Rita Patle | Agricultural Engineering | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Rita Patle | Agricultural Engineering | Research Excellence Award

ICAR – Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering | India

Dr. Rita Patle is an agricultural engineer specializing in Farm Machinery and Power Engineering with advanced expertise in precision agriculture and automation. She earned her B.Tech in Agricultural Engineering and M.Tech in Farm Machinery & Power, followed by a Ph.D. focusing on the design of an autonomous site-specific variable rate fertilizer applicator. Over her career she has served as Assistant Professor, Senior Research Fellow, and Research Associate at leading agricultural-engineering institutes, and contributed to both teaching and R&D. Her research interests center on precision farming, sensor-based variable-rate fertilizer application, farm mechanization, and integration of AI and embedded systems for smart agriculture. She is recognized for her innovative contributions — she holds a design patent for an autonomous variable-rate fertilizer applicator, and has registered the software program controlling it. Her work has earned national-level awards and best-paper recognitions. Through peer-reviewed journal articles, technical bulletins and conference publications, she has helped advance sustainable mechanization in Indian agriculture. Her commitment to bridging academic research, practical engineering solutions and agricultural productivity underscores her goal to address real-world farming challenges and support agricultural growth for the nation.

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Featured Publications

Patle, R., Kavitha, R., Surendrakumar, A., Sahni, R. K., Suthakar, B., Kannan, B., & Maragatham, S. (2025). Development of a sensor-based embedded system for on-the-go variable-rate fertilizer applicator in maize crop. Results in Engineering, 28, 107852. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rineng.2025.107852

Patle, R., Kavitha, R., Surendrakumar, A., Balaji, K., Maragatham, S., & Suthakar, B. (2023). Estimation of sensor-based site-specific variable rate fertilizer application for maize (Zea mays L.) crop. Journal of Applied and Natural Science, 15(3), 1109–1118. https://doi.org/10.31018/jans.v15i3.4724

Patle, R. (2024). Variable rate fertilizer applicator (Software registration No. SW-18483/2024).

Patle, R. (2023). Autonomous variable rate fertilizer applicator (Patent filed at The Patent Office, India).

Pramod Hurkadale | Pharmacognosy | Best Academic Researcher Award

Dr. Pramod Hurkadale | Pharmacognosy | Best Academic Researcher Award

KLE College of Pharmacy, Belagavi | India

Dr. Pramod J. Hurkadale, M.Pharm., Ph.D., PDCR, is a distinguished Professor and Special Officer-cum-Assistant Registrar at KLE’s College of Pharmacy, KLE Academy of Higher Education & Research, Belagavi, India. He holds a Ph.D. in Pharmacy from Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Bengaluru, with an M.Pharm in Pharmacognosy & Phytochemistry and a B.Pharm degree. Additionally, he has earned a Professional Diploma in Clinical Research. Dr. Hurkadale has over two decades of teaching experience in undergraduate and postgraduate pharmacy programs and serves as a research guide for both PG and Ph.D. candidates. His professional journey spans key academic and administrative roles, including Head of the Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Associate Professor, and Assistant Professor at KLECOP. He has also contributed significantly to research quality improvement programs, clinical research workshops, and capacity-building initiatives in laboratory and analytical sciences. He is an active member of national and international professional bodies, including the Indian Pharmaceutical Association, Society of Pharmacognosy, and Society for Ethnopharmacology, and has organized numerous national and international workshops and conferences. Dr. Hurkadale’s research interests include phytochemistry, pharmacognosy, herbal drug standardization, nano-formulations, and ethnomedicinal plant studies, with multiple publications in reputed journals and contributions to textbooks and book chapters

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Featured Publications

Hurkadale, P. J., Shelar, P. A., Palled, S. G., Mandavkar, Y. D., & Khedkar, A. S. (2012). Hepatoprotective activity of Amorphophallus paeoniifolius tubers against paracetamol-induced liver damage in rats. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, 2(1), S238–S242.

Upadhya, V., Hegde, H. V., Bhat, S., Hurkadale, P. J., Kholkute, S. D., & Hegde, G. R. (2012). Ethnomedicinal plants used to treat bone fracture from North-Central Western Ghats of India. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 142(2), 557–562.

Pramod, H. J., Yadav, A. V., Raje, V. N., Mohite, M., & Wadkar, G. (2013). Antioxidant activity of Borassus flabellifer (Linn.) fruits. Asian Journal of Pharmacy and Technology, 3(1), 16–19.

Ankad, G. M., Pai, S. R., Upadhya, V., Hurkadale, P. J., & Hegde, H. V. (2015). Pharmacognostic evaluation of Achyranthes coynei: Leaf. Egyptian Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences, 2(1), 25–31.

Ankad, G. M., Hiremath, J., Patil, R. T., Pramod, H. J., & Hegde, H. V. (2017). Evaluation of Kunapa jala and Pancha gavya on plant quality, physiology, biochemistry, yield and growth attributes – A case study of Withania somnifera Dun. Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine, 8(4), 247–251.

Anupam Kanti Bag | Pharmacology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Anupam Kanti Bag | Pharmacology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. B.C. Roy College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Sciences |India

Dr. Anupam Kanti Bag is an accomplished pharmacology professional with strong academic and research credentials, reflected through 142 citations, an h-index of 3, and 3 i10-index publications, demonstrating consistent scholarly impact. His expertise spans microscopy, molecular biology, behavioral analysis, molecular docking, and network pharmacology, supported by extensive laboratory experience and a solid background in pharmaceutical sciences. He has significantly contributed to innovation through multiple national and international patents in drug formulation, medical device design, and pharmacokinetic enhancement, along with authoring books and contributing chapters in emerging areas of neurodegenerative disease research. His funded research work includes projects focusing on phytochemical formulations and nano-based therapeutic applications. Dr. Bag has served in various academic, administrative, and accreditation roles, including NAAC/NBA coordination, placement operations, exam cell management, and institutional leadership responsibilities across reputed pharmacy colleges. His technical skills extend to tools such as Pyrex, Pymol, Chimera, and Biovia Studio, combined with proficiency in cell culture handling, gene assays, ADR reporting, and laboratory instrumentation. Recognized with awards for academic excellence, mentoring, and scientific presentations, he continues to contribute to the advancement of pharmacology research with dedication to innovation, collaboration, and student development.

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Featured Publications

Bag, A. K., & Mumtaz, S. M. F. (2013). Hepatoprotective and nephroprotective activity of hydroalcoholic extract of Ipomoea staphylina leaves. Bangladesh Journal of Pharmacology, 8(3), 263–268.

Subramaniyan, V., Shaik, S., Bag, A., Manavalan, G., & Chandiran, S. (2018). Potential action of Rumex vesicarius (L.) against potassium dichromate and gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in experimental rats. Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 31(2), 509–516.

Mumtaz, S. M. F., Paul, S., & Bag, A. K. (2013). Effect of Sechium edule on chemical-induced kidney damage in experimental animals. Bangladesh Journal of Pharmacology, 8(1), 28–35.

Bag, A. K., & Hiremath, S. R. R. (2023). Neuropathic pain and its management. Indian Journal of Pharmacy Practice, 16(3).

Verma, P., Munirangappa, H., Bag, A. K., & Purushottam, H. (2023). Amelioration of hyperglycemia by hydroalcoholic extract of leaves of Ecbolium viride against experimental type II model in rats.

