Dr. Minal Pathak | Energy | Best Researcher Award

Author Profile

• Scopus Profile
• Orcid Profile
• Google Scholar Profile

🌱 Early Academic Pursuits

Minal Pathak’s journey in academia began with a strong foundation in the life sciences, marked by her Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry from Gujarat University in 1998. Her passion for understanding environmental processes and their impacts led her to pursue a Master of Science in Environmental Science at the same university, which she completed in 2000. Minal’s academic journey was further enriched by her doctoral research in Life Sciences, which she undertook at Gujarat University, funded by the Indian Council of Medical Research. Her Ph.D. work, completed in January 2007, set the stage for a career dedicated to addressing some of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time, particularly those related to climate change and sustainable development.

🌍 Professional Endeavors

Minal Pathak’s professional career is marked by significant contributions to academia, research, and global climate change initiatives. After earning her Ph.D., she embarked on a research career at the National Institute of Occupational Health in Ahmedabad, where she served as a Senior Research Fellow from 2003 to 2006. This early experience laid the groundwork for her future research endeavors, focusing on the intersection of environmental science and public health.In 2007, Minal joined the prestigious Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, as an Academic Associate, before transitioning into a researcher role. Her work at IIM Ahmedabad from 2007 to 2011 involved exploring the broader implications of environmental policies and their impact on sustainable development. This period was pivotal in shaping her interdisciplinary approach to research, combining environmental science with policy analysis.In 2011, Minal Pathak joined CEPT University in Ahmedabad, where she made significant contributions to the academic community. She served as an Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Sustainable Environment & Climate Change from June 2011 to December 2012, and later in the Faculty of Planning from January 2013 to April 2016. Her dedication and expertise were recognized with her promotion to Associate Professor in April 2016. During her tenure at CEPT, Minal also took on leadership roles, such as Head of the M.Tech Programme in Climate Change and Sustainable Development, reflecting her commitment to educating the next generation of environmental leaders.Minal’s career took an international turn when she became a Senior Scientist for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Working Group III Technical Support Unit (TSU) from June 2017 to June 2022. Based at Imperial College London, she contributed to some of the most influential global climate assessments, including the IPCC Special Reports on Global Warming of 1.5°C and Climate Change and Land. Her work at the IPCC continued on a part-time basis until July 2023, further solidifying her role as a leading voice in climate science.In July 2022, Minal Pathak was appointed as an Associate Professor at the Global Centre for Environment and Energy at Ahmedabad University. Her work here focuses on climate change mitigation actions for urban settlements, transport, and buildings, with a particular emphasis on their co-benefits and interlinkages with broader development goals.

📚 Contributions and Research Focus

Minal Pathak’s research is deeply rooted in the urgent need to mitigate climate change while promoting sustainable development. Her work has explored the potential of urban settlements, transportation, and building sectors to contribute to climate change mitigation, highlighting the co-benefits of these actions for public health, economic development, and social equity.She has published extensively in leading journals such as Nature Climate Change, Energy Policy, Environmental Research Letters, and Journal of Cleaner Production. Her research has provided critical insights into how cities and infrastructure can be designed and managed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while also improving the quality of life for urban residents.Minal’s contributions to the IPCC’s Sixth Assessment Report, as well as other key assessments such as the UNEP Emissions Gap Report and the Assessment Report on Climate Change and Cities, have had a profound impact on global climate policy. Her work has informed decision-makers at the highest levels, helping to shape international climate agreements and national policies.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Minal Pathak’s work has earned her widespread recognition in the field of climate science. Her Google Scholar profile boasts over 10,000 citations, reflecting the significant impact of her research on the academic community. With an H-index of 28, she is recognized as a leading expert in her field, whose work is frequently cited by other scholars and policymakers.In addition to her academic achievements, Minal has been honored with various prestigious roles. She currently serves as an Associate Editor for the journal Climate and Development, and she was recently appointed as an Honorary Senior Lecturer at Imperial College London for the period 2024-2026. Her previous visiting scholar positions at institutions such as MIT and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia further underscore her standing as a global leader in climate research.

🌟 Impact and Influence

Minal Pathak’s work has had a far-reaching impact on both the scientific community and global climate policy. Her research has provided a critical foundation for understanding the complex interlinkages between climate change mitigation and sustainable development, influencing the way cities, nations, and international organizations approach these challenges.As the Director of the South Asia Hub of the global Urban Climate Change Research Network, in collaboration with the Earth Institute at Columbia University, Minal has played a pivotal role in fostering regional cooperation on climate change research. Her leadership in this network has helped to bridge the gap between research and policy, ensuring that the latest scientific findings are translated into actionable strategies for mitigating climate change in urban environments.

🚀 Legacy and Future Contributions

Minal Pathak’s legacy is one of tireless dedication to addressing the global climate crisis through rigorous research, innovative solutions, and effective policy advocacy. Her work has already had a significant impact on the way the world understands and responds to climate change, and her ongoing contributions will continue to shape the field for years to come.Looking ahead, Minal is poised to make even greater contributions to the global effort to combat climate change. Her appointment as an Honorary Senior Lecturer at Imperial College London and her ongoing role at Ahmedabad University position her at the forefront of climate science and policy research. With her deep expertise and commitment to sustainable development, Minal Pathak will undoubtedly continue to influence the global discourse on climate change and help to chart a course toward a more sustainable and resilient future for all.