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

Nandita Singh | Phytoremediation | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Nandita Singh | Phytoremediation | Best Researcher Award

CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute | India

Dr. Nandita Singh is a distinguished environmental botanist and former Senior Principal Scientist at CSIR-NBRI who has made notable contributions to environmental management, ecological restoration, and phytoremediation research. She holds advanced degrees in Botany, Environmental Impact Assessment and Auditing, and Environmental Law, which strengthened her interdisciplinary research approach. With an h-index of 48, over 132 research documents, and more than 8,898 citations from 7,155 documents, her work has had wide scientific impact. Her research spans phytoremediation of heavy metals, biofuel plant evaluation, ecotoxicology, climate change studies, environmental monitoring, and the role of vegetation in pollution mitigation. She has served as Head of Division in Plant Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Professor at AcSIR, and contributed to training, curriculum development, and laboratory accreditation under national quality standards. Her prestigious recognitions include Fulbright Post-Doctoral Fellowship and Fellowship of the International Society of Environmental Botanists, among several academic and scientific honors. She has also organized international conferences to advance discussions on plants and environmental health. Her work continues to inspire research on environmentally sustainable solutions for pollution control and ecosystem restoration, demonstrating a career dedicated to scientific excellence and societal well-being.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications

(2022). Effects of microbial inoculants on soil carbon stock, enzymatic activity, and above ground and belowground biomass in marginal lands of Northern India. Land Degradation & Development,

(2022). Study on the characterization of endosulfan-degrading bacterial strains isolated from contaminated rhizospheric soil. Journal of Environmental Science and Health, Part C: Toxicology and Carcinogenesis,

Genomic and proteomic responses to drought stress and biotechnological interventions for enhanced drought tolerance in plants.

(2020). Effect of rhizospheric inoculation of isolated arsenic (As) tolerant strains on growth, As-uptake and bacterial communities in association with Adiantum capillus-veneris. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety,