As a full professor, Prof. Dr. Felix Bast is based at the Department of Botany, Central University of Punjab (Ministry of Education, Govt. of India). He has been working in CU Punjab since May 2010. He is a member of the high-profile advisory committee of Paris-based International Science Council, an elected fellow of the Linnean Society of London, and a member of IUCN, Geneva. A BSc Gold Medalist, he holds PhD in Marine Biology from MEXT, Japan (alumnus of MEXT Japanese Govt. international doctoral fellowship) and served as expedition scientist in Indian Antarctic Mission. Prof. Bast discovered seven new marine algae and moss species from India and Antarctica. He served as an in-residence intern with the President of India at Rashtrapati Bhawan, New Delhi and received “President’s Inspired Teacher” recognition in 2015. He also won the prestigious “Teaching Innovator Award” from Ministry of Education in 2020 and DST INSPIRE Faculty Award in 2012. He has become an advisor to UPSC in 2024. He is the alumnus of IIT Bombay, Friday Harbor Laboratories (University of Washington, USA), and Marine Biological Association of UK laboratories, Plymouth, UK. He served as a guest scientist at Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research, Bremen, Germany during 2018–19 period.
For research and dissemination purposes, he visited 26 countries. He has over 135 peer reviewed papers, published 8 books, won 17 research projects amounting to 2.8 Crore rupees, and guided 16 PhD theses (9 awarded, 7 ongoing).
Prof. Bast advocates a sustainable lifestyle- a primary focus of his works. He has no car and never plans to own one; instead, he is an avid cyclist who often commutes to his workplace by cycle. He is also a frequent blood donor, and an advocate of zero-waste and low-carbon footprint lifestyle. He has also signed up for posthumous organ and whole-body donation for medical research through NOTTO, the Government of India.
Education:
Kōchi University, Japan — PhD (MEXT: Japanese Govt. Fellow)
APRIL 2005 - MARCH 2010
Ecophysiology and phylogeography of Monostroma latissimum in Japan (Field: Marine Biology)
University of Madras, Guindy, Chennai — MSc
JUNE 2000 - MAY 2002
76.5% marks, First Class (Outstanding) Grade
Biotechnology, Microalgae, Photobioreactor
Kannur University, Kannur, Kerala — BSc
JUNE 1997 - MAY 2000
87.5% marks, First Class, University First Rank with Gold Medal
Microbiology, Physiology, Chemistry
Leibniz-Zentrum für Marine Tropenforschung, Bremen, Germany
NAM-ZMT Guest Scientist
NOV 2018 - FEB 2019
On sabbatical, research on DNA barcoding and marine experimental ecology
Indian Antarctic Mission, Bharati Station and Maitri Station
Expedition Scientist
DEC 2016 - APR 2017
On sabbatical, research on DNA barcoding and marine experimental ecology
Central University of Punjab, Bathinda — Associate Professor
MAY 2010 - PRESENT
Involved with academic research and teaching in Taxonomy, Phylogenetics
Member, Executive Council and Academic Council
Friday Harbor Lab, University of Washington, US — Summer Fellow
JULY 2007 - AUGUST 2007
Marine Botany course, Phycological Society of America
Marine Biological Association, Plymouth, UK — Summer Fellow
MARCH 2013
Algal Taxonomy Workshop of British Phycological Society
Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay — CSIR JRF
AUGUST 2003 - FEBRUARY 2005
Algae-based desalination.
Molecular Systematics, Taxonomy, Algae, Polar Biology, Science Communication
NOTABLE RESEARCH FINDINGS/CONTRIBUTIONS
- Seven new plant species discovered: Ulva paschima, Cladophora goensis, Ulva uniseriata, Hypnea indica, Hypnea bullata, Bryum bharatiensis, and Acetabularia jalakanyakae
- New records: Endophytic algae Ulvella leptochaete for the first time in Indian Ocean, Sargassum zhangii, Trentepohlia annulata and Ulva sapora first records in India
- Open access database of Indian Algae, dbIndAlgae released
- Discovery that spores of subaerial green algae Trentepohlia annulata caused blood rain in Kerala
- Science Communicator, with frequent contributions in all major science magazines in India (Resonance, Science Reporter, Dream-2047). Involved with science popularization talks and science community outreach through local libraries, schools, and colleges.
- Explored major coastal intertidal habitats of India, Japan, UK, Scandinavia and North Western US and Canada (23 countries). Exploration team member of 36th Indian Scientific Expedition to Antarctica.
- An early adopter of e-learning; involved with UGC e-PG pathshala and UGC SWAYAM MOOC
- Involved with science education in schools. Organized Science Leadership Workshop, one of the largest science events in the world. Founded Young Academy of India.
