Ramavatar Meena | Natural Products | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Ramavatar Meena | Natural Products | Best Researcher Award

Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute, India

Author Profile

Early Academic Pursuits 🎓

  • Ph.D. Journey in Chemical Studies on Polysaccharides: Dr. Meena’s academic journey began with his Ph.D. work, titled “Chemical Studies on the Polysaccharides of Indian Seaweeds with Special Reference to Agar,” awarded by M. K. Bhavnagar University in 2008. His research focused on polysaccharides, a field with significant potential in biotechnology and marine chemistry. The work conducted at CSIR-Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute (CSIR-CSMCRI) played a pivotal role in his subsequent career.

  • Master’s Degree in Organic Chemistry: Before his doctoral work, Dr. Meena earned his M.Sc. in Chemistry (Organic Chemistry) from the University of Rajasthan, Jaipur, in 1996. This strong foundation in chemistry laid the groundwork for his later work in natural products chemistry and biochemistry, particularly focusing on the marine environment.

Professional Endeavors 💼

  • Scientist to Senior Principal Scientist at CSIR-CSMCRI: Dr. Meena’s professional career at CSIR-Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute (CSIR-CSMCRI) spans over two decades. He began as a Scientist in 2002, progressing through roles including Junior Scientist, Senior Scientist, and Principal Scientist. His current role as Senior Principal Scientist reflects his leadership in advanced research on seaweed polysaccharides and sustainable chemical processes. Dr. Meena also serves as a Professor at the Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, where he imparts his knowledge to the next generation of scientists.

  • International Experience: In 2010-2011, Dr. Meena expanded his academic and professional horizons with an overseas visit to the University of Hamburg, Germany, under the prestigious BOYSCAST Fellowship. This experience enriched his expertise in marine chemistry and seaweed biotechnology.

Contributions and Research Focus 🔬

  • Research Focus: Dr. Meena’s primary research interests lie in natural products chemistry, specifically the extraction and commercialization of seaweed-derived products. His work covers various seaweed polysaccharides such as agar, agarose, carrageenan, and alginate, which are critical for industries ranging from food and pharmaceuticals to agriculture and cosmetics. Additionally, he has made substantial contributions to the development of seaweed-based biostimulants and biofertilizers, which are instrumental in sustainable agriculture.

  • Innovative Downstream Processing Technologies: One of Dr. Meena’s significant contributions is his work on developing novel, improved technologies for extracting valuable compounds from seaweed biomass. His innovations in downstream processing have had a considerable impact on industrial applications, particularly in the production of agar and carrageenan, both widely used in food and other commercial sectors.

Accolades and Recognition 🏆

  • Recognition in Academia and Industry: Throughout his career, Dr. Meena has received numerous accolades, reflecting his significant contributions to marine chemistry and biotechnology. His work has been recognized by both academia and industry, leading to his role in various prestigious collaborations and industrial licenses.

  • Technology Transfer: Dr. Meena has played a pivotal role in transferring knowledge and technology to industries. A notable achievement includes the development and transfer of several technologies related to the production of refined kappa-carrageenan, SAP from Kappaphycus alvarezii, and the preparation of seaweed-based biostimulants, benefiting industries across India. These technologies have contributed to the growth of the marine biotechnology sector, particularly in India.

Impact and Influence 🌍

  • Marine Biotechnology: Dr. Meena’s contributions to marine biotechnology, especially seaweed research, have helped position India as a leader in the global seaweed processing industry. His work has not only benefited the scientific community but also contributed to the industrial sector by enabling sustainable production methods for valuable seaweed-based products.

  • Training and Mentorship: As a professor at AcSIR, Dr. Meena has shaped the careers of many students, fostering the next generation of scientists. His mentorship and research supervision have guided students in the fields of marine chemistry, sustainable agriculture, and bioengineering.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🌱

  • Sustainability and Green Chemistry: Dr. Meena’s work is centered around sustainability, particularly through green chemistry practices that minimize environmental impact. His future contributions are likely to focus on further developing sustainable technologies for the marine biotechnology sector, enhancing eco-friendly practices in the extraction of seaweed derivatives.

