Kunwar Pal | Bioenergy | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Kunwar Pal | Bioenergy | Research Excellence Award

Sardar Swaran Singh National Institute of Bio-Energy | India

Dr. Kunwar Pal is a Scientist-C at Sardar Swaran Singh National Institute of Bio-Energy (SSS-NIBE), Kapurthala, specializing in thermochemical conversion of biomass and renewable energy technologies. His research focuses on biomass combustion, gasification, pyrolysis, co-pyrolysis, torrefaction, and the development of improved biomass cookstoves. He has led projects on biomass-to-biofuels conversion, including biochar, activated carbon, and liquid biofuels, as well as co-combustion studies of biomass and coal for emission reduction and efficiency optimization. Dr. Pal’s work extends to the production and characterization of biomass pellets, solid recovered fuel identification, and hydrogen generation via gasification. He has developed technologies for sustainable management of agro-residues, including low-cost biochar systems, paddy straw-based sanitary pad incinerators, and advanced biomass cookstoves assessed via energy and exergy analyses. His contributions include over 16 peer-reviewed journal publications, 7 book chapters, 29 conference papers, and one filed patent on a gasifier-based clean cookstove. He has collaborated on multiple nationally funded projects, including those by SERB, DST, CPRI, and state science councils. His research has significant impact on sustainable bioenergy production, circular economy approaches, waste valorization, and the development of renewable energy solutions tailored for rural and industrial applications.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Sansaniwal, S. K., Pal, K., Rosen, M. A., & Tyagi, S. K. (2017). Recent advances in the development of biomass gasification technology: A comprehensive review. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 72, 363–384. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2017.01.061

Rafey, A., Pal, K., Bohre, A., Modak, A., & Pant, K. K. (2023). A state-of-the-art review on the technological advancements for the sustainable management of plastic waste in consort with the generation of energy and value-added chemicals. Catalysts, 13(2), 420. https://doi.org/10.3390/catal13020420

Chauhan, P. R., Raveesh, G., Pal, K., Goyal, R., & Tyagi, S. K. (2023). Production of biomass derived highly porous activated carbon: A solution towards in-situ burning of crop residues in India. Bioresource Technology Reports, 22, 101425. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biteb.2023.101425

Himanshu, P. K., Jain, S., & Tyagi, S. K. (2021). Energy and exergy analysis and emission reduction from forced draft gasifier cookstove models: A comparative study. Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry, 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10973-021-10810-2

Pal, K., Jha, M. K., Gera, P., & Tyagi, S. K. (2016). Experimental study on the performance evaluation and emission reduction potential of different cookstove models using standard design parameters and testing protocols. Biofuels, 7(4), 313–335. https://doi.org/10.1080/17597269.2015.1039280

Megha Bansal | Environmental Biotechnology | Excellence in Scientific Research Award

Dr. Megha Bansal | Environmental Biotechnology | Excellence in Scientific Research Award

Delhi Technological University, India

Author Profile

SCOPUS

GOOGLE SCHOLAR

🎓 EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS

Dr. Megha’s foundational journey in Biotechnology commenced at Jaypee Institute of Information Technology, where she earned her B.Tech. in Biotechnology in 2018. She demonstrated early promise in molecular biology and environmental sciences, refining her practical skills through internships at Dabur India Pvt. Ltd. and the National Institute of Biologicals (NIB). These early experiences honed her competencies in HPLC, microbiological techniques, and quality assurance protocols, laying the groundwork for her multidisciplinary research interests.

🏢 PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS

Dr. Megha’s career trajectory spans scientific research, pharmaceutical quality assurance, and editorial expertise. She currently serves as a Scientific Writer & Editor at RAS Pvt. Ltd., where she develops, edits, and reviews high-level scientific manuscripts. In a concurrent freelance capacity, she manages peer-review workflows and scientific editing. Formerly, as a Senior Officer in Corporate QA at Finecure Pharmaceuticals, she championed GMP/GLP compliance and the implementation of quality management systems.

📚 CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS IN ENVIRONMENTAL BIOTECHNOLOGY

During her Ph.D. at Delhi Technological University, Dr. Megha focused on an emerging frontier in Environmental Biotechnologysynergistic plant-microbe interactions for micro/nano plastic degradation. Her pioneering work involved:

  • Isolating and characterizing microbial consortia with high plastic biodegradation potential.

  • Identifying plant species that enhance microbial activity in eco-restoration.

  • Exploring sustainable ecosystem regeneration models using biotechnological tools.

Her findings are encapsulated in 10+ international journal publications, reflecting deep commitment to environmental restoration through innovative biotech solutions.

🏅 ACADEMIC CITATIONS, ACCOLADES AND RECOGNITION

  • 🌟 Best Researcher Award at International Research Chemistry Awards

  • 🖋️ Woman Writer of the Year – Fiction by Ukiyoto Publishing

  • 📘 Published author of two fiction novels – “The Plight of Detective” and “The Enigmatic Hues”

  • ✍️ Authored poetry anthology “The Tranquility”

  • 📑 Ph.D. work has a patent under process for environmental application in plastic degradation

Her publications have garnered citations in leading journals in biotechnology, environmental science, and waste management.

🌍 IMPACT AND INFLUENCE

Dr. Megha’s research is shaping global discourse on plastic waste bioremediation. By presenting at international conferences, she has amplified awareness around sustainable waste management, influencing academic, industrial, and policy perspectives. As a peer reviewer of over 80 scientific manuscripts, she contributes to maintaining scientific rigor across journals.

🧭 LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS

Dr. Megha envisions an expanded application of plant-microbe synergy in industrial and municipal bioremediation. Her future focus includes:

  • Developing scalable bioengineering systems for environmental clean-up.

  • Authoring technical and creative literature to bridge science and society.

  • Mentoring the next generation of eco-biotechnologists and science communicators.

 ✅CONCLUSION

Dr. Megha is a trailblazing scientist, writer, and environmentalist—merging technical brilliance with creative expression. Her research in microplastic degradation, editorial stewardship, and literary achievements underline a rare interdisciplinary profile poised to inspire global sustainability efforts.

🔬NOTABLE PUBLICATION:

Title: Adsorption of Eriochrome Black-T (EBT) using tea waste as a low cost adsorbent by batch studies: A green approach for dye effluent treatments
Authors: M. Bansal, P.K. Patnala, T. Dugmore
Journal: Current Research in Green and Sustainable Chemistry
Year: 2020

Title: A review on development of Portland limestone cement: A step towards low carbon economy for Indian cement industry
Authors: S. Gupta, B.N. Mohapatra, M. Bansal
Journal: Current Research in Green and Sustainable Chemistry
Year: 2020

Title: Determination of sun protection factor of vegetable and fruit extracts using UV–Visible spectroscopy: A green approach
Authors: T. Sharma, V. Tyagi, M. Bansal
Journal: Sustainable Chemistry and Pharmacy
Year: 2020

Title: Experimental and kinetic studies for improvement of biogas production from KOH pretreated wheat straw
Authors: P. Rani, M. Bansal, V.V. Pathak
Journal: Current Research in Green and Sustainable Chemistry
Year: 2022

Title: Behavioural mechanisms of microplastic pollutants in marine ecosystem: challenges and remediation measurements
Authors: M. Bansal, D. Santhiya, J.G. Sharma
Journal: Water, Air, & Soil Pollution
Year: 2021

Title: Simulated dump yard microbes drive significant biodegradation of polypropylene and polyvinyl chloride microplastics
Authors: M. Bansal, D. Santhiya, J.G. Sharma
Journal: Journal of Hazardous Materials
Year: 2025