PROJECTS/RESEARCH GRANTS
7 major grants — As PI
DST-INSPIRE, DST/SERB-Core Research Grant, CSIR, UGC-BSR, MoES, ICSSR, UGC-Start-Up grant (Total sanctioned INR 1.54 Crores)
TEACHING/TRAINING GRANTS
9 grants — As PI
UGC-MHRD SWAYAM MOOC Development, Science Academies’ Refresher Course (2 times) and Science Academies’ Lecture Workshop (3 times)
(Total sanctioned: INR 61.6 Lakhs)
Total grants: 2.16 Crores
Grants.xlsx
Member of British Phycological Society, Phycological Society of America, Indian Lichenological Society and Indian Linguistics Society, DST--YASH
Elected Fellow of Linnean Society of London, UK (2022), Member of IUCN (2022)
Inducted in International Science Council, Paris (2021)
AAAS-TWAS Science Diplomat Alumni (AAAS-TWAS, 2020)
Advisor to UPSC (2024), DST-YASH (2020), TedX Speaker (2020)
Elected in National Core Committee of INSA-INYAS (Biology and Medicine) 2020
DST-INSA-INSPIRE Faculty Award Phylogenetic Diversity of Seaweeds (2012)
Inspired Teacher recognition Invited In-Resident Intern with President of India at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi (2015), Teaching Innovator Award, MHRD, Government of India (2016)
NAM-ZMT Germany International Guest Scientist Award, 2018
Japanese Govt. Monbukagakusho:MEXT International Doctoral Fellowship 2005, British Phycological Society Student Bursary Award-2009
CSIR-UGC National Eligibility Test Qualified Dec 2001 for JRF and Lectureship
Indian Academy of Sciences Summer Research Fellowship at NIO, Goa- 2002
University First Rank for BSC (2000)
CSIR-JRF-NET, GATE, GRE, TOEFL qualified
Leibniz-Zentrum für Marine Tropenforschung, Bremen, Germany
CSIR-NBRI-Lucknow
CSIR-CDRI, Lucknow
SELECTED PUBLICATIONS
- Kundu, P., and Bast, F. (2021). Molecular data reveals two new species of Hypnea (Cystocloniaceae, Rhodophyta) from India: Hypnea indica sp. nov. and Hypnea bullata sp. nov. Botanica Marina, 64(2), 139-148.
- Sharma, S., Mehra, R. and Bast, F. (2019) Molecular Phylogeography of Ficus benghalensis Linnaeus using nrDNA ITS 1,cpDNA trnL and cpDNA rps16 from Indian subcontinent. Current Science 117 (2) 293-298
- Bast, F., John, AA. and Bhushan, S. (2014). Strong endemism of bloom-forming tubular Ulva in Indian west coast, with description of Ulva paschima Sp. Nov. (Ulvales, Chlorophyta). PLoS ONE 9(10): e109295. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0109295 (IF:3.73) PDF
- Bhushan, S., Mehra, R., Rani, P. and Bast, F (2016) "DbIndAlgae: Online resource of Seaweeds of Indian coasts". Current Science (IF: 0.8) 111 (4):717-723 PDF
- Bast, F., John, AA. and Bhushan, S. (2015).Cladophora goensis- a bloom forming marine algae from Goa, India. Indian Journal of Marine Sciences 44 (12) 1874-1879 (IF:0.57) PDF
- Bast, F., Kubota, S. and Okuda, K. (2014). Phylogeographic Assessment of Panmictic Monostroma Species from Kuroshio Coast, Japan Reveals Sympatric Speciation. Journal of Applied Phycology (IF:2.5) DOI 10.1007/s10811-014-0452-x PDF
- Bast, F., Bhushan, S. and John, AA. (2014). DNA Barcoding of a new record of epi-endophytic green algae Ulvella leptochaete (Ulvellaceae, Chlorophyta) in India. Journal of Biosciences 39:711-716 (IF:1.8) PDF
- Bast, F., Rani P, and Meena D (2014) Chloroplast DNA Phylogeography of Holy Basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum) in Indian Subcontinent, The Scientific World Journal (IF:1.731), vol. 2014, Article ID 847482, 6 pages, 2014. doi:10.1155/2014/847482
- Bast, F., Shimada, S, Hiraoka, M and Okuda, K (2009). Asexual life history by biflagellate zoids in Monostroma latissimum (Ulotrichales). Aquatic Botany (IF:2.250) 91: 213-218. PDF
- Bast, F., Shimada, S, Hiraoka, M and Okuda, K (2009). Seasonality and thallus ontogeny of edible seaweed Monostroma latissimum (Kützing) Wittrock (Chlorophyta, Monostromataceae) from Tosa Bay, Kochi, Japan. Hydrobiologia (IF:1.985) 630: 161-167. PDF
METRICS
Total Peer-reviewed Publications (Google Scholar): 135, ORCiD
Books: 8 Indian Provisional Patent No. 202211011272
FULL PUBLICATIONS: Accessible at http://bit.ly/FelixLab
Research Supervision
Post-Doctoral Fellows
|
S. No |
Title |
Scholar |
Funding Agency |
Year |
Status |
|
1 |
Molecular and morphological diversity in photobiont associated with Parmelioid lichens of Indian Himalaya
|
Dr. Ajay Kumar Gautam |
CSIR |
2018-2020 |
Completed |
International Fellows
|
1 |
Comparative molecular systematics of selected microalgae from Bathinda and Mongolia |
Odgerel Bamabndalai (International Scientist from Mongolia) |
NAM-RTF-DCS |
April-September 2017 |
Completed |
Ph.D. Students
|
S. No. |
Title |
Name |
Funding Agency |
Year of award |
Status |
|
1 |
Multitargetted molecular docking of plant/algae derived natural products and its further validation on cancer cell-lines |
Pushpendra Singh |
ICMR-SRF |
2015 |
Awarded
|
|
2 |
Phylogeny and anticancer potentials of Sargassum |
Satej Bhushan |
MoES JRF |
2017 |
Awarded
|
|
3 |
Phylogeography of Ulva (Chlorophyta, Ulvophyceae) in Indian Subcontinent |