  • Continued Technological Advancements: Moving forward, Dr. Meena aims to continue advancing technologies in seaweed bioprocessing and expanding their applications in various industries. His ongoing research promises to further the commercial viability and environmental benefits of seaweed-based products, including biostimulants, biofertilizers, and functional materials.

Citations

A total of 3583 citations for his publications, demonstrating the impact and recognition of his research within the academic community.

  • Citations        3926
  • h-index               36
  • i10-index            81

Notable Publications 

1.
Title: Removal of hexavalent chromium Cr (VI) using activated carbon prepared from mango kernel activated with H₃PO₄
Authors: M.K. Rai, G. Shahi, V. Meena, R. Meena, S. Chakraborty, R.S. Singh, B.N. Rai
Journal: Resource-Efficient Technologies
Year: 2016

2.
Title: Chitosan-based aerogel membrane for robust oil-in-water emulsion separation
Authors: J.P. Chaudhary, N. Vadodariya, S.K. Nataraj, R. Meena
Journal: ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
Year: 2015

3.
Title: Detection and quantification of some plant growth regulators in a seaweed-based foliar spray employing a mass spectrometric technique sans chromatographic separation
Authors: K. Prasad, A.K. Das, M.D. Oza, H. Brahmbhatt, A.K. Siddhanta, R. Meena, et al.
Journal: Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry
Year: 2010

4.
Title: Profiling of cellulose content in Indian seaweed species
Authors: A.K. Siddhanta, K. Prasad, R. Meena, G. Prasad, G.K. Mehta, M.U. Chhatbar, et al.
Journal: Bioresource Technology
Year: 2009

5.
Title: Bio-based superhydrophilic foam membranes for sustainable oil–water separation
Authors: J.P. Chaudhary, S.K. Nataraj, A. Gogda, R. Meena
Journal: Green Chemistry
Year: 2014

MOHAN DAS THANGAMUTHU | SYNTHETIC ORGANIC CHEMISTRY | Best Researcher Award

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Prof Dr. MOHAN DAS THANGAMUTHU | Energy | Best Researcher Award

CENTRAL UNIVERSITY OF TAMIL NADU, India

Author Profile

🧪 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. T. Mohan Das began his academic journey in the field of science with a strong foundation in Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics, completing his undergraduate degree in 1993 from the Gandhigram Rural Institute. Fuelled by a passion for chemical sciences, he pursued his postgraduate studies in Chemistry at the same institute, earning his degree in 1995. Recognized early on for his academic acumen, he advanced to one of India’s premier institutions—IIT Bombay, where he embarked on a rigorous research journey and completed his Ph.D. in Chemistry in 2001. His doctoral thesis, titled “Synthesis and characterisation of saccharide derivatives including N-glycosides and their metal ion complexes”, was guided by the renowned Prof. C. P. Rao, laying the groundwork for his future research on saccharide-based chemical systems and metal coordination complexes.

👨‍🔬 Professional Endeavors

Dr. Mohan Das’s professional trajectory is marked by his commitment to both teaching and advanced research. His academic career began with postdoctoral fellowships in Taiwan—at the National Chung Hsing University and later at National Tsing Hua University, where he expanded his expertise in synthetic organic chemistry. Returning to India, he joined the University of Madras in 2004 and served there in various academic positions for nearly a decade.

Since 2013, he has been a pivotal part of the Central University of Tamil Nadu (CUTN), Thiruvarur, where he currently serves as a Professor in the Department of Chemistry. His role involves mentoring young scholars, delivering lectures on cutting-edge chemistry topics, and leading impactful research projects.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. T. Mohan Das’s research primarily orbits around Synthetic Organic Chemistry 🧬, with a specialized focus on glycoconjugates, triazoles, gelators, and saccharide derivatives. His work bridges organic synthesis with materials science and sensor technology, exploring the molecular design and synthesis of low molecular weight gelators, photoresponsive materials, and chemosensors for metal ion detection.

His prolific publication record—featuring in journals such as Carbohydrate Research, Current Organic Synthesis, ChemistrySelect, Journal of Molecular Liquids, and Indian Journal of Chemistry—demonstrates his ability to merge innovation with utility. In particular, his studies on triazole-linked sugar derivatives and cholesterol-incorporated azobenzene compounds have gained significant traction for their role in iodide sensing, copper detection, and nanotubular architectures.

