Shillong: Six esteemed faculty members from North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU), Shillong, have been awarded fellowships from leading national science academies, marking a momentous achievement for research excellence in India’s northeastern region.
This recognition underscores the university’s contributions to advancing scientific knowledge and addressing critical regional challenges.
Prof. SK Barik from the Botany Department earned a fellowship from the Indian National Science Academy (INSA), New Delhi, for his pioneering work on plant diversity and conservation, specifically in the northeastern Himalayas.
His research has been instrumental in understanding and preserving the rich biodiversity of the region.
The National Academy of Sciences, India (NASI) honored two NEHU scholars: Prof. SR Joshi from the Department of Biotechnology & Bioinformatics was recognized for his innovations in microbial biotechnology, while Prof. S Kumaria from Botany received her fellowship for her significant contributions to the conservation of endangered plant species.
Additionally, Prof. Uma Shankar, an expert in plant taxonomy, was inducted as a fellow of the Eastern Himalaya Society for Spermatophyte Taxonomy. Prof. Timir Tripathi from the Zoology Department was named an Associate Fellow of INSA for his research on the structures of proteins linked to various diseases, reflecting the importance of understanding disease mechanisms at a molecular level.
Dr. Rajesh Bajpai from Environmental Studies was awarded a fellowship by the Botanical Society of India for his research on plant-environment interactions, which has contributed to a deeper understanding of environmental sustainability and the resilience of plant species in diverse ecosystems.
Vice-Chancellor Prof. Prabha Shankar Shukla expressed pride in the faculty’s achievements, stating, “These fellowships reflect our commitment to research excellence. Their achievements inspire our academic community and strengthen NEHU’s position in advancing scientific knowledge.”
The recognized research covers vital areas such as biodiversity conservation, biotechnology applications, and environmental sustainability, highlighting NEHU’s growing influence in addressing scientific challenges specific to the northeastern region. This recognition not only elevates the university’s academic standing but also brings national attention to the scientific potential and expertise flourishing in the region.