Pooja Rani |
- |
2018 |
Awarded |
|
4 |
Phylogeny and anticancer potentials of Cladophora |
Richa Mehra |
ICMR-JRF |
2018 |
Awarded |
|
5 |
Molecular identification and assessment of anticancer potential of Ulva species from Indian coasts” |
Digvijay Singh Yadav |
ICMR-SRF |
2023 |
Awarded |
|
6 |
Biodiversity characterization of Florideophyceae from Indian Coast and eastern Antarctica Coast based upon molecular Taxonomy-assisted polyphasic approach |
Pushpendu Kundu |
(CSIR-NET, ARS-NET) |
2022 |
Awarded |
|
7 |
Molecular taxonomy assisted biodiversity characterization of Moss from Indian Western Himalayas and Larsemann hills of Antarctica |
Wahid Ul Rahman |
UGC-NFST |
2022 |
Awarded |
|
8 |
Molecular and morphological diversity of photobionts associated with Antarctic lichens and lichens of Indian Himalayas |
Khem Chand Saini |
CSIR-SRF |
2022 |
Awarded |
|
9 |
Anticancer potentials of Gracilaria |
Alka rani |
ICMR-SRF |
2023 |
Awarded |
|
10 |
Diversity of epiphytic bacteria associated with seaweeds from Indian Coast |
Manpreet Kaur |
MANF-JRF |
- |
Ongoing (2021-) |
|
11 |
Molecular identification, Nutritional assessment and Anti-obesity potential with effect on gut microbiome of Indian edible seaweeds. |
Neelesh Prashant |
ICMR-JRF |
- |
Ongoing (2022- ) |
|
12 |
Cytogenetics of industrially important marine red algae. |
Utkal Srivastava |
UGC-JRF |
- |
Resigned |
|
13 |
Epi/endophytic fungi associated with seaweeds of Indian coastline. |
Rajesh Kumar Maurya |
UGC-JRF |
- |
Ongoing (2022- ) |
|
14 |
Anti-obesity potential of seaweeds . |
Kirti |
CSIR-JRF |
- |
Ongoing (2023-) |
|
15 |
Comparative assessment of Indian Seaweeds for methane reduction in Ruminants
|
Annu |
UGC-JRF |
- |
Ongoing (2023-) |
|
16 |
Assessment of Anti-Diabetic potential of Seaweeds across Indian Continent. |
Monika |
UGC-JRF |
- |
Ongoing (2023-) |
|
17 |
Comparative assessment of native indigenous microalgae from Punjab Region for water purification. |
Priyanka |
CSIR-JRF |
- |
Ongoing (2023-) |
M.Phil. Students
|
S. No. |
Title (Hyperlinked to dissertations in PDF) |
Candidate |
Funding Agency |
Year of Submission |
Status |
|
1 |
Effects of Insulin and Metformin on PC-3 Cell Line |
Pushpendra Singh |
ICMR-SRF |
2011 |
Awarded |
|
2 |
Effect of Metformin on Insulin Mediated Proliferation of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cell Lines |
Seema S |
ICMR-JRF |
2012 |
Awarded, Pursuing Ph.D. At Indraprasta University, Delhi |
|
3 |
Cytotoxic activity of Sargassum swartzii on PC-3 cancer cell line |
Mohd. Zahid |
ICMR-JRF |
2012 |
Awarded, Pursuing Ph.D. At Delhi University |
|
4 |
Phylogenetic Analysis of Ocimum tenuiflorum in Indian subcontinent |
Devendra Meena |
CSIR-JRF |
2014 |
Awarded, Pursuing Ph.D. At Oxford University, UK |
|
5 |
miRNA Target Prediction and Comparative miRNomics: Study in Different Cancers- Special Focus on Breast Cancer Metastasis |
Bibekananda Sarkar |
- |
2012 |
Awarded |
|
6 |
Diversity of Green and Red Marine Macroalgae distributed in Indian West Coast using morphometry and DNA barcoding |
Aijaz Ahmd |
CSIR-JRF |
2013 |
Awarded, Currently in PhD at CDRI, Lucknow |
|
7 |
DNA barcoding and phylogeography of Brown Seaweeds of Coasts of Indian Subcontinent |
Satej Bhushan |
MoES Project JRF |
2013 |
Awarded |
|
8 |
Sequence-based phylogeography and conservation genetics of seaweeds from Indian subcontinent |
Pooja Rani |
- |
2014 |
Awarded, Currently in PhD |
|
9 |
Phylogeography of Ceramiales in India |
Digvijay Singh Yadav |
- |
2015 |
Awarded, Currently in PhD |
|
10 |
Phylogeography of Rhodymeniophyceae (Gracillaria and Grateloupia) |
Pushpendu Kundu |
- |
2015 |
Awarded, Currently in PhD |
|
11 |
Phylogeography and bioprospects of carrageenophytes (Hypnea and Kappaphycus) |
Wahid Ul Rahman |
- |
2015 |
Awarded, Currently in PhD |
|
12 |
Phylogeography of terrestrial and freshwater algae in Indian subcontinent |
Khem Chand Saini |
- |
2015 |
Awarded, Currently in PhD |
|
13 |
Phylogeography of mangroves in Subndarbans, West Bengal |
Alka rani |
- |
2015 |
Awarded, Currently in PhD |
|
14 |
Phylogeography of Ferns in Harike Wet Land |
Chandanpreet Kaur |
- |
2015 |
Awarded |
|
15 |
Phylogeography of Cactus |
Balwinder |
- |
2015 |
Awarded |
Research Internships
|
1 |
Molecular phylogenetic methods |
Sushil Thakkur |
- |
April-May, 2016 |
Completed |
|
2 |
Morphological assessment of Acetabularia from Andaman Islands |
Aravind M |
SRFP (Science Academies’ Summer Research Fellowship Program) |
April-June 2019 |
Completed |
|
3 |
Preliminary identification of local algae (Bathinda region) |
Jasdeep Kaur |
Internship |
February 2021- April 2021 |
Completed |
M.Sc. Students
|
S. No. |
Title (Hyperlinked to dissertations in PDF) |
Candidate |
Year of Submission |
Status |
|
1 |
Genotoxicity of drinking water from Malwa Region, Punjab |
Ashish Kumar Pandey |
2014 |
Awarded |
|
2 |
Phylogeography ofFicus religiosa andFicus benghalensis in Indian Subcontinent |
Sheetal Sharma |
