification Mechanisms:
    By leading genomic and expression analyses of carboxylesterase and glutathione S-transferase genes in resistant insect populations, Dr. Diwan integrated bioinformatics with applied crop protection. This work bridged molecular genetics and field entomology, advancing resistance management at a mechanistic level.

  5. Genetic Improvement of Oilseed Crops:
    His studies on yield trait association in sesame provided early evidence of trait correlations and selection efficiency in segregating generations. The innovative statistical and breeding insights from this work continue to guide genetic improvement of small oilseed crops under resource-limited environments.

Abdul Raffie Naik, Psychology, Innovative Researcher Award

Dr. Abdul Raffie Naik: Sr. Assistant Professor at VIT-AP University, India

Dr. Abdul Raffie Naik is an Assistant Professor (Senior Grade I) in the School of Social Sciences and Humanities at VIT-AP University, Amaravati. He is a clinical and counseling psychologist with over eight years of professional experience spanning teaching, academic supervision, corporate mental health services, and research. His expertise includes positive psychology, mental health interventions, stress management, and research methodology. He has guided multiple Ph.D., M.Phil., and postgraduate research scholars and has presented papers in national and international forums. Dr. Naik has contributed significantly to mental health awareness, academic leadership, and promoting applied psychological practices in educational and corporate settings.

Online Profiles

Google Scholar Profile

Research Metrics (Google Scholar, as of 2025)

Dr. Naik has a total of 184 citations, with 138 citations since 2020, reflecting the growing impact of his recent scholarly contributions. His current h-index is 7 (6 since 2020), and his i10-index is 5 (4 since 2020), indicating consistent publication of high-quality research outputs and continued relevance of his work within the academic community.

Education

Dr. Naik is pursuing his Ph.D. in Psychology from Aligarh Muslim University, where he earlier completed an M.Sc. in Clinical & Counseling Psychology with high distinction. He holds a B.A. (Honours) in Psychology from AMU and a Postgraduate Diploma in Guidance and Counselling. He has further completed specialized certifications in Positive Psychology (University of Pennsylvania), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Life Coaching, and Hypnotherapy, enhancing his applied counseling and therapeutic skills.

Research Focus

His research interests include clinical and counseling psychology, positive psychology, psychological capital, resilience development, mental health in conflict contexts, post-traumatic growth, and digital and behavioral interventions for improving emotional well-being. He is actively engaged in developing psychological scales, structured intervention programs, and mental-health-centric educational frameworks.

Experience

Dr. Naik currently serves as Assistant Professor (Sr. Grade I) at VIT-AP University, where he teaches psychology courses, mentors research scholars, coordinates academic activities, and contributes to curriculum and student development initiatives. Previously, he served as Assistant Professor at Acharya Institute of Graduate Studies, Bengaluru, and AMITY University, Mumbai, where he guided more than 50 UG and PG dissertations and coordinated major departmental research activities. He has also worked as a Clinical and Counseling Psychologist with Lifetime Wellness Rx International (Apollo Group), delivering workplace mental health support, psychotherapy, and wellness training. He has experience as guest faculty in multiple higher education institutions and continues to practice as a freelance psychologist and academic counselor.

Research Timeline & Activities

His research journey spans from early work on depression, locus of control, and stress among youth to recent contributions in psychological capital, post-traumatic growth, caregiver well-being, and digital mental health interventions. He has supervised and co-supervised ongoing Ph.D. and M.Phil. research projects and has actively participated as a resource person, external examiner, and invited speaker across universities. He has reviewed manuscripts for multiple psychology journals and serves on editorial boards of international academic publications.

Awards & Honors

He has been recognized as a COVID-19 Frontline Mental Health Warrior for community support during the pandemic and received appreciation for academic contributions such as mentorship in SPSS workshops and debate competitions. He has received distinctions in academic coursework and secured notable recognition in scholarly and cultural competitions during his university education.

Top Noted Publication

Naik, A. R. (2024). Artificial Intelligence and Large Language Models in Mental Healthcare: A Systematic Review. In Wiley (3rd Ed., pp. 195–210). This chapter provides a comprehensive analysis of emerging AI-driven tools and their role in mental health research, interventions, and therapy support systems.

Naik, A. R. (2015). A study on locus of control among college students of Gulbarga City. The International Journal of Indian Psychology, 2(4), 47–54. Cited by: 47

Bhat, R. H., & Naik, A. R. (2016). Relationship of academic intrinsic motivation and psychological well-being among students. International Journal of Modern Social Sciences, 5(1), 66–74. Cited by: 39

Naik, A. R., & Sundaramoorthy, J. (2016). The relationship between locus of control and depression among college students of Gulbarga City. Indian Journal of Positive Psychology, 7(2), 249–252. Cited by: 17

Naik, A. R. (2016). Impact of conflict on mental health with special reference to Kashmir Valley. International Journal of Indian Psychology, 4, 76–82. Cited by: 14

Naik, A. R., & Khan, S. M. (2019). Post-traumatic growth: An overview. International Journal of Advance and Innovative Research, 6(4-II), 1–4. Cited by: 13

Strengths for Innovative Researcher Award

  1. Pioneering Contributions to Applied Mental Health Research
    Dr. Naik integrates positive psychology, counseling intervention models, and digital mental health tools to develop practical, evidence-based frameworks that support emotional resilience, well-being, and behavior change among youth and working professionals.

