Shiva Shankar | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Shiva Shankar | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Zoological Survey of India | India

C. Shiva Shankar is a dedicated Senior Research Fellow at the Zoological Survey of India, specializing in taxonomy, molecular systematics, and ecology of aquatic beetles, fishes, and freshwater crabs. He has significantly contributed to biodiversity documentation through the discovery of new species and first records in India. His doctoral research on aquatic beetles of the Eastern Ghats has generated more than 500 DNA barcodes, marking the first molecular systematic study of aquatic beetles in the country. He has authored over 15 peer-reviewed publications, book chapters, and a co-authored book on threatened fauna. His expertise spans DNA barcoding, water quality analysis, GIS and GPS field surveys, and museum specimen curation. With extensive fieldwork across Indian ecosystems, he has collected and identified over 95 species of aquatic beetles, including rare and endemic taxa. He has successfully submitted over 600 DNA sequences to NCBI, strengthening global biodiversity databases. Beyond research, he actively participates in national conferences, workshops, and biodiversity initiatives, enhancing collaborative conservation efforts. Recognized for his hard work, leadership skills, and self-motivation, he is committed to advancing aquatic biodiversity science. His career vision is to contribute to global research excellence while promoting sustainable management of freshwater ecosystems.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publications

“First record of Scoliopsis spinosa d’Orchymont, 1919 (Coleoptera: Hydrophilidae) from India”

“Molecular Characterization of Rare Predaceous Aquatic Beetle Methles indicus Regimbart, 1899 (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae) from Eastern Ghats, India”

“Freshwater decapods (Crustacea: Decapoda) of Palair Reservoir, Telangana, India”

“Notes on Ptilomera agriodes (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Gerridae) from Eastern Ghats, India”

Jie Shen | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jie Shen | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jie Shen | Institute of Plasma Physics, HFIPS, Chinese Academy of Sciences (ASIPP) | China

Dr. Jie Shen, Associate Researcher at the Institute of Plasma Physics, HFIPS, Chinese Academy of Sciences, specializes in plasma energy applications for environmental and biotechnological innovations. His work focuses on plasma-induced biological effects, microalgae carbon sequestration, antibiotic strain enhancement, and waterborne organic compound degradation. With over 25 SCI publications (h-index 20) and 1,084 citations, he has led multiple national and industrial projects, secured patents, and collaborated internationally. His research has advanced low-temperature plasma technology as a sustainable tool for microbial breeding, environmental remediation, and high-value biochemical production.

Academic Profile 

Orcid

Education

Dr. Jie Shen earned his PhD in Nuclear Science and Engineering from the prestigious Chinese Academy of Sciences, where he developed expertise in plasma physics and its applications in environmental and biological systems. His doctoral research laid the foundation for his later contributions in plasma-induced mutagenesis, biological effects of reactive species, and environmental remediation technologies. The rigorous academic training combined with extensive laboratory work equipped him with deep theoretical knowledge and strong experimental skills, enabling him to integrate interdisciplinary approaches in solving complex scientific challenges.

Experience

Currently serving as an Associate Researcher at the Institute of Plasma Physics, HFIPS, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dr. Shen leads a research team focused on advancing plasma energy applications for environmental sustainability and microbial biotechnology. His professional journey includes leading multiple high-impact national and industry-linked projects, notably in selective plasma mutagenesis for microalgae and antibiotic-producing strains. He has collaborated extensively with both academic and industrial partners, published in leading SCI journals, and contributed to technological innovations through patents and specialized devices. As a peer reviewer for numerous high-impact journals, he plays an active role in advancing the global scientific discourse on plasma technology.

Research Interests

Dr. Shen’s research centers on low-temperature plasma and its multifaceted applications in environmental and biological systems. He investigates plasma-induced liquid-phase reactive species, their biological interaction mechanisms, and their role in microbial breeding. His work extends to developing plasma technologies for enhancing carbon sequestration in microalgae, improving antibiotic strain productivity, sterilizing harmful microorganisms, and degrading organic pollutants in water. By combining plasma physics with biotechnology, his research aims to create sustainable solutions for environmental challenges while boosting industrial productivity in microbial and biochemical sectors.

Awards

Dr. Shen’s academic and research excellence has been recognized through multiple distinctions, including leadership roles in nationally funded projects and significant contributions to collaborative industrial innovations. His patents on plasma sterilization and therapy devices have demonstrated practical value in both healthcare and environmental applications. The impact of his work is reflected in his strong citation record, invitations for research collaborations, and his role as a reviewer for prominent scientific journals, marking him as a leading contributor in the field of applied plasma science.