2015 |
Awarded |
|
3 |
Phylogeography ofSalvadora oleoides in Punjab |
Navreet Kaur |
2016 |
Awarded |
|
4 |
Phylogeography of Betel in Indian Subcontinent |
Muzamil Ahmad Rather |
2015 |
Awarded |
|
5 |
Phylogeography of Brahmi in Indian Subcontinent |
Meenu Rani |
2016 |
Awarded |
|
6 |
Phylogeography of Shankapushpa in Indian Subcontinent |
Nisha Bansal |
2016 |
Awarded |
|
7 |
Phylogeography of Sarpagandha in Indian Subcontinent |
Supandeep Kaur |
2016 |
Awarded |
|
8 |
Phylogeography of Mentha in Indian Subcontinent |
Jyotsna Devgan |
2017 |
Awarded |
|
9 |
Molecular systematics of family fabiaceae, tribe Detarieae |
Nilanjan De |
2017 |
Awarded |
|
10 |
Phylogeography of Ashwagandhain Indian Subcontinent |
Davinder Singh |
2017 |
Awarded |
|
11 |
Public acceptance of evolution in India |
Heena Tahilramani |
2017 |
Awarded |
|
12 |
Molecular systematics of the phycobionts of some lichen species from India |
Anish Gupta |
2017 |
Awarded |
|
13 |
DNA Barcoding of the medicinal herb Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) |
Anju Vijayappapanicker |
2017 |
Awarded |
|
14 |
Culture studies of photobionts of lichens from Antarctica |
Archana |
2018 |
Awarded |
|
15 |
Culture studies of watermelon snow algae from Antarctica |
Sayanya Acharya |
2018 |
Awarded |
|
16 |
DNA Barcoding of the seaweeds (Himantothallus and Calophyllis) from Antarctica |
Divya Mittal |
2019 |
Awarded |
|
17 |
Molecular Systematics of Urospora from Antarctica |
Guni Pabin |
2019 |
Awarded |
|
18 |
Morphological and molecular assessment of green algae Prasiola crispa from Eastern Antarctica. |
Rashmi Ranjan |
2019 |
Awarded |
|
19 |
Characterization of normal microflora of moss and seaweeds |
Samrin Shamin |
2019 |
Awarded |
|
20 |
Polyphasic taxonomic characterization of epiphytic bacteria found on algae. |
Manisha |
2020 |
Awarded |
|
21 |
Polyphasic taxonomic characterization of endophytic bacteria found on algae. |
Soumyashree Bhoi |
2020 |
Awarded |
|
22 |
Impact of global warming and ocean acidification on macroalgae |
Ranjan Rashmi Parida |
2020 |
Awarded |
|
23 |
Effect of climate change on microalgae |
Shilpi Tyagi |
2020 |
Awarded
|
|
24 |
Abiotic stress responses in algae: UV A& B Stress, DO stress, and algal secondary metabolites involved in stress, and lipid production. |
Malay Kumar Mohanta |
2021 |
Awarded |
|
25 |
Abiotic stress responses in algae: salinity, desiccation, biomechanical stresses and gene networks involved in stress. |
Rajalaxmi Sahoo |
2021 |
Awarded |
|
26 |
Sustainable Blue Economy: Opportunities and Challenges |
Sahil Narwal |
2021 |
Awarded |
|
27 |
Abiotic stress responses in algae: Temperature, pH/CO2, heavy metal, algal hormones and photo-oxidative stress. |
Hiramoni Ojah |
2021 |
Awarded |
|
28 |
Abiotic stress responses in algae: Nutrient stress, contribution of symbionts and transgenic approaches. |
Adesh Kumar |
2021 |
Awarded |
|
29 |
Alignment of National education policy 2020 with school science syllabus:assesment of NCERT textbooks of class 11 and class 12t |
Pranav koul |
2022 |
Awarded |
|
30 |
Morphological and Molecular Characterization of Green Algae from East Antarctica. |
Jyoti Kumari |
2022 |
Awarded |
|
31 |
A Review on Diatoms of Antarctica |
Aseema Parida |
2022 |
Awarded |
|
32 |
A comparative study of accuracy of free android plant species recognition apps for plants from Punjab |
Chinmayee Behera |
2022 |
Awarded |
|
33 |
Diversity of Epiphytic Bacteria Associated with Seaweeds and their Bioprospecting Potential |
Mahima Mohanto |
2022 |
Awarded |
|
34. |
Limnetic Algae in India with special reference to Bathinda, Punjab, India. |
Nashat Akhter |
2022 |
Awarded |
|
35 |
Nutrient assesment of edible seaweed |
Tapanwita Prusty |
2023 |
Awarded |
|
36 |
Molecular Characterization of Some Angiosperm Plants from Boh Valley, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh |
C S Aishwarya |
2023 |
Awarded |
|
37 |
Seaweed associated epiphytic fungi: Diversity, crosstalk, and Bioprospection. |
Koustubh Diwakar Mashakhetri |
2023 |
Awarded |
|
38 |
Isolation, culture, Identification and DNA barcoding of epizoic algae from the carapace of Batagur tentoria turtles from Cuttack and Kendrapada districts of Odisha. |
Ashrumochan Mallick |
2023 |
Awarded |
|
39 |
Isolation, identification of Epiphytic Fungi associated with Seaweeds and thier antibacterial properties |
Jatin |
2024 |
Awarded |
|
40 |
Comparative Assessment of Three Drying Methods on The Heavy Metal Contents of Seaweed from Indian Coastal Area |
Toni Arya Dharma |
2024 |
Awarded |
|
41 |
Isolation and Identification of epiphytic bacteria associated with seaweeds from Indian Coast. |
Chanika Mandal |
2024 |
Awarded |
|
42 |
Nutritional assessment of seaweeds samples from mandapam, Tamil Nadu |
Pallabi |
2024 |
Awarded |
|
43
|
Comparitive assessment of enteric methane reduction potential in selected seaweeds |
Deepak |
2024 |
Awarded |
|
44 |
Comparative assessment of native Indigenous microalgae from Punjab for water purification |