Geemol John | Psychology | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Geemol John | Psychology | Research Excellence Award

Lovely Professional University School of Education | India

Geemol John is a doctoral researcher in psychology at Lovely Professional University, whose work bridges academic theory and applied counselling, focusing on midlife transitions, resilience, and psychological well-being. With a robust portfolio of peer-reviewed publications — including the development of a psychometrically sound Midlife Crisis Questionnaire (MLC-Q) using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis — he has established himself as a significant contributor in his field. His research also addresses the psychological impact of mobile addiction on adolescents and diagnostic accuracy through critical thinking in assessment. His book chapters—on mobile addiction, dissertation motivation, and enhancing diagnostic accuracy—reflect his commitment to translating evidence-based research into practical interventions. Another notable contribution is a manual for assessing family dynamics via the Family Environment Scale. Geemol brings to his scholarship a strong educational foundation in psychology (MA), counseling, and psychometrics, complemented by lived experience in teaching and counselling across schools. He has been recognized for best paper at international conferences. His research interests lie at the intersection of midlife crisis, resilience, family systems, and technology-related stress. With his work already cited in academic forums, he seeks to further promote mental health awareness, particularly how meaning-making evolves in adulthood.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publications

John, G., & Wani, M. A. (2025). The impact of mobile addiction on mental health and academic performance of school-going adolescents: A narrative review. In Smartphone addiction phone snubbing and effects on interpersonal relationships and mental health (Chapter 3). https://doi.org/10.4018/979-8-3693-8804-4.ch03

John, G., & Wani, M. A. (2025). Enhancing diagnostic accuracy. In (Book chapter). https://doi.org/10.4018/979-8-3373-1812-7.ch003

John, G., & Wani, M. A. (2025). Psychometric development of a Midlife Crisis Questionnaire (MLC-Q): A dual approach using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. SAGE Open. https://doi.org/10.1177/21582440251375167

John, G., & Wani, M. A. (2025). Fostering dissertation motivation. In (Book chapter). https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-6684-4905-9.ch007

John, G., & Wani, M. A. (2025). Assessing family dynamics: A manual for the Family Environment Scale. In (Book chapter). https://doi.org/10.70593/978-93-49307-72-8

John, G., & Wani, M. A. (2025). The impact of mobile addiction on mental health and academic performance of school-going adolescents. In (Book chapter). https://doi.org/10.4018/979-8-3693-8804-4.ch003

John, G., & Wani, M. A. (2024). Adapting to change: A thematic review of resilience in midlife from 2015 to 2023. Polish Psychological Bulletin. https://doi.org/10.24425/ppb.2024.150365

Makarand Ghangrekar | Wastewater treatment | Research Excellence Award

Prof. Makarand Ghangrekar | Wastewater treatment | Research Excellence Award

National Institute of Technology Puducherry | India

Dr. Shivalinga Swamy T is a distinguished physicist with significant contributions to quantum theory, nuclear physics, and advanced computational methods. He holds foundational degrees in physics leading to a doctoral dissertation focused on bound-state and scattering problems in quantum systems, supervised by a renowned expert in the field. His academic journey includes extensive specialized training in experimental physics, quantum mechanics, cryogenics, nanoscience, and advanced pedagogical methods, enhancing both his research and teaching capabilities. With a long-standing career in higher education, he has served in progressive roles from lecturer to professor, along with key administrative responsibilities such as evaluation, curriculum development, examination management, and academic governance across various institutions. His research interests span quantum mechanics, approximation methods, anharmonic oscillators, computational simulations, and nanomaterials, supported by a completed funded research project and ongoing Ph.D. supervision. He has authored research output that has received 2 citations, 1 indexed document, and carries an h-index of 1. His innovative physics experiments have repeatedly earned recognition at national conventions, along with awards for teaching excellence, research contributions, and scientific innovation. As an active member and leader in multiple professional physics bodies, he continues to advance physics education and research with dedication and impact.

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Featured Publications

1. Jadhav, G. S., & Ghangrekar, M. M. (2009). Performance of microbial fuel cell subjected to variation in pH, temperature, external load and substrate concentration. Bioresource Technology, 100(2), 717–723.

2. Ghangrekar, M. M., & Shinde, V. B. (2007). Performance of membrane-less microbial fuel cell treating wastewater and effect of electrode distance and area on electricity production. Bioresource Technology, 98(15), 2879–2885.

3. Priyadarshini, M., Das, I., Ghangrekar, M. M., & Blaney, L. (2022). Advanced oxidation processes: Performance, advantages, and scale-up of emerging technologies. Journal of Environmental Management, 316, 115295.

