Prof. Himanshu Pandya
Gujarat University
Prof. Himanshu Pandya is a distinguished academic leader and Co-Chairman of the NITI Aayog's Policy on Seaweed Value Chain Development. He served as Vice Chancellor of Gujarat University (2017-2023), transforming it into a globally recognized institution through digital initiatives, research excellence, and international collaborations. As Chairman of i-HUB, he has fostered entrepreneurship and start-ups in Gujarat. He established multiple centers of excellence, including the DRDO-Centre on Cyber Security and the Institute of Defence Studies and Research. His contributions have strengthened Gujarat University’s role in innovation, research, and entrepreneurship, making it a hub for higher education and technological advancements.
Dr. J. M. Vyas
NFSU
Dr. J.M. Vyas has been conferred with the Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian awards, on the 73rd Republic Day (2022) for his distinguished contributions to Science and Engineering. As the founding Vice-Chancellor of the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU), he has now been appointed as a member of CSIR, India’s premier research organization, led by Hon'ble PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji. This is a moment of pride for the forensic fraternity. As per the Societies Registration Act (1860), CSIR has been reconstituted by the Prime Minister from 16th February 2023, for three years.
Dr. Kannan Srinivasan
CSMCRI
Prof. Dr. Kannan Srinivasan is a distinguished scientist in Chemical Sciences, specializing in Heterogeneous Catalysis and Materials Chemistry. Currently serving as Director of CSIR-CSMCRI and an Outstanding Professor at AcSIR, he has over 85 research publications, 3000+ citations, and multiple patents, including five US patents. He has received prestigious awards like the CSIR Young Scientist Award and CRSI Bronze Medal. Actively engaged in national committees, he contributes to marine chemistry, catalysis, and environmental research. His work spans academia, industry, and policy, fostering innovation in catalysis, COâ‚‚ utilization, and sustainable chemicals.
Dr. Mohana K Reddy
IPFT
Dr. Mohana Krishna Reddy Mudiam, Director of IPFT, Gurugram, is an expert in Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry, specializing in Food Safety, Environmental Toxicology, and Biopharmaceuticals. With 23 years of research experience, his work focuses on chemical occurrence, transport, and accumulation in food, environment, and biological systems. He pioneered metabolomics in India and developed miniaturized analytical methods for toxicant analysis. He has guided 15 Ph.D. students, authored 120 publications with 4000+ citations (h-index 39), and received prestigious awards, including the CSIR Technology Award for Innovation. He has also contributed to establishing GLP-compliant analytical facilities and collaborated internationally.
Dr. G. Narhari Sastry
IIT Hyderabad
Dr. Garikapati Narahari Sastry is a distinguished Indian chemist and professor at IIT Hyderabad’s Department of Biotechnology. He served as Director of CSIR-NEIST, Jorhat (2019-2024), promoting translational research in computational modeling and AI for societal and industrial applications. Previously, he led the Molecular Modelling Division at CSIR-IICT, Hyderabad. His pioneering contributions in computational chemistry and biology integrate traditional wisdom with modern science for advancements in education, health, and industry. A recipient of the prestigious Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize (2011) in chemical sciences, he continues to shape India’s scientific and technological landscape.
Dr. R.V. Jasra
Senior Vice President, Head, R&D Centre, Reliance Industries
Dr. Raksh Vir Jasra is the Senior Vice President and Head of the R&D Centre at Reliance Industries Limited, Vadodara. He specializes in nanomaterials, catalysis, and adsorption separation. With over 325 research articles, 315 patents, and numerous awards, including the Gulf Energy Excellence Lifetime Achievement Award (2023) and multiple national innovation awards, he has made significant contributions to chemical research. He has supervised 27 Ph.D. students and held prestigious fellowships. Recognized among the top 2% scientists worldwide by Stanford University, Dr. Jasra continues to drive advancements in chemical science and technology through leadership and innovation.