Anupama T K |
2024 |
Awarded |
- #Science Leadership Workshop, supported by Science Academies, 22nd June 2020-28th June 2020
- Nature India feature article: https://www.natureasia.com/en/nindia/article/10.1038/nindia.2020.115
- Current Science https://www.currentscience.ac.in/Volumes/119/06/0894.pdf
- #ZeroWaste workshop, in collaboration with DAV College, Bathinda, 16th June 2020-18th June 2020
- #BluePlanet workshop, in collaboration with dept of Geology, 7th June 2020-9th June 2020
- #TangledBank, a national level workshop, 31st May 2020-5th June 2020
2024
1. Saving Antarctica: Sustainable Lifestyle for Climate Action. Invited in person talk at Global Science Festival, Kerala. Trivandrum on 28/1/2024
2. Crux of Grant Writing. Faculty Induction Program, PMMMNMTT, Kannur University, Kerala. 6/2/2024
3. Indian Antarctic Mission. Faculty Induction Program, PMMMNMTT, Kannur University, Kerala. 8/2/2024
4. Sustainability in Antarctica. Invited expert talk for Akashavani Kannur. 6/2/2024
5. Crux of Grant Writing. Faculty Induction Program organized by Dept of Geography, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda 12/2/2024
6. NEP2020: Life Skills. Faculty Induction Program, PMMMNMTT, HP University, Shimla. 13/2/2024
7. NEP2020: Life Skills. Faculty Induction Program, PMMMNMTT, Punjabi University Patiala. 27/2/2024
8. Antarctic Sustainability. Invited In-person talk at International Conference on Sustainability, organized by CU Jammu. 1/3/2024
9. Indian Antarctic Mission. Organized by department of collegiate education, Government of Andhra Pradesh. 4/3/3024
10. Crisis in Antarctica. Invited talk at Govt. College for Girls, Ludhiana. 16/3/3024
11. Curiosity: Secret for Scientific Discoveries. Faculty Induction Program, PMMMNMTT, HP University, Shimla. 18/3/2024
2023
12. Keynote Address: Mathematical Biology. Jamal Mohd Trichy, TN 18/1/2023
13. NEP2020 Awareness Talk organized by DEO, Mansa, (In Person) 8/2/2023
14. Critical Thinking. KMV Jalandhar 25/2/2023
15. Indian Antarctic Mission. FDP organized by Dr. Puneeta Pandey. DST Karyashala, CU Punjab. (In Person), 6/3/2023
16. Science Communication Workshop at CSIR-NISPR, New Delhi. 13/3/2023
17. NEP2020: Introduction. Assam Agriculture University, Johat. Assam (In Person), 20/3/2023
18. Critical Thinking in NEP2020. Assam Agriculture University, Johat, Assam (In Person), 21/3/2023
19. Soft Skills in NEP2020. Assam Agriculture University, Johat, Assam (In Person) 22/3/2023
20. Indian Antarctic Mission. Meerut University, UP 27/3/2023
21. Indian Antarctic Mission, Modi College Patiala. (In Person) 13/4/2023
22. Biostatistics. Jamal Mohd Trichy, TN. (In Person) 2/5/2023
23. Life Skills. Jamal Mohd Trichy, TN (In Person) 2/5/2023
24. SDG Goal 3, Eureka Programme, Athena Education, New Delhi 6/5/2023
25. SWAYAM and e-Content development. GKU-Talwandi Sabo. (In Person) 13/5/2023
26. Indian Antarctic Mission. FDP at V.G. Vaze College, Mumbai University, MH. 29/5/2023
27. E-Content development. AMET University, Chennai, TN 30/5/2023
28. World Environment Day special talk. Rayat Bahra University, Punjab. 5/6/2023
29. Indian Antarctic Mission. Resource Person at FDP, HRDC, GJU-Hisar, Haryana. 13/7/2023
30. Science of Longevity; invited science talk-show at Akashawani, Kannur, Kerala 25/6/2023
31. NEP2020: Soft Skills. Invited Talk at Shyampur Siddheswari Mahavidyalaya, WB 21/9/2023
32. NEP2020 Soft Skills, Agora-FDP, SN College, Kollam, Kerala ,9/10/2023
33. NEP2020 Critical Thinking, Agora-FDP, SN College, Kollam, Kerala, 9/10/2023
34. NEP2020 Life Skills, Agora-FDP, SN College, Kollam, Kerala, 12/10/2023
35. NEP2020 Online education, Agora-FDP, SN College, Kollam, Kerala, 12/10/2023
36. Climate Action through Lifestyle Changes, PM Shree, Kendriya Vidyalaya 1, Bathinda (In Person), 3/11/2023
37. NEP2020 Soft Skills, FDP, PMMMNMTT, Kannur University, Kerala, 14/11/2023
38. NEP2020 Critical Thinking, FDP, PMMMNMTT, Kannur University, Kerala, 14/11/2023
39. Indian Antarctic Mission, FDP, PMMMNMTT, Kannur University, Kerala, 23/11/2023
40. Indian Antarctic Mission, National Conference on Cryptogams, Govt. Arts and Science College, Calicut, Calicut University, Kerala, (In Person), 30/11/2023
41. Science in Antarctica, National Conference on Cryptogams, Govt. Arts and Science College, Calicut, Calicut University, Kerala, (In Person), 30/11/2023
42. Indian Antarctic Mission and Climate Change, FDP, PMMMNMTT, Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla, HP 27/12/2023
43. Flipping Science for Climate Action, FDP, PMMMNMTT, Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla, HP 27/12/2023
2022
44. FIP-Kannur University, Kerala-1, 4/2
45. FIP-Kannur University, Kerala--2, 4/2
46. FIP GNDU, Amritsar 10/2
47. FIP AMET, Chennai 15/2
48. FIP AMET, Chennai 16/2
49. FIP GJU Hisar 3/3
50. DBT Star@SNC, Kerala U 5/3
51. Invited Talk at St. Pius College, Kannur Univ 10/3
52. Keynote Address at Jamal Mohd College, Trichy 15/3