🏅 Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Mohan Das’s scholarly contributions have earned him national-level recognition. He received the prestigious Outstanding Young Scientist Award (2006–07) from DST, India 🏆, affirming his early impact in synthetic chemistry. His continued excellence was acknowledged by the ACCTI (Association of Chemistry Teachers of India) through the Dr. H.C. Srivastava Young Scientist Award in 2015, and more recently, the Prof. M.P. Khare Memorial Lecture Award in 2023.

These honors reflect his dedication to the advancement of chemical sciences, his mentorship of emerging researchers, and his contributions to the academic community.

🌍 Impact and Influence

With over two decades of academic and research experience, Dr. Mohan Das has had a transformative impact on the field of carbohydrate chemistry and organic synthesis. His interdisciplinary approach, combining biological sensing, organic materials, and green chemistry principles, has influenced numerous research initiatives across Indian and international institutions.

His collaborations with global researchers, especially during his postdoctoral stints in Taiwan, have brought international perspectives and techniques to Indian labs, enriching the scientific ecosystem. His mentorship of Ph.D. students and his active role in scientific publishing have cemented his place as a guiding light for future chemists.

🔮 Legacy and Future Contributions

As a senior academician at CUTN, Dr. T. Mohan Das continues to inspire through his dynamic research output, interdisciplinary collaborations, and passion for molecular innovation. He is poised to make significant contributions in biomolecular engineering, organogelators for medical diagnostics, and smart material development.

Looking ahead, his focus remains on expanding the utility of sugar-based scaffolds, developing next-gen molecular sensors, and promoting eco-friendly synthetic protocols. His legacy is one of academic brilliance, mentorship, and scientific curiosity, with a strong emphasis on applying chemistry for societal and environmental benefit 🌱.

Citations

A total of 3583 citations for his publications, demonstrating the impact and recognition of his research within the academic community.

  • Citations          1355
  • h-index                20
  • i10-index             41

Notable Publications 

    1. Title: Synthesis and Properties of Amphiphilic Photoresponsive Gelators for Aromatic Solvents
      Authors: R. Rajaganesh, A. Gopal
      Journal: Organic Letters
      Year: 2012

    2. Title: Synthesis of quinoline coupled [1,2,3]triazoles as a promising class of antituberculosis agents
      Authors: K. Karthik Kumar, S. Prabu Seenivasan
      Journal: Carbohydrate Research
      Year: 2011

    3. Title: Design and synthesis of sugar-triazole low molecular weight gels as mercury ion sensor
      Authors: T.M. Das
      Journal: New Journal of Chemistry
      Year: 2013

    4. Title: Design, synthesis and gelation studies of 4,6-O-butylidene-α, β-unsaturated-β-C-glycosidic ketones: application to plant tissue culture
      Authors: S. Nagarajan, T.M. Das, P. Arjun, N. Raaman
      Journal: Journal of Materials Chemistry
      Year: 2009

    5. Title: Facile one-pot synthesis of sugar-quinoline derivatives
      Authors: S.N. T.M. Das
      Journal: Carbohydrate Research
      Year: 2009

Megha Patil | Natural Catalyst | Best Academic Researcher Award

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Dr. Megha Patil | Natural Catalyst | Best Academic Researcher Award

Padmabhushan Dr. Vasantraodada Patil Mahavidyalaya Tasgaon, India

Author Profile

🧪 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Megha Uday Patil’s academic journey reflects a consistent pursuit of excellence, dedication, and intellectual rigor. Born on 30th April 1988, in Maharashtra, India 🇮🇳, she developed a strong foundation in science early in life. She completed her S.S.C. with distinction (80%) and continued her academic excellence through H.S.C. (61.33%), both under the Kolhapur Board. Her love for chemistry led her to pursue a B.Sc. in Chemistry, securing a first-class score of 74.36%, followed by a Master’s degree in Organic Chemistry (M.Sc.) from Shivaji University, Kolhapur, with a distinction (69.38%). 🎓