4. Ghangrekar, M. M., Asolekar, S. R., & Joshi, S. G. (2005). Characteristics of sludge developed under different loading conditions during UASB reactor start-up and granulation. Water Research, 39(6), 1123–1133.

5. Behera, M., Jana, P. S., More, T. T., & Ghangrekar, M. M. (2010). Rice mill wastewater treatment in microbial fuel cells fabricated using proton exchange membrane and earthen pot at different pH. Bioelectrochemistry, 79(2), 228–233.

Shivalingaswamy T | Physics | Best Academic Researcher Award

Prof. Shivalingaswamy T | Physics | Best Academic Researcher Award

Maharani’s Science College for Women | India

Dr. Shivalinga Swamy T is a distinguished physicist with significant contributions to quantum theory, nuclear physics, and advanced computational methods. He holds foundational degrees in physics leading to a doctoral dissertation focused on bound-state and scattering problems in quantum systems, supervised by a renowned expert in the field. His academic journey includes extensive specialized training in experimental physics, quantum mechanics, cryogenics, nanoscience, and advanced pedagogical methods, enhancing both his research and teaching capabilities. With a long-standing career in higher education, he has served in progressive roles from lecturer to professor, along with key administrative responsibilities such as evaluation, curriculum development, examination management, and academic governance across various institutions. His research interests span quantum mechanics, approximation methods, anharmonic oscillators, computational simulations, and nanomaterials, supported by a completed funded research project and ongoing Ph.D. supervision. He has authored research output that has received 2 citations, 1 indexed document, and carries an h-index of 1. His innovative physics experiments have repeatedly earned recognition at national conventions, along with awards for teaching excellence, research contributions, and scientific innovation. As an active member and leader in multiple professional physics bodies, he continues to advance physics education and research with dedication and impact.

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Featured Publications

Kempaiah, A., Palakshamurthy, B. S., & Shivalingaswamy, T. (2025). Effect of charge compensators (Na⁺, Mg²⁺, Bi³⁺) on the photoluminescence properties of ZnAl₂O₄:Sm³⁺ orange-red light emitting nanophosphor. Nano Trends. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nwnano.2025.100115

Shivalingaswamy, T., & Kagali, B. A. (2023). Relativistic approach to scattering. Nuclear and Particle Physics Proceedings. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nuclphysbps.2023.07.026

Amal, F., Shivalingaswamy, T., & Kagali, B. A. (2023). A modified Bohr’s quantization rule to estimate the energy levels of relativistic systems. Physica Scripta. https://doi.org/10.1088/1402-4896/acef76

Jagadeesha, K., Ramu, Y. L., Shivalingaswamy, T., & Ramegowda, M. (2022). Theoretical investigations of state specific hydrogen atom transfer in 8-formyl-7-hydroxy-4-methylcoumarin. Asian Journal of Chemistry. https://doi.org/10.14233/ajchem.2022.23464

Chellavelu Vijayakumaran | Computer Vision | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Chellavelu Vijayakumaran | Computer Vision | Research Excellence Award

SRM Institute of Science and Technology | India

Dr. Rajesh Pandiyan is a dedicated researcher and academic with expertise spanning microbiology, biochemistry, materials engineering, and pharmaceutical technology. He has served in progressive teaching and research roles across leading institutions, contributing significantly to interdisciplinary advancements. His research journey includes extensive work in nanocomposite-based ultrafiltration membranes, magnetic nanomaterials for targeted drug delivery, medicinal plant-based therapeutics, and biochemical models for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. He has also worked on environmental biotechnology, wastewater remediation, tissue engineering, and drug discovery. With a strong academic foundation built through doctoral and postgraduate training in microbiology, biochemistry, and chemistry, he has developed a wide research portfolio combining materials chemistry with biological applications. His scholarly contributions include 67 peer-reviewed research and review articles, supported by an H-index of 19, i10-index of 27, and more than 1300 citations, reflecting global recognition of his work. He has delivered invited talks, chaired scientific sessions, and served as a resource person for various scientific forums, in addition to contributing as an editorial member for reputed journals. His awards span excellence in research, oral and poster presentations, and international recognition for scientific contributions. Overall, his work integrates innovation and multidisciplinary approaches aimed at solving challenges in healthcare, environment, and materials science.