  2. Innovative Pedagogical and Counseling Practices
    He has consistently introduced experiential teaching, supervised research mentorship, and structured counseling methodologies that enhance student engagement, improve psychological awareness, and foster emotional intelligence in both academic and corporate environments.

  3. Strong Research Productivity and Growing Scholarly Impact
    With over 184 citations and increasing post-2020 impact, his work on locus of control, intrinsic motivation, post-traumatic growth, and conflict-affected populations has shaped research directions in clinical and counseling psychology. His recent contributions to AI-based mental healthcare highlight continued relevance and innovation.

  4. Leadership in Mental Health Advocacy and Community Engagement
    He has led mental health awareness programs, workplace psychological wellness sessions, and community support initiatives, particularly during the COVID-19 period where he was recognized as a Mental Health Frontline Support Warrior for service and outreach.

  5. Capacity Building Through Academic Supervision and Empowerment
    He has mentored Ph.D., M.Phil., and postgraduate researchers, guided over 50 dissertations, and served as a resource person for workshops in research methodology, SPSS, counseling skills, and psychological assessment, contributing to growing research capability in the field.

Vinod Kumar Yadav, Statistics, Innovative Researcher Award

Dr. Vinod Kumar Yadav: Senior Scientist at ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education Mumbai, India

Dr. Vinod Kumar Yadav is a Senior Scientist in Agricultural Statistics at the Social Science / Fisheries Economics, Extension and Statistics Division of ICAR-CIFE, Mumbai. He holds an M.Sc. from IARI, Pusa New Delhi, and a Ph.D. from IIT Bombay. His work integrates statistical modelling, machine learning, remote sensing, and climate impact assessment to support sustainable fisheries management. He has led and contributed to numerous national projects, developed decision-support technologies, and authored multiple research publications and technical manuals. He is widely recognized for his contributions to fisheries data analytics, precision aquaculture, and geospatial intelligence for aquatic systems.

Online Profiles

ORCID Profile

Education

Dr. Yadav earned his M.Sc. in Agricultural Statistics from IARI, New Delhi, where he ranked 1st in ICAR-JRF for admission. He completed his Ph.D. at IIT Bombay with specialization in computational modelling and statistical applications in fisheries and aquatic systems. His academic foundation combines strong quantitative training with applied environmental data science.

Research Focus

Dr. Yadav’s research focuses on machine learning and deep learning applications in fisheries; GIS and remote sensing for aquatic resource mapping; climate change projections and vulnerability assessment; modelling and forecasting of fish production; IoT-enabled precision aquaculture; and ecosystem valuation for sustainable policy planning. His work aims to create data-driven strategies for improving inland and marine fisheries resilience and productivity.

Experience

As a Senior Scientist at ICAR-CIFE, Dr. Yadav has served as Principal Investigator and Co-PI on multiple research projects involving fisheries modelling, resource evaluation, value chain analysis, climate impact studies, and development of geospatial and AI-based tools for aquaculture. He teaches advanced courses at both M.Sc./MFSc and Ph.D. levels, has guided postgraduate and doctoral students, contributes to national surveys, serves on academic committees, and actively supports institutional digital and research-data systems.

Research Timeline & Activities

Over the past decade, Dr. Yadav has advanced work in:

  • 2011–14: Forecasting and statistical modelling of fish production at national scale

  • 2013–18: Aquaculture value chain, biochar impact studies, and spatio-temporal data analytics

  • 2018–21: Climate change vulnerability mapping and predictive modelling for inland fisheries

  • 2021–Present: Precision aquaculture networks, technology innovation in fisheries, ecosystem valuation studies, and development of AI-ML based monitoring frameworks

His overseas training at the University of Tokyo strengthened his work in intelligent aquaculture systems and machine-learning based fisheries analytics.

Awards & Honors

Dr. Yadav has received several national and international recognitions including Excellence in Research Award (2024), Best Scientist in Agricultural Statistics (2023), multiple academic excellence awards during World Environment Summits, Outstanding Researcher awards (2022), Golden Achiever Award (2022), and paper presentation awards at international conferences. He has also received copyrights and technology recognition for fisheries governance indices and AI-ML based aquatic monitoring tools.

Top Noted Publications

Dr. Yadav has published research in the Indian Journal of Fisheries, Journal of Environmental Biology, Indian Journal of Geo-Marine Sciences, Fishery Technology, and other recognized journals. His notable works include comparative modelling of time-series forecasting of fish production, economic impact assessments of inland fisheries, geospatial simulations for reservoir ecosystems, and socio-economic analytics of fishing communities.

  • Meharoof, M., Yadav, V.K., Sharma, A., Ojha, S.N., Anitha, V., & Paul, T.T. (2025).
    Land Use Land Cover Change Detection for Fish Culture Area Mapping in the Peechi Reservoir.
    Journal of the Indian Society of Remote Sensing.
    https://doi.org/10.1007/s12524-025-02206-y

  • Meharoof, M., Yadav, V.K., Sharma, A., Anitha, V., Paul, T.T., Paul, L., & Dave, C.P. (2024).
    Economic valuation of cultural ecosystem services: A case of tropical reservoir ecosystem.
    Journal of Environmental Biology.
    https://doi.org/10.22438/jeb/45/5/MRN-5265

  • Patro, K.S.K., Yadav, V.K., Bharti, V.S., Sharma, A., & Sharma, A. (2023).
    Fish Detection in Underwater Environments Using Deep Learning.
    National Academy Science Letters.
    https://doi.org/10.1007/s40009-023-01265-4