Driven by a passion for advanced research, she appeared for national-level competitive exams and achieved remarkable success, securing All India Rank 34 in UGC-CSIR NET-JRF (2012) and Rank 304 in GATE Chemistry (2013) – a testament to her academic caliber and dedication. 📚✨

👩‍🏫 Professional Endeavors

Dr. Patil began her professional teaching career in 2010 at P. D. V. P. College, Tasgaon, where she continues to serve as a full-time Assistant Professor in Chemistry. She brings over 14 years of postgraduate teaching and 9 years of undergraduate teaching experience, specializing in Physical Chemistry. Her teaching methodology blends traditional pedagogy with modern ICT tools such as Google Classroom, Moodle, and YouTube. She is also a content creator on YouTube and maintains a professional academic blog, extending learning beyond the classroom. 💻📖

As a mentor and educator, Dr. Patil has guided numerous M.Sc. and B.Sc. students in research projects and has provided remedial coaching for competitive exams like NET, SET, and GATE for over a decade. Her mentorship has significantly influenced the academic trajectories of many young scholars. 🧑‍🎓🎯

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Patil’s research is deeply rooted in green chemistry and sustainable organic transformations. Her doctoral work and subsequent studies have focused on the development of eco-friendly, efficient, and cost-effective methods for synthesizing bioactive heterocyclic compounds. 🌿⚗️

She has authored 8 international research papers in high-impact journals such as RSC Advances and Research on Chemical Intermediates, showcasing her expertise in ionic liquids, multicomponent reactions, and bio-based catalytic processes. Some of her notable works include:

  • The use of Aegle marmelos and Bael Fruit Ash Water Extract (BFAWE) in greener synthesis routes 🍃

  • The development of novel acidic ionic liquids like [BBSA-DBN][HSO4] for synthesizing heterocycles

  • The synergetic application of naturally sourced metal oxides in organic synthesis

Her research not only addresses key challenges in synthetic chemistry but also aligns with the global movement toward sustainability and green innovation. 🌍💡

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Patil’s dedication to research and academia has earned her numerous honors:

  • 🥇 Young Researcher Award from the Institute of Scholars (InSc), Bengaluru, in 2021

  • 🎖️ Research Fellowship under the UGC-CSIR NET-JRF Scheme

  • 💼 Appointed as Reviewer for InSc journals

  • 📘 Awarded a Minor Research Project by Shivaji University, titled “Utilization of biobased material for organic transformation”

In addition to her academic contributions, she holds memberships in reputed organizations:

  • 🧬 Annual Member, Indian Science Congress Association

  • 🧑‍🔬 Professional Member, Institute of Scholars (InSc)

🌐 Impact and Influence

Dr. Patil has made a lasting impact on her institution and the broader academic community through her multifaceted contributions. She has served in critical roles such as:

  • Chairperson of IQAC, Hostel Rector, and Internal Complaint Committee

  • Member of the CDC, Anti-ragging, Women Empowerment, NSS, NCC, and more

She has organized and coordinated several key initiatives including:

  • Faculty and Student Training Programs

  • Workshops on LATEX, ICT tools, NAAC, and AI in Education

  • Science Day celebrations and community outreach

Her leadership and involvement have strengthened academic governance, quality assurance, and student welfare at PDVP College. 🏫👩‍💼

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Megha Uday Patil continues to inspire with her blend of teaching excellence, research innovation, and institutional leadership. Her legacy lies in:

  • Promoting green chemistry principles 🌱

  • Mentoring future scientists and educators

  • Fostering inclusive and technology-enabled education

Looking ahead, she aspires to undertake interdisciplinary research collaborations, expand her YouTube and blog outreach, and continue contributing to sustainable scientific solutions. 🔭🚀

Citations

A total of 140 citations for his publications, demonstrating the impact and recognition of his research within the academic community.