Publications

Recent progress of atmospheric and room‐temperature plasma as a new and promising mutagenesis technology

Author: Dongao Li; Jie Shen; Qiang Ding; Jinyong Wu; Xiangsong Chen
Journal: Cell Biochemistry and Function
Year: 2024

Principles and Characteristics of Cold Plasma at Gas Phase and Gas-Liquid Phase

Author: jie shen
Journal: Applications Of Cold Plasma In Food
Year: 2022

Applications of atmospheric pressure plasma in microbial inactivation and cancer therapy: a brief review

Author: jie shen
Journal: Plasma Science and Technology
Year: 2020

Preferential production of reactive species and bactericidal efficacy of gas-liquid plasma discharge

Author: jie shen
Journal: Chemical Engineering Journal
Year: 2019

Conclusion

Dr. Jie Shen exemplifies the qualities of a world-class environmental scientist whose research blends innovation, impact, and practical application. His contributions to low-temperature plasma technology have advanced both scientific understanding and industrial practice, delivering measurable environmental and economic benefits. With a strong record of publications, patents, and successful collaborations, he stands as a model of scientific leadership and is highly deserving of the Best Researcher Award in Environmental Science.

Akshay Kale | Environmental Science | Young Scientist Award

Mr. Akshay Kale | Environmental Science | Young Scientist Award

Mr. Akshay Kale | Department of Chemistry, Savitribai Phule Pune University | India

Akshay Somnath Kale is a Ph.D. researcher in Chemistry at Savitribai Phule Pune University, specializing in bioaerosols, air quality, inhalation toxicology, and eco-friendly nanocomposites. With multiple fellowships, national eligibility qualifications, and award recognitions, he has contributed to peer-reviewed publications and presented at leading conferences. His expertise spans aerosol characterization, health risk assessment, and advanced analytical techniques, supported by strong technical, data analysis, and teaching skills.

Academic Profile 

Google Scholar

Education

Akshay Somnath Kale has built a strong academic foundation in chemistry, beginning with a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from VPASC College, affiliated with Savitribai Phule Pune University, followed by a Master’s degree in Physical Chemistry from the Department of Chemistry at the same university. He further enhanced his technical expertise by completing a Post-Graduate Diploma in Chromatographic Techniques for Designing Forensic and Industrial Applications from the Design Innovation Center. Currently, he is pursuing a Ph.D. in Chemistry at Savitribai Phule Pune University under the supervision of Prof. P.G. Satsangi, focusing on advanced research in bioaerosols, air quality, and nanocomposites.

Experience

Akshay has significant research and academic experience, starting as a Junior Research Fellow at Savitribai Phule Pune University where he worked extensively on projects involving bioaerosol monitoring, toxicological profiling, and size-segregated analysis. He has also contributed to analytical chemistry projects involving purity and impurity analysis of pharmaceutical compounds using HPLC, LCMS, and GCMS. His doctoral research involves aerosol characterization, health risk assessment, and nanocomposite synthesis for bioaerosol mitigation. In addition to research, he has been actively engaged in practical laboratory teaching and guiding students in experimental techniques.

Research Interests

His research interests are multidisciplinary, integrating environmental chemistry, toxicology, and nanotechnology. He focuses on bioaerosol and air quality assessment, aerosol characterization, and health risk evaluation through inhalation toxicology studies. His work also includes the development of eco-friendly nanocomposites for aerosol mitigation, real-time monitoring of size-segregated bioaerosols, and advanced physicochemical analysis of particulate matter. Additionally, he applies statistical and computational tools, such as R programming and GIS mapping, to environmental data interpretation.

Awards 

Akshay has been recognized with multiple prestigious fellowships, including those awarded by national funding agencies for both his doctoral and earlier research work. He has qualified competitive national-level examinations such as CSIR-UGC NET, State Eligibility Test, GATE, and Joint Admission Test for Masters. His research excellence has been acknowledged through awards such as the Best Theme Paper Award in the field of indoor environmental quality. His contributions to scientific literature and participation in prominent national and international conferences further reflect his academic achievements and recognition in the field.

Publications

Physicochemical characteristics of atmospheric particles in south western (Pune) region of India: Elemental size distribution, source analysis and risk assessment

Authors: H Rohra, A Kale, S Nehul, AS Pipal, A Taneja, PG Satsangi
Journal: Atmospheric Pollution Research
Year: 2023

Variability of Fine Particulate Matter (PM1.0 and PM2.5) and its Oxidative Potential at Different Locations in the Northern Part of India

Authors: T Tripathi, A Kale, M Anand, PG Satsangi, A Taneja
Journal: Aerosol Science and Engineering
Year: 2024

Investigating Age-Specific Respiratory Deposition Doses of Traffic-Related Particles at Urban Intersections in Pune, India

Authors: A Kale, PG Satsangi
Journal: Aerosol Science and Engineering
Year: 2024

Age-specific deposition of indoor particulate matter in the human respiratory tract

Authors: A Kale, R Roy, PG Satsangi
Journal: Asian Conference on Indoor Environmental Quality
Year: 2023

Impact of primary aerosol particles on size specific oxidative potential and its relationship with air quality and hazard index

Authors: AS Pipal, SD Ghude, PG Satsangi, MY Bhatkar, A Kale, SS Nivdange, …
Journal: [Journal not specified in the provided text]
Year: [Year not specified in the provided text]

Conclusion

Akshay Somnath Kale’s dedication to advancing environmental science through rigorous research, innovative methodologies, and impactful publications makes him a strong contender for the Best Researcher Award. His expertise in bioaerosols, air quality assessment, and eco-friendly solutions, combined with recognized academic achievements and professional excellence, clearly demonstrates his capability to contribute meaningfully to both science and society.