  • Pal, S., Yadav, V.K., Sharma, A., Ananthan, P.S., Qureshi, N.W., Dey, S., Jana, P., Karmakar, S., & Ojha, S.N. (2022).
    Coastal Multi-Hazard Vulnerability Mapping: A Case Study Along the Coast of South 24 Parganas District, East Coast of India.
    Journal of the Indian Society of Remote Sensing.
    https://doi.org/10.1007/s12524-022-01558-z

  • Yadav, V.K., Pal, S., & Ojha, S.N. (2022).
    Geospatial and Temporal Studies on Climatic Parameters and Their Impact on Inland Fish Production: A Case Study.
    International Journal of Bio-resource and Stress Management.
    https://doi.org/10.23910/1.2022.2721

Strengths for Innovative Researcher Award

  1. Pioneering Use of AI and Machine Learning in Fisheries Analytics
    Demonstrated leadership in applying machine learning, deep learning, and computational modeling to solve real-world fisheries problems such as fish detection, stock forecasting, and ecosystem monitoring.

  2. Advancement of Geospatial Intelligence for Aquatic Resource Management
    Integrated GIS, remote sensing, and spatio-temporal data analytics to map fish culture zones, reservoir dynamics, and climate vulnerability hotspots that support evidence-based policy and resource planning.

  3. Development of Precision Aquaculture and Smart Decision-Support Tools
    Contributed to IoT-enabled monitoring networks and developed data-driven frameworks that enhance efficiency, sustainability, and environmental performance in aquaculture systems.

  4. Interdisciplinary Research Impact on Climate Resilience and Ecosystem Sustainability
    Produced influential studies connecting climate variability, inland fish production, ecosystem valuation, and community livelihoods, supporting sustainable governance of aquatic ecosystems.

  5. Strong Publication, Training, and Technology Dissemination Record
    Published impactful research in recognized journals, guided postgraduate scholars, and contributed to national projects and technical manuals, influencing research, teaching, and extension in fisheries science.

Ramulu Gugulothu, Engineering, Best Innovator Award

Prof. Dr. Ramulu Gugulothu: Senior Lecturer in Civil Engineering at Department of Technical Education, Telangana, India

Gugulothu Ramulu is a Senior Lecturer in Civil Engineering under the Department of Technical Education, Government of Telangana, India. He has over a decade of academic involvement in diploma-level engineering education, where he teaches core subjects in transportation engineering, highway materials, surveying, and construction technology. He is currently pursuing his Ph.D. in Civil Engineering at the National Institute of Technology, Warangal. His doctoral research focuses on the development of sustainable pavement base materials by incorporating industrial and biomedical waste by-products into stabilization processes. His work aims to provide cost-effective and environmentally responsible alternatives for pavement construction, particularly for low and medium traffic road networks in developing regions. He has contributed research articles to peer-reviewed international journals and has presented scientific papers at reputed international conferences in transportation engineering.

Online Profiles

Scopus Profile

According to Scopus, Gugulothu Ramulu has authored 4 peer-reviewed research publications, which have collectively received 10 citations across 7 citing documents. His current h-index is 1, reflecting the emerging and developing stage of his research career in the field of pavement engineering and sustainable infrastructure materials. His Scopus Author ID is 59197856800, which indexes his contributions to journals focusing on pavement stabilization, waste utilization in civil engineering, and transportation material characterization.

Education

  • Ph.D., Civil Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Warangal (Expected Completion: October 2025)
    Research involves experimental characterization of geopolymer and cement-based stabilizers for pavement base applications using waste-based materials.

  • Previous Academic Qualifications: Strong foundation in transportation engineering, pavement material studies, and practical laboratory methodologies.

  • Relevant Certifications: Doctoral research training in pavement engineering laboratories and material evaluation protocols.

Research Focus

His research interests lie in the development and evaluation of sustainable road construction materials. He primarily works on pavement stabilization using industrial by-products such as fly ash and biomedical waste incinerated ash, aiming to reduce environmental pollution and promote circular resource utilization. His studies include mechanical performance evaluation, durability assessment, microstructural analysis, cost-benefit considerations, and environmental footprint assessment of stabilized pavement layers. His long-term research goal is to support the adoption of green and resilient road infrastructure solutions at both rural and urban development scales.

Experience

He has been serving as a Senior Lecturer in Civil Engineering, where he is engaged in teaching, curriculum development, laboratory instruction, and examination coordination. In addition to teaching responsibilities, he mentors students in technical project work and field-based training. His institutional service includes participation in academic committees, student guidance, department-level planning, and technical event organization. His professional experience reflects a balance between teaching responsibilities and ongoing research engagement, which strengthens his role as both an educator and a developing researcher in sustainable transportation engineering.

Research Timeline & Activities

  • Conducting ongoing Ph.D. research on waste-derived geopolymer stabilization of pavement base courses.

  • Performing laboratory testing that includes unconfined compressive strength, resilient modulus, microstructure imaging, and durability evaluation.

  • Publishing high-quality research articles in peer-reviewed journals indexed in SCI and Scopus.

  • Presenting research outcomes at international conferences on transportation infrastructure and sustainable pavement systems.

  • Collaborating with academic peers in civil engineering research groups working on waste utilization and pavement material innovation.

  • Continuously updating skills in emerging technologies and modern pavement assessment methodologies.