53. Jammu University 25/3
54. Earth Day Zakkir Hussain College 22 Apr
55. Sustainability@School of Journalism, DU 22 Apr
56. Punjab Science Vigyan Utsav, Chandigarh 17 June
57. St. Berchman's college, Kerala Foundation Lecture 27th June
58. St. Berchman's college, Kerala The Art of Online Teaching 27th June
59. Kolkata U Invited Talk on The World of Algae 8 Sep
60. Baba Farid U, Bathinda FDP 6th Oct
61. Kannur University FDP: Time management for teachers 14/Oct
62. Kannur University FDP: Critical Thinking for teachers 14/Oct
63. International Conference, CU Kerala, 27/Oct
64. Mata Gujri College, Jabalpur 16/Nov
65. CU Jammu 11/Nov
66. FDP@ Punjabi U Patiala 24/Nov
67. Haryana Science Conclave@ GJU Hisar 6/Dec
68. Invited Talk at BGSBU, Rajouri 22/Dec
69. Inivited Talk at dept of Botany, Jammu U 23/Dec
70. Kolkata U FDP1: Art of writing a manuscript 29/Dec
71. Kolkata U FDP2: Critical Thinking in research 29/Dec
2021
72. Science In Antarctica. Invited Public Outreach Talk, Carmel College, Goa. 2nd December
73. Time Management for Academicians. FDP at UGC-HRDC, University of Lucknow. 26th November
74. How do we talk about science and trust? Podcast with BBC, StoryWorks, London and ISC Paris. 16th November (Link)
75. Technology for Sustainable Living. FDP at UGC-HRDC, JNV University, Jodhpur, Rajasthan. 16th November
76. Floristic Diversity in Antarctica. Oral Presentation at 14th International Kuroshio Science Symposium, Kochi University, Japan. 13th November
77. ‘What Indian Antarctic Mission teaches us about sustainability?’ FDP at Ramanujan College, Delhi University, 3rd November
78. Time management for academicians. UGC-HRDC-GNDU as resource person in refresher course. 6th October
79. Appropriate Technology for Sustainable Development. Invited lecture at Punjab State Science and Technology Council, 6th October 2021.
80. Science in Antarctica. UGC-HRDC, GJU, Hisar. Resource person in Refresher Course). 22nd Sep
81. Discovery of Bryum bharatiense. UGC-HRDC, Calicut University Resource person in Refresher Course). 20th Sep
82. Science in Antarctica. UGC-HRDC, Calicut University Resource person in Refresher Course). 20th Sep
83. Discovery of Bryum bharatiense. Catholicate College, MG University, Kerala. 7th Sep.
84. Bryum bharatiense: Insights into Astrobiology. Satyabhama University, Chennai. 26th Aug
85. Scientific literacy. Inaugural speech at Kadambur North Government School Science Club, Kannur, Kerala. 22nd Aug
86. Antarctica as a crucible for astrobiology: The story of Bryum bharatiense, India’s discovery in Antarctica. Shyampur Siddheshwari Mahavidyalaya, West Bengal 22nd Aug
87. Bryum bharatiense: Insights into polar biology. Chennai Science Colloquium, Chennai 14th Aug
88. Career prospects in Botany. Central University of Kerala. 13th Aug
89. Discovery of Bryum bharatiense. International webinar series at St. Pius X College, Rajapuram, Kerala. 4/8
90. FIP-1 at GNDU-UGC-HRDC, “Time management for teachers” 2/8
91. Bryum bharatiense: Story of Discovery driven by childlike curiosity. Invited talk at Physical Research Laboratories, Ahmedabad. 22/7
92. “What is science?” Invited lecture, DPS, Amritsar 8/7
93. 'A personal journey towards UN-Sustainable Developmental Goals'. Invited lecture at University of Madras, Chennai. 30/7
94. Bryum bharatiensis new species found by India in Antarctica. Invited lecture at Goa Science Centre, Miramar, Goa. 26/7
95. “The crux of critical thinking for Academia”. Resource Person in 15 days Refresher Program at Amity University, Noida 23/6
96. “The crux of time management for Academia”. Resource Person in 15 days Refresher Program at Amity University, Noida 24/6
97. FDP at UGC-HRDC Refresher Programme at Jai Hind College, Mumbai. “Regression Analysis”. 17/7
98. Thrill of Discovery, Invited Talk at JCI, Payyanur, Kerala. 16/7
99. Impact of COVID-19 on environment. Invited Talk at Vigyan Parishad Panchnad, Vigyan Bharti 6/6
100. Inaugural Address, Library Council Chandigarh 6/6
101. Resource person at AICTE/ISTE Sponsored Induction program on Deep Learning and Cyber Security, Madanapalle Institute of Technology & Science, Andhra Pradesh. 10/4
102. Invited talk at Kerala Agricultural University, “Crux of Critical Thinking.” 18/3
103. DAV College (DBT-Star College scheme), 27/2
104. Invited talk at Kerala Agricultural University, “Crux of Academic Writing.” 2/4
105. FIP-2 at GNDU-UGC-HRDC, “Time management for teachers”, 25/3
106. IQAC, SN-Kannur, Kerala. “What is Science?” 23/3
107. AMET, Chennai “Blue Economy: Opportunities and Challenges”. 10/2
108. MAHE-Science Journalism National Conference, “Science Journalism- A void to be filled by upcoming scientists” 8/2
109. FIP-1 at GNDU-UGC-HRDC, “Time management for teachers” 5/2
110. Mumbai University IIC Invited Lecture: “Sustainability as a lifestyle choice”. 6/2
111. FDP-2 at MAHE, Manipal, 30th January 2021. “The Crux of Critical Thinking for Academia”
112. FDP at CU Rajastan, “How to make online teaching exciting” 23/1