  • Citations          140
  • h-index              05
  • i10-index           04

Notable Publications 

    1. Title: Development of Advanced Catalysts for Carbon Capture and Conversion
      Authors: Dr. Sachinkumar Kisan Shinde, Dr. Megha Uday Patil, Dr. Swati Devkumar
      Journal: IN Patent – The Patent Office Journal No. 02/2025, Dated 10/01/2025
      Year: 2025

    2. Title: Catalytic Exploration of New SO₃H Di-functionalized Brønsted Acidic Ionic Liquid for Versatile Synthesis of Xanthenes
      Authors: Megha U. Patil, Sachinkumar K. Shinde
      Journal: Journal of the Indian Chemical Society, Volume 102, Issue 6, Article 101725
      Year: 2025

    3. Title: Lightweight Concrete Using Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) Beads
      Authors: P. Ramesh Chanti Kumar, Nanditha Mandava, Dr. Yeswanth Sai
      Journal: IN Patent – The Patent Office Journal No. 08/2025, Dated 21/02/2025
      Year: 2025

    4. Title: Magic of Natural Material in Organic Transformations
      Authors: Megha U. Patil, Sachinkumar K. Shinde
      Journal: LAP LAMBERT Academic Publishing, ISBN: 978-6204953885
      Year: 2022

    5. Title: Natural Resources: A New Horizon for Green Chemistry
      Authors: Megha U. Patil, Sachinkumar K. Shinde
      Journal: LAP Lambert Academic Publishing, Published on 3 October 2022
      Year: 2022

Ravinder Kumar | Organic Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Ravinder Kumar - Organic Chemistry - Best Researcher Award 🏆 

Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana, Ambala - India

Professional Profiles

Early Academic Pursuits

He embarked on his academic journey with a fervent passion for Organic Chemistry. He pursued his Ph.D. at Kurukshetra University under the guidance of Dr. Raj Kamal, focusing on the synthesis of nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compounds with medicinal significance. His thesis titled "Synthesis of Some Nitrogen Containing Heterocyclic Compounds of Medicinal Importance" laid the foundation for his future research endeavors.

Professional Endeavors

After completing his doctoral studies, he transitioned into an academic role as an Assistant Professor of Organic Chemistry at Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University). Here, he teaches courses on Reagents and Heterocyclic Chemistry, as well as Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry, imparting his knowledge and expertise to the next generation of chemists.

Contributions and Research Focus in Organic Chemistry

His research interests lie in the synthesis and characterization of novel organic compounds, particularly those with pharmaceutical applications. His work spans the design, synthesis, and structure-activity relationships (SAR) of pharmaceutically relevant scaffolds. Additionally, he is engaged in combinatorial parallel synthesis and diversity-oriented synthesis, aiming to develop innovative methodologies for important organic transformations.

Organic Chemistry is a branch of chemistry that focuses on the study of carbon-containing compounds and their properties, structures, Chemical Compounds, Molecular Structures, Organic Synthesis, Chemical Reactions, composition, reactions, and synthesis. It plays a vital role in understanding the fundamental principles underlying life processes, drug development, materials science, and environmental science.

Accolades and Recognition

Throughout his career, he has received recognition for his contributions to the field of Organic Chemistry. His dedication and scholarly achievements have earned him prestigious awards and memberships, including a lifetime membership in the Indian Science Congress Association (ISCA). Organic chemists investigate the structure, properties, and behavior of various organic molecules, including hydrocarbons, alcohols, acids, esters, and polymers. They explore methods for synthesizing organic compounds and developing new reactions and strategies to create complex molecular architectures. Organic chemistry is essential for advancing various industries, including pharmaceuticals, agriculture, materials science, and biotechnology.

Impact and Influence

His research and teaching efforts have had a significant impact on both academia and industry. His expertise in organic synthesis, compound characterization, and drug design has contributed to advancements in medicinal chemistry. Moreover, his mentorship of students and participation in professional societies have helped cultivate the next generation of chemists.

It encompasses diverse areas such as organic synthesis, spectroscopy, stereochemistry, and reaction mechanisms, contributing to the development of novel materials, medicines, and technologies.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking ahead, he aims to continue his pioneering work in Organic Chemistry, with a focus on addressing key healthcare challenges. He envisions establishing a Center of Research Excellence in Medicinal Chemistry to further his mission of developing therapies and vaccines against major public health pathogens. Through his dedication and innovative research, Dr. Kumar is poised to leave a lasting legacy in the field of Organic Chemistry.

Notable Publications