Top Noted Publications

  1. Ramulu, G., & Shankar, S. (2024). Performance assessment of geopolymer stabilized aggregate pavement bases with incorporation of biomedical waste incinerated ash. Innovative Infrastructure Solutions, 9(7), 281.

  2. Gugulothu, R., & Sabavath, S. (2025). Performance evaluation of biomedical waste incinerated ash and cement blend as stabilizing agent for low volume road bases. Journal of Rehabilitation in Civil Engineering, 13(1), 79-95.

  3. Ramulu, G., & Sabavath, S. (2025). Comparative Performance and Environmental Assessment of Geopolymer-Stabilized and Cement-Stabilized Aggregates for Pavement Base Applications. International Journal of Pavement Research and Technology, 1-23.

Strength for the Best Innovator Award

1. Innovative Research in Sustainable Pavement Materials

Prof. Dr. Gugulothu has pioneered the development of environmentally responsible pavement base materials by integrating industrial and biomedical waste by-products into stabilization processes. His work demonstrates originality in transforming waste materials—such as fly ash and biomedical waste incinerated ash—into functional engineering solutions, addressing both sustainability and resource efficiency in civil infrastructure.

2. Practical Impact on Low and Medium Traffic Road Networks

His research focuses on providing cost-effective and scalable solutions for rural and urban road networks in developing regions. By optimizing waste-based geopolymer and cement stabilization techniques, his work offers practical alternatives for governments and municipalities seeking durable, low-cost, and eco-friendly pavement options.

3. Strong Academic and Research Integration

With over a decade of teaching and mentoring experience in core civil engineering disciplines, Prof. Gugulothu bridges the gap between academic theory and applied research. His mentorship of students in laboratory and field-based projects ensures the next generation of engineers are trained in innovative and sustainable construction technologies.

4. Recognition and Contribution in International Research

He has contributed to peer-reviewed international journals and presented at reputed conferences in transportation engineering. His publications on geopolymer and cement-stabilized pavements with waste incorporation reflect a high-quality research profile with measurable impact, setting benchmarks for sustainable material use in civil infrastructure.

5. Commitment to Circular Economy and Environmental Responsibility

Prof. Gugulothu’s work exemplifies circular economy principles by turning industrial and biomedical waste into high-value engineering materials. His research not only reduces environmental pollution but also advances green infrastructure practices, positioning him as an innovator at the intersection of environmental stewardship and civil engineering.

Arpita Chatterjee Shahi, Medicine, Best Innovator Award

Dr. Arpita Chatterjee Shahi: Consultant Speech Language Pathologist at AIIMS, India

Ms. Arpita Chatterjee Shahi is an Assistant Professor in Speech and Hearing with over 12 years of clinical and academic experience. She specializes in Audiology, Speech-Language Pathology, cochlear implant rehabilitation, voice disorders, vestibular assessment, and dysphagia management. She has significantly contributed to the establishment and expansion of the B.ASLP program at Sri Guru Ramdas University of Health Sciences, Amritsar, where she also serves as the Course Coordinator. Her research and academic contributions include publications, conference presentations, scientific committee membership, training programs, and involvement in national rehabilitation initiatives.

Online Profiles

Google Scholar Profile

Her research contributions demonstrate strong academic impact, with a total of 4912 citations to date, including 2419 citations since 2020, reflecting sustained relevance and continued scholarly influence in recent years. She holds an h-index of 37 overall and 27 since 2020, along with an i10-index of 77 overall and 58 since 2020, indicating a substantial number of her publications have been widely referenced and recognized within the scientific and clinical research community.

Education

  • Ph.D. (Pursuing) in Audiology, Sri Guru Ramdas University of Health Sciences, Amritsar (Coursework completed with 75 percent).

  • M.ASLP (Master in Audiology and Speech Language Pathology), Sri Ramachandra Medical College, 2010.

  • B.ASLP (Bachelor in Audiology and Speech Pathology), AYJNISHD (ERC), Calcutta University, 2003–2007.

  • B.Sc. Psychology (Distance Education), Annamalai University.

  • Schooling: I.C.S.E (2001) and A.I.S.S.C.E (2003) with First Division; Awarded Government Scholarship in Hindi.

Research Focus

Her research interests include voice science, laryngeal aerodynamics, speech and swallowing disorders, phonological assessment in Indian languages, cochlear implant rehabilitation, vestibular disorders, and audiological diagnostics. She has contributed to development and adaptation of speech and language assessment tools in regional languages including Bangla and Punjabi.

Experience

Clinical Experience

  • Audiologist and Speech-Language Pathologist at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai (1 year 9 months).

  • Audiologist and Speech-Language Pathologist at Gram Seva and Vikalang Sahayata Sanstha (1 year 1 month).

  • Clinical service at Community Health Centre, Kisko, Jharkhand (1 year).

Teaching and Academic Experience

  • Assistant Professor (Speech and Hearing) and Course Coordinator for the B.ASLP program, Sri Guru Ramdas University of Health Sciences (2018–present). Successfully initiated and expanded the B.ASLP program.

  • Audiologist and Speech-Language Pathologist at AYJNISHD (ERC), Kolkata, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (2 years 2 months).

  • Guest Faculty, Spastic Society of India, Mumbai (2010–2012).

  • Founder, Divyansh Speech and Hearing Clinic, Jalandhar (1 year).

  • Visiting Faculty, PINGALWARA Charitable Society, Amritsar.

Research Timeline & Activities

  • Presented multiple oral and poster presentations at Laryngology Summit 2015, International Symposium on Audiological Medicine 2015, and other national conferences.

  • Served as resource person, conference faculty, and scientific committee member for major professional events.

  • Completed specialized training in Stroboscopy, Cochlear Implants, Vestibular assessment, and Dysphagia management.

  • Editor for Journal of International Symposium of Audiological Medicine.

  • Contributed book chapters, educational modules, and rehabilitation resource materials for Netaji Subhas Open University and COMDEALL Trust.

Awards & Honors

  • National Women Excellence Award, National Academy for Art Education, Pune.

  • Best Scientific Paper Award, 1st SOUND National Conference, Amritsar, 2018.

  • Funded dissertations and significant contribution to clinical and academic expansion of B.ASLP program.

  • Multiple recognitions as Chairperson, Faculty, Evaluator, and Resource Expert in national training programs.

Top Noted Publications

  • Site-specific conjugation of boron-containing dendrimers to anti-EGF receptor monoclonal antibody cetuximab (IMC-C225) and its evaluation as a delivery agent.
    Bioconjugate Chemistry 15(1), 185–194 (2004)273 citations

  • Synthesis and biological evaluation of folate receptor-targeted boronated PAMAM dendrimers for neutron capture therapy.
    Bioconjugate Chemistry 14(1), 158–167 (2003)262 citations

  • CXCL14 as an emerging immune and inflammatory modulator.
    Journal of Inflammation 13(1), 1–8 (2016)255 citations

  • Distinct platelet packaging, release, and surface expression of proangiogenic and antiangiogenic factors under different platelet stimuli.
    Blood 117(14), 3907–3911 (2011)238 citations

  • Platelet-derived CXCL12 regulates monocyte survival, differentiation into macrophages and foam cells via CXCR4–CXCR7 pathways.
    Cell Death & Disease 6(11), e1989 (2015)208 citations

Strengths for the Best Innovator Award

  1. Integrated Clinical and Academic Leadership: She has successfully combined clinical expertise with academic program development, notably establishing and expanding the B.ASLP program and strengthening professional training in Speech and Hearing Sciences at Sri Guru Ramdas University of Health Sciences.

  2. Innovative Work in Multilingual Assessment Tools: She has contributed to the development, adaptation, and validation of speech, language, voice, and auditory assessment tools in Indian languages, improving accessibility and accuracy of diagnosis and rehabilitation for diverse linguistic populations.

  3. High-Impact Research and Scholarly Contribution: With more than 4912 citations, 37 h-index, and 77 i10-index, her research influence is both sustained and widely recognized in clinical speech sciences, voice research, and neuro-auditory rehabilitation.

  4. Advanced Clinical Specialization and Training: She holds specialized training in stroboscopy, cochlear implantation, vestibular assessment, and dysphagia rehabilitation, enabling evidence-based clinical innovation in diagnosis and therapeutic care.

  5. Professional Service, Mentorship, and Public Health Contribution: She has served as a scientific committee member, conference faculty, editor, and resource person across national institutes, mentoring clinicians and supporting national rehabilitation initiatives that directly benefit patient communities.

Pradeepto Pal, Agriculture, Best Innovator Award

Mr. Pradeepto Pal: Student at College of Horticulture, Central Agricultural University (Imphal) Thenzawl, Mizoram, India

Pradeepto Pal is a dedicated postgraduate student specializing in Vegetable Science at the College of Horticulture, Central Agricultural University, Mizoram, and currently serves as a Student Ambassador at PUSA Krishi, New Delhi, India. He holds strong academic and research experience in smart agriculture, IoT-based automation systems, sericulture, organic crop production, seed technology, and sustainable horticultural practices. With hands-on exposure to field research, data collection, remote sensing, precision agriculture, and farmers’ training programs under ICAR-KVK projects, he aims to contribute towards the advancement of innovative, climate-resilient, and technology-driven agricultural systems. He is also actively involved as a reviewer for multiple reputed journals and has contributed significantly in research publications, patents, and book chapters.

Online Profiles

Google Scholar Profile

The researcher has a total of 33 citations, all of which have been accumulated since 2020, indicating a growing academic influence in recent years. The h-index of 3 reflects that at least three of the researcher’s publications have been cited three or more times. Additionally, the i10-index of 1 shows that one publication has received at least ten citations. These metrics collectively demonstrate a developing research profile with increasing scholarly impact.

Education

Pradeepto is currently pursuing M.Sc. (Horticulture) in Vegetable Science at the College of Horticulture, CAU (Imphal), Thenzawl, Mizoram. He completed his B.Sc. (Hons.) Agriculture from Uttaranchal University, Uttarakhand, with a commendable CGPA of 8.41. He also holds a Diploma in Computer Applications (DCA) from IFDA Institute, New Delhi, and completed his Intermediate and Secondary Education under CBSE with strong academic performance.

Research Focus

His research interests lie in precision horticulture, climate-resilient agriculture, sericulture technology, IoT and AI applications in agriculture, seed and nursery management, sustainable organic production systems, and remote sensing for environmental monitoring. He is particularly focused on integrating smart agriculture technologies to enhance crop productivity, crop monitoring, input efficiency, and post-harvest quality management.