113. FDP at CU Rajastan, “Time Management for Teachers” 23/1
114. Invited talk on “How Dr. Har Gobind Khorana’s works paved way for the development of vaccines against COVID-19?”, Science City, Jalandhar. 9th January 2021
115. FDP-1 at MAHE, Manipal, 9th January 2021: “The Crux of Critical Thinking for Academia”
116. “Perception of Online learning among students from India during COVID-19 lockdown”. Virtual International Akhand Conference by GERA and CU Punjab. 7th January 2021
117. FDP at UGC-HRDC, PU Chandigarh, “2021: A year of sustainability”, 1st January 2021
2020
118. DBT Sponsored Two Day National e-Conference on “COVID-19 Pandemic: Emerging Challenges and Future Strategies” organized by KMV Jalandhar, 28th November
119. TEDx talk at Shoolini University, “Antarctica: The Untold Story of Climate Change”. 27th November
120. FDP at CU Rajastan, “How to make online teaching exciting” 26th November
121. FDP at CU Rajastan, “Time Management for Teachers” 26th November
122. FDP at Chandigarh University, 11th November. ‘Coronavirus as Karma”
123. FDP, Mithbai College, Mumbai, 10th November “Indian Antarctica Mission”
124. FDP (PMMMNMTTT) at BHU Varanasi, “Digital Skills” 6th November
125. Macmillan Education Foundation, 24th October “Scopes in basic sciences”
126. Jai Narain Vyas University, Jodhpur, 20th October
127. North Kannur Science Club, Kerala, 17th October
128. AMET University, Chennai, 12th October
129. Macmillan Education Foundation, 10th October “Journey as a scientist”
130. Pondicherry University, 9th October
131. Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, 30th September “Nutrition myths”
132. DAV College (DBT-Star College scheme), Abohar 18th October 2019 “Biotechnology at the forefront of the fight against COVID-19”
133. DAV College (DBT-Star College scheme), Bathinda, 26th September. “Biotechnology at the forefront of the fight against COVID-19”
134. Osmania University Hyderabad, 8th September “Crux of Critical Thinking for Academia”
135. KSSP, Payyanur (Inaugural Public Talk), 22nd August
136. JSPS-Japanese Embassy, Cairo, Egypt, 12th August “COVID-19 crisis and the Sustainable Development Goals : Role of the Science & Health Challenges”
137. Central University of Jharkhand, 11th August “What COVID-
19 teaches us about UN-Sustainable Developmental Goals?”
138. Likha Program, Sri Chitra Thirunnal College of Engineering, Trivandrum, 29th July “Is Zero waste lifestyle practical?”
139. SS College, Khanna, UP, 27th July “Sustainability, Challenges & Transforming Opportunities amidst COVID-19”
140. Sathyabhama University, Chennai, “E-Learning and Personalized Education” 19th June
141. Sathyabhama University, Chennai, “MOOCs and Flip Class” 19th June
142. Sathyabhama University, Chennai, “Screen recording and Video Editing for MOOC” 20th June
143. Sathyabhama University, Chennai, “Writing successful Swayam MOOC application and other MOOC platforms” 20th June
144. CU Punjab and DAV College Bathinda “Zerowaste and Carbon Beutral” in Zero-waste series, 17th June
145. AMET University, Chennai, 13th June
146. JDTICAS, Calicut, 10th June “COVID-19 and Climate Change”
147. Bishop Kurialassery College for Women, Amalagiri, Kottayam, Kerala, 8th June: COVID-19 and UN Sustainable Developmental Goals”
148. Goa Science Centre, Miramar, Goa 5th June: ‘Coronavirus as Karma’
149. FDP at KS Rangasamy College, Tituchendur, Tamil Nadu. 29th May
150. AMET University, Chennai, 24th May
151. Dept of Zoology, Payyannur College, Kerala, 23rd May
152. Dept of Chemistry, Payyannur College, Kerala, 23rd May: COVID-19 and Biotechnology”
153. Dept of Botany, Panjab University, Chandigarh 22nd May: ‘Coronavirus as Karma’
154. PRNSS College, Mattannur, Kannur, Kerala, 12th June: ‘Voyage to Antarctica’
155. SES College, Sreekanthaapuram, Kerala, 12th June: ‘Voyage to Antarctica’
156. Korom Public Library, Kerala, 15th May
157. ATREE, Bangalore, Policy Meet on “Wetland Biodiversity Conservation” 14th May
158. INYAS-IHE, University of Delhi, 29th April 2020 “Online teaching platforms and security concerns”
159. NCERT, New Delhi 27th April 2020. “Jitsi: An open-source software for Video Conferencing”
160. DAV College (DBT-Star College scheme), Bathinda, 28th Feb 2020. “Pax Antarctica: To Save Antarctica we must act now”
2019
161. Oral presentation: "Sagan effect and future of science communication in India" at INSA Anniversary General Meeting, NIO, Dona Paula, Goa. 16-18 December 2019
162. An invited participant at Science Leadership Workshop (Global Young Academy) and World Science Forum, Budapest, Hungary 19-23 November, 2019
163. Chaired a session and delivered a presentation on “Life at Extreme Environments” at NatFoS Samod Bagh, 6-8 November, 2019
164. Invited key-note address at national conference “Science Fiesta”, at S. Govt. College for Science, Jagraon 21st Oct. 2019
165. Delivered expert lecture in INSPIRE Science Camp at Guru Nanak College for Girls, Muktsar, ‘Voyage to Antarctica’ 23rd September, 2019