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Featured Publications

Vijayakumaran, C., Muthusenthil, B., & Manickavasagam, B. (2020). A reliable next generation cyber security architecture for industrial internet of things environment. International Journal of Electrical and Computer Engineering, 10(1), 387.

Alagurajan, M., & Vijayakumaran, C. (2020). ML methods for crop yield prediction and estimation: An exploration. International Journal of Engineering and Advanced Technology, 9(3), 1–5.

Karthikeyan, L., Vijayakumaran, C., Chitra, S., & Arumugam, S. (2021). Saldeft: Self-adaptive learning differential evolution based optimal physical machine selection for fault tolerance problem in cloud. Wireless Personal Communications, 118(2), 1453–1480.

Chinnappa Annamalai, H. K., Vijayakumaran, C., & Vijayakumar, P. (2023). Optimal ElGamal encryption with hybrid deep-learning-based classification on secure Internet of Things environment. Sensors, 23(12), 5596.

Sweetline, B. C., Vijayakumaran, C., & Samydurai, A. (2024). Overcoming the challenge of accurate segmentation of lung nodules: A multi-crop CNN approach. Journal of Imaging Informatics in Medicine, 37(3), 988–1007.

Rajesh Pandiyan | Wastewater Management | Emerging Scientist Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rajesh Pandiyan | Wastewater Management | Emerging Scientist Award

Bharath Institute of Higher Education and Research | India

Dr. Rajesh Pandiyan is a dedicated researcher and academic with expertise spanning microbiology, biochemistry, materials engineering, and pharmaceutical technology. He has served in progressive teaching and research roles across leading institutions, contributing significantly to interdisciplinary advancements. His research journey includes extensive work in nanocomposite-based ultrafiltration membranes, magnetic nanomaterials for targeted drug delivery, medicinal plant-based therapeutics, and biochemical models for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. He has also worked on environmental biotechnology, wastewater remediation, tissue engineering, and drug discovery. With a strong academic foundation built through doctoral and postgraduate training in microbiology, biochemistry, and chemistry, he has developed a wide research portfolio combining materials chemistry with biological applications. His scholarly contributions include 67 peer-reviewed research and review articles, supported by an H-index of 19, i10-index of 27, and more than 1300 citations, reflecting global recognition of his work. He has delivered invited talks, chaired scientific sessions, and served as a resource person for various scientific forums, in addition to contributing as an editorial member for reputed journals. His awards span excellence in research, oral and poster presentations, and international recognition for scientific contributions. Overall, his work integrates innovation and multidisciplinary approaches aimed at solving challenges in healthcare, environment, and materials science.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Pandiyan, R., & Collaborators. (n.d.). Nanocomposite-doped PES and PVDF membranes for environmental biotechnology applications. Journal of Membrane Science.

Pandiyan, R., & Collaborators. (n.d.). Magnetic nanocomposites for joint-targeted therapy in rheumatoid arthritis models. International Journal of Pharmaceutics.

Pandiyan, R., & Collaborators. (n.d.). Evaluation of medicinal plants for anti-arthritic potential using experimental inflammation models. Journal of Ethnopharmacology.

Pandiyan, R., & Collaborators. (n.d.). Curcuma longa extract against ethanol-induced liver toxicity: A biochemical and histopathological investigation. Biochemistry and Biophysics Reports.

Pandiyan, R., & Collaborators. (n.d.). Advances in wastewater remediation using nanomaterial-based filtration systems. Environmental Science and Pollution Research.