Experience, Research Timeline & Activities

He has actively assisted in research programs under NICRA, SCSP, and KISAN SARTHI initiatives at ICAR-KVK Uttarkashi, contributing to survey enumeration, data analysis, farmer training, and extension activities. He has organized and supported national agricultural events, bootcamps, workshops, and field demonstrations in collaboration with state agricultural departments. His internship and training experiences span IoT-enabled agricultural systems, machine learning applications, soil-water conservation, plant taxonomy, remote sensing, drone-based precision farming, and agribusiness development across multiple ICAR institutes and universities.

Awards & Honors

Pradeepto has been recognized with multiple national and international honors including Student of the Year (NUTRIENT-2025), Young Professional Award (GRIAST-2025 and GRISAAS-2024), Outstanding Student Award (RTAAAS-2024), and Young Researcher Award (FARMERS-2025) for his academic excellence, innovative contributions, research leadership, and active participation in scientific conferences.

Top Noted Publications

  • Artificial Intelligence Role in Electronic Invoice Under Goods and Services Tax
    R. Kumar, R.K. Malholtra, R. Singh, S. Kathuria, R. Balyan, P. Pal
    2023 International Conference on Computational Intelligence, Communication Systems and Networks
    Citations: 14 | Year: 2023

  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the Field of Corporate Social Responsibility
    H. Khan, S. Pandey, B.V. Kumar, S.V. Akram, P. Pal
    2024 3rd International Conference on Sentiment Analysis and Deep Learning
    Citations: 6 | Year: 2024

  • Internet of Things and Cloud Server-based Indoor Talking Plant
    P. Pal, D. Singh, R. Kumar, R. Balyan, A. Gehlot, R. Singh, H. Anandaram, …
    SSRG International Journal of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Vol. 10(4)
    Citations: 5 | Year: 2023

  • Artificial Intelligence and its Role in Language Games in Mathematics Classrooms
    S. Choudhary, S. Kathuria, G.R. Kumar, P. Pal, M. Gupta
    2024 3rd International Conference on Sentiment Analysis and Deep Learning
    Citations: 3 | Year: 2024

  • Role of Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Deep Learning for Sericulture: A Technological Perspective
    P. Pal, D. Singh, R. Singh, A. Gehlot, S.V. Akram
    2023 International Conference on Artificial Intelligence and Smart Systems
    Citations: 2 | Year: 2023

Strengths for the Best Innovator Award

  1. Interdisciplinary Innovation in Smart Agriculture:
    Demonstrated ability to integrate IoT, AI, machine learning, and remote sensing into horticultural and sericulture systems, creating practical, technology-driven solutions that improve crop monitoring, productivity, and resource efficiency.

  2. Strong Research Output with Growing Academic Impact:
    Authored multiple Scopus and conference-indexed research papers with a total of 33 citations, h-index of 3, and i10-index of 1, reflecting a noteworthy and rising influence in emerging technological research within agriculture.

  3. Hands-on Field Implementation and Community Impact:
    Actively involved in ICAR-KVK field initiatives, farmer training programs, and extension activities under NICRA, SCSP, and KISAN SARTHI, contributing to the real-world adoption of sustainable and climate-adaptive farming practices.

  4. Leadership in Student and Academic Engagement:
    Serves as a Student Ambassador at PUSA Krishi, coordinating workshops, awareness programs, and interdisciplinary collaborations while promoting youth participation in science, agriculture, and innovation-based development sectors.

  5. Recognized Excellence Through National and International Awards:
    Recipient of awards such as Student of the Year (NUTRIENT-2025), Young Professional Awards (GRIAST-2025, GRISAAS-2024), Outstanding Student Award (RTAAAS-2024), and Young Researcher Award (FARMERS-2025), acknowledging research leadership and innovative contributions.

Nadia El-Hage, Agriculture, Innovative Researcher Award

Miss. Nadia El-Hage: Senior Fellow at Sweete Centre for Sustainable Food Systems, Arizona State University, United States

Nadia El-Hage Scialabba is an Italian environmental scientist and sustainable food systems expert with over three decades of international experience. She has played a pivotal role in shaping policies and programs related to organic farming, climate-smart agriculture, and biodiversity conservation at the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Her work bridges science, policy, and practice, focusing on creating resilient food systems that integrate ecological, social, and economic dimensions. Nadia is widely recognized for her expertise in sustainable agriculture and her commitment to promoting equitable food systems worldwide.

Online Profiles

Scopus Profile
  • Citations: 2,138 citations from 1,953 documents

  • Documents (publications): 21

  • h-index: 7

Education

Nadia’s educational background combines biology, marine and environmental sciences, and environmental studies. She earned a Master of Science in Environmental Studies from West Virginia University, USA (1980-1981), a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the American College of Rome, Italy (1979-1980), and a DEUG in Marine and Environmental Sciences from Université d’Aix-Marseille, France (1978-1979). Her interdisciplinary training laid the foundation for her work on sustainable agriculture, environmental policy, and food system resilience.

Research Focus

Her research is centered on sustainable and organic agriculture, agroecology, climate-smart food systems, and true-cost accounting of food production. She investigates how agricultural practices can enhance biodiversity, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and improve rural livelihoods. Nadia also explores the integration of traditional knowledge and modern science to create more resilient food systems capable of addressing climate change, resource scarcity, and social inequalities.

Experience

Nadia has held senior leadership positions at FAO for over 30 years, overseeing programs on organic agriculture, climate change adaptation, biodiversity, and smallholder farming systems. She has coordinated global initiatives, developed technical guidelines, and provided advisory services to governments and NGOs worldwide. Since 2018, she has been an independent consultant and advisor, collaborating with international organizations, academic institutions, and civil society groups to advance sustainable food systems, agroecology, and organic agriculture policy frameworks.

Research Timeline & Activities

From the mid-1980s, Nadia’s career began with fisheries and environmental monitoring projects, gradually moving into sustainable agriculture and food systems. She has led extensive research on organic agriculture certification, environmental impacts of farming, and climate-smart practices. Recent projects focus on true-cost accounting of food, evaluating environmental, social, and health costs and benefits. She has published extensively on strategies to achieve sustainable, resilient, and equitable global food systems.

Awards & Honors

Nadia has received recognition for her contributions to sustainable agriculture and food systems. She is a Senior Fellow at Arizona State University’s Swette Centre for Sustainable Food Systems and has served as an expert advisor to the Goetheanum, TMG Think Tank, and Navdanya International. She has been acknowledged for her leadership in promoting agroecology, organic farming, and biodiversity-friendly practices, and has received awards for her contributions to international environmental and food policy.

Top Noted Publication

Her most widely cited publication is “Strategies for Feeding the World more Sustainably with Organic Agriculture” (Nature Communications, 2017), which explores the potential of organic agriculture to improve global food security while reducing environmental impacts. Other notable works focus on climate-smart food systems, biodiversity conservation in agriculture, and sustainable development frameworks for smallholder farmers.

1. Book Chapter: Conclusion: Mobilizing the power and potential of true cost accounting

  • Citations: 3

  • Summary: This chapter likely discusses how true cost accounting can be used to measure the full environmental, social, and economic costs of food systems, and how these insights can influence policy and practice.

2. Book Chapter: From Practice to Policy: New metrics for the 21st century

  • Citations: 2

  • Summary: This work focuses on translating sustainable agriculture practices into measurable policies, introducing new metrics to guide food system sustainability in the modern era.

Anastasios Ziakas, Economics, Best Innovator Award

Mr. Anastasios Ziakas: Research Associate at University of Piraeus, Greece

Anastasios Ziakas is a maritime and transport researcher with a strong focus on coastal shipping, port operations, and shipping decarbonization. He has extensive experience in applied research projects within European and Greek maritime contexts, combining quantitative analysis, GIS applications, and data-driven decision-making. His work bridges academic research and practical industry applications, aiming to enhance the efficiency, sustainability, and resilience of maritime transport networks.

Online Profiles

Google Scholar Profile

Since 2020, Anastasios Ziakas has accumulated 2 citations for his published work, reflecting the early impact of his research contributions in the maritime and transport field. His h-index is 1, demonstrating his emerging presence in academic publications and signaling a growing trajectory in scholarly influence, particularly in sustainable shipping, port operations, and coastal network optimization.

Education

Anastasios is currently pursuing a PhD at the University of Piraeus, Department of Maritime Studies, with research on coastal shipping trends and the ship/port interface. He holds an MSc in Shipping from the University of Piraeus, graduating with distinction (Grade: 8.89/10) and completing a thesis on dry port location selection and impact assessment (Grade: 9/10). He also earned a BSc in Business Administration from Athens University of Economics and Business and participated in an Erasmus+ exchange program at Poznan University of Economics and Business, broadening his understanding of international economics and logistics.

Research Focus

His research focuses on sustainable shipping practices, decarbonization strategies, and energy transition in coastal shipping networks. He specializes in port and terminal optimization, alternative fuel adoption, offshore charging technology, and maritime logistics. Utilizing GIS-based analysis, data visualization, and quantitative modeling, Anastasios investigates how shipping operations can become more environmentally friendly, economically efficient, and strategically resilient in the context of global and regional maritime networks.

Experience

Anastasios has served as a Research Associate at the University of Piraeus Research Center since March 2024, contributing to applied maritime studies and environmental risk assessment projects. Previously, he worked at CERTH’s Hellenic Institute of Transport, focusing on transport economics, maritime and air transport, and EU-funded research initiatives. His professional experience includes project coordination, research proposal development, policy assessment, quantitative data analysis, and collaboration with international academic and industrial partners.

Research Timeline & Activities

He has been involved in several high-impact projects, including EMMERA (East Med cross-border marine environmental risk assessment), SMAUG (Smart Maritime and Underwater Guardian), and Flagship Action – Green Islands, all aimed at integrating innovative technologies and sustainable practices into maritime operations. Additionally, he actively participates in professional and academic activities, such as the QuALS Laboratory, Greek Logistics Company (EEL), and international conferences, presenting findings on shipping decarbonization, dry port development, and coastal shipping network optimization.

Awards & Honors

Anastasios has received recognition for his academic and professional achievements, including high distinctions during his MSc studies and master thesis. He is a member of the Economic Chamber of Greece and serves as a peer reviewer for the Journal of Shipping and Trade and the Transportation Research Board. His work has been acknowledged in multiple international conferences, highlighting his contributions to sustainable maritime energy, coastal shipping research, and dry port analysis.

Top Noted Publication

Ziakas, A., & Boile, M. Toward Zero-Emission Ferries: Integrating Systematic Review and Bibliometric Analysis Insights on Alternative Fuels and Policies, published in the Journal of Shipping and Trade, represents a significant contribution to sustainable maritime research. This publication integrates comprehensive literature reviews, policy evaluation, and alternative fuel strategies, offering insights into reducing emissions in passenger and coastal shipping networks, particularly in the context of the Aegean archipelago.