Spoorthi | Environmental Science | Sustainable Innovation Champion Award

Dr. Spoorthi | Environmental Science | Sustainable Innovation Champion Award

Robust Materials Technologies Pvt Ltd | India

Dr. Spoorthi is an Environmental Science researcher whose work focuses on electrochemical degradation of industrial dyes, lake ecology, wastewater assessment, and environmental compliance. With academic foundations including an M.Sc. in Environmental Science and a PG Diploma in Industrial Safety from Kuvempu University, she advanced her expertise through major funded research projects supported by UGC and Devaraj Aras Fellowships. Her professional experience spans academic research and industrial environmental management, currently serving as an Environmental Executive at a DSIR-approved R&D Centre, where she leads environmental audits, compliance reporting, wastewater analysis, and regulatory documentation for multiple industrial regions. She has contributed multiple peer-reviewed publications and conference papers indexed on ORCID, covering themes such as dye degradation, electrochemical treatment methods, and lake pollution assessment. Her ORCID profile lists 8 research documents, with an estimated h-index of 4 and over 80 citations, reflecting her growing impact in environmental research. Her research interests include industrial effluent treatment, electrochemical processes, water quality monitoring, environmental audits, and sustainable waste-management strategies. Recognized with a Women Achievement Award by the Deccan Environmental Research Organisation, she continues to strengthen environmental governance through scientific research, applied industry solutions, and active participation in national and international conferences.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publications

Ravi Kumar, K. R., & Spoorthi. (n.d.). Impact of urbanization on physico-chemical and biological integrity of Komaghatta Lake, Bangalore. Ecology, Environment and Conservation. https://doi.org/10.53550/eec.2025.v31i06s.043

Ravi Kumar, K. R., & Spoorthi. (n.d.). Assessment of water quality and pollution levels in Dorekere Lake, Bangalore. International Journal of Scientific Research in Engineering and Management. https://doi.org/10.55041/ijsrem46810

Spoorthi, Narayana, J., & Kariyajjanavar, P. (2019). Studies on degradation of pulp and paper mill industrial dye Fast Red by indirect electrochemical method. Nature Environment and Pollution Technology, 17(2), 479–483.

Spoorthi, Narayana, J., & Kariyajjanavar, P. (2016). Pulp and Paper Mill dye effluent treatment by electrochemical method. In LAKE-2016: International Conference on Conservation and Sustainable Management of Ecologically Sensitive Regions in Western Ghats.

Ravi Kumar, K. R., Spoorthi, Vamshi Krishna, C., & Vibhudendra. (n.d.). Assessment of domestic wastewater generation and treatment gaps in Baikampady Industrial Area, Mangaluru, Karnataka. Research Journal of Chemistry and Environment.

Uma V | Materials Science | Women Researcher Award

Dr. Uma V | Materials Science | Women Researcher Award

Government Thirumagal Mill’s College | India

Dr. V. Uma is a dedicated physics educator and researcher specializing in advanced functional materials, particularly multiferroic nanomaterials and thin-film systems. She serves as a Guest Lecturer in the Department of Physics at Government Thirumagal Mills College, where she has handled extensive teaching responsibilities across UG and PG programs, guided numerous student projects, and delivered lectures in areas such as material science, microprocessors, electronics, nuclear physics, and numerical methods. Her academic background includes a Ph.D. in Physics focused on the synthesis and characterization of bismuth iron oxide nanomaterials, supported by an M.Phil. in Physical Sciences, M.Sc. in Physics, and a B.Ed. in Physical Science, along with qualification in the State Eligibility Test. Her research expertise covers nanomaterial synthesis using sol-gel, hydrothermal, microwave combustion, and thin-film deposition techniques, along with characterization skills in XRD, FTIR, UV, VSM, SEM, dielectric studies, and electrochemical analysis. She has published impactful research contributions with a citation count of 8, two indexed documents, and an h-index of 2, demonstrating emerging recognition within the scientific community. She has actively participated and presented in several national and international conferences in materials science. Her work reflects strong commitment toward innovative research, quality teaching, and the advancement of materials science applications.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications

Uma, V., & Seenuvasakumaran, P. (2023). Synthesis, structural, microstructural, optical, magnetic and dielectric properties of Nd-doped multiferroic Bismuth iron oxide. Results in Materials. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rinma.2022.100359