  • Dry Port Location Selection – Criteria and Impact Assessment

    • Author: A. Ziakas

    • Affiliation: University of Piraeus

    • Year: 2021

    • Cited by: 2

  • Toward Zero-Emission Ferries: Integrating Systematic Review and Bibliometric Analysis Insights on Alternative Fuels and Policies

    • Authors: A. Ziakas, M. Boile

    • Journal: Journal of Shipping and Trade, 10(1):27

    • Year: 2025

Kumar Sonu, Engineering, Best Innovator Award

Dr. Kumar Sonu: Senior Project Engineer at Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, India

Dr. Kumar Sonu is a dedicated researcher, educator, and innovator in energy, environmental, and civil engineering, with a strong focus on sustainable solutions for wastewater management and bioenergy generation. Over the past decade, he has developed cutting-edge microbial fuel cell technologies, authored numerous publications, contributed to patents, and provided leadership in academic administration, bridging the gap between research innovation and practical applications for environmental sustainability.

Online Profiles

Google Scholar Profile

Dr. Kumar Sonu has achieved a total of 589 citations, with 583 citations since 2020, reflecting a highly productive and influential recent research period. His h-index of 14 demonstrates that at least 14 of his publications have been cited 14 times or more, indicating consistent academic impact, while his i10-index of 20 shows that 20 of his papers have received 10 or more citations. These metrics highlight the significance and relevance of his contributions, particularly in microbial fuel cells, sustainable wastewater treatment, and bioenergy research.

Education

He earned a PhD in Civil Engineering from Manipal University Jaipur (2021), an M.Tech in Energy & Environmental Engineering from VIT Vellore (2016, First Class Distinction), and a B.E. in Mechanical Engineering from Visvesvaraya Technological University, Belgaum (2013, First Class Distinction). His multidisciplinary academic foundation equips him to integrate principles from mechanical, civil, and environmental engineering in addressing energy and sustainability challenges.

Research Focus

Dr. Sonu’s research primarily explores microbial fuel cells, bioelectricity generation, sustainable wastewater treatment, and the upcycling of industrial, agricultural, and municipal waste. His work emphasizes cost-effective, scalable technologies for environmental remediation while simultaneously producing renewable energy, aiming to develop sustainable solutions for both industrial and community-level applications.

Experience

He has extensive experience in academia, research, and industry. He served as Associate Professor and Head of Department at Kashi Institute of Technology, Varanasi, and Senior Project Engineer at IIT Kanpur, overseeing teaching, research, and project administration. In industry, he worked as Assistant Manager at Shree Ram Transport Finance Company Ltd., managing operations and strategic planning. His roles have honed both technical expertise and leadership abilities.

Research Timeline & Activities

Since 2016, Dr. Sonu has actively contributed to advancing microbial fuel cell technologies, with 41 journal publications, 13 conference presentations, three patents, and several book chapters. He has led a DST-funded project on community-based RO plant reject management, participated in international workshops, and supervised student research. His work demonstrates a steady trajectory of innovation, knowledge dissemination, and practical application of engineering research.

Awards & Honors

Dr. Sonu’s achievements include leadership positions such as IIC-President, Dean R&D, and PMKVY Coordinator, recognition for innovation and patent contributions, and peer-review responsibilities for high-impact journals like Chemosphere and Bioresource Technology. He is widely acknowledged for his contributions to research, academic leadership, and promotion of sustainable technologies.

Top Noted Publication

One of his most influential works is “Water hyacinth-assisted Microbial Fuel Cells: A Review on Prospects for Bioenergy and Wastewater Treatment” (Environmental Progress & Sustainable Energy, 2025, accepted). This publication highlights his expertise in integrating bioengineering solutions with sustainable energy technologies, demonstrating global relevance in environmental remediation and renewable energy research.

  • Microbial biofilms for environmental bioremediation of heavy metals: a review

    • Authors: Z Syed, M Sogani, J Rajvanshi, K Sonu

    • Journal: Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology, 195(9), 5693–5711, 2023

    • Citations: 59

  • Enhanced decolorization and treatment of textile dye wastewater through adsorption on acid modified corncob derived biochar

    • Authors: K Sonu, M Sogani, Z Syed, A Dongre, G Sharma

    • Journal: ChemistrySelect, 5(39), 12287–12297, 2020

    • Citations: 57

  • Perceiving biobased plastics as an alternative and innovative solution to combat plastic pollution for a circular economy

    • Authors: J Rajvanshi, M Sogani, A Kumar, S Arora, Z Syed, K Sonu, NS Gupta, …

    • Journal: Science of The Total Environment, 874, 162441, 2023

    • Citations: 56

  • Bioelectrochemical systems for environmental remediation of estrogens: a review and way forward

    • Authors: Z Syed, M Sogani, A Dongre, A Kumar, K Sonu, G Sharma, AB Gupta

    • Journal: Science of The Total Environment, 780, 146544, 2021

    • Citations: 50

  • Integrated Constructed Wetland‐Microbial Fuel Cell using Biochar as Wetland Matrix: Influence on Power Generation and Textile Wastewater Treatment

    • Authors: K Sonu, M Sogani, Z Syed

    • Journal: ChemistrySelect, 6(32), 8323–8328, 2021

    • Citations: 39