166. Resource Person at Curriculum Design and Development, PMMMNMTT National Workshop, CUPB, (9-18 July 2019).
167. Capacity Building Workshop for Swayam Course Coordinators at NITTR, Chennai (Organized by MHRD, Govt. of India). (27-27 May 2019)
168. Resource Person at Science Academies' Refresher Course on Plant Taxonomy, Phytogeography and Ecology, CUPB, (5-20 March 2019)
169. Resource Person at PMMMNMTT Faculty Induction Programme, CUPB, on (28 Feb 2019)
170. Resource Person at Faculty Development Program at IIT-BHU (18-19 Feb 2019) “Online learning with digital experiences”
171. NAM-ZMT Visiting Scientist at Leibniz-Zentrum für Marine Tropenforschung, Bremen, Germany (November 2018-February 2019)
2018
172. 84th Annual Meeting of Indian Academy of Sciences, Bangalore (IASc) as an Invited Delegate (1-4, Nov. 2018)
173. MOOC Development Workshop at Indian Institute of Managament, Bangalore (15-16 October 2018)
174. "Curiosity-driven research in plant sciences: marine, terrestrial and polar algal biodiversity". Keynote Address in National Conference: "Vistas in Biobiversity, Biology, Biotechnology and Nanotechnology of Algae". Madras Christian College, Chennai (19-23 Sep 2018)
175. "E-learning, personalized education, MOOCs and Flip Classes: A Primer on SWAYAM" Invited talk at 1 day MOOC Development workshop at AMET University, Chennai (22 Sep 2018)
176. "Pax Antarctica: A continent for science" Invited talk at Bharat University, Chennai on (20 Sep 2018)
177. "E-learning with Digital Experiences" and "MOOCs and Flip Classes: A Primer on SWAYAM": Two Expert talks as Invited speaker (Resource Person) at ISTE-AICTE sponsored Faculty Development Programme on "Outcome Based Education- Teaching Learning Skills In Digital Age" at Baba Farid College of Engineering, Bathinda (18th July 2018)
178. "Curiosity-driven research in marine and polar sciences"- Invited plenary talk at National Conference organised at Sanmati Government College of Science Education and Research, Jagraon, Punjab (19 April 2018)
179. “Lichen Photobiont Diversity: Current State of the Art and Challenges”. Invited Talk at National Conference on Current developments and Next Generation Lichenology, CSIR-NBRI, Lucknow 27-28 January 2018.
2017
180. “Tracking Trails by cracking codes”. Invited lecture through National Knowledge Network to AMET University, Chennai. 27th September, 2017
181. "SRFP, DST-INSPIRE IFA, MEXT, ISEA and RTF-DCS". DST-CII sponsored workshop on Outreach Workshop on Prime Minister’s Fellowship Scheme for Doctoral Research, 3rd May 2017. "SRFP, DST-INSPIRE IFA, MEXT, ISEA and RTF-DCS," CUPB, Bathinda PPT
182. "Floristic diversity of Larsemann Hills, East Antarctica", National Conference on Polar Sciences (NCPS-2017)) NCAOR, Goa (16-17 May, 2017)
183. Science Outreach presentation 10th March 2017 at Maitri station, Antarctica PPT
184. Science Outreach Presentation 9th February 2017 at Bharati Station, Antarctica PPT
2016
185. Delivered an oral presentation on “Subgroup structure of Indian Languages revealed using computational linguistics” in International Conference of Linguistic Society of India, IIT-Guwahati from 10-12 Nov, 2016
186. Delivered an oral presentation on “Phylogenetic systematics and diversity of Seaweeds from Indian Coast” in International Seaweed Symposium, Copenhagen, Denmark on 19-24 July, 2016
187. Invited talk on “Advances in Algal Biotechnology” at International Conference, VIT University, Vellore 11th August 2016
188. Delivered an oral presentation on “Linguistic gender in Indian languages and its relation with sex ratio” in “National Seminar on Gender equality for Sustainable Development”, Central University of Punjab on 22nd March, 2016
189. Served as a resource person in DBT sponsored workshop on medical genetics and bioinformatics at Central University of Punjab 9th-23rd March, 2016. “DNA sequencing and genome annotation”
190. Delivered an oral presentation on “DNA barcoding of mangrove plants in Sundarban Delta, West Bengal and Payyanur, Kerala reveals hidden biodiversity” in “New Vistas in Plant and Microbial Sciences”, Jammu University on 12th March, 2016
191. Delivered a poster presentation on “Multilocal phylogeography of Ficus religiosa in India reveals cryptic speciation” at Young Investigator’s Meeting-2016 organized by DBT, UNESCO-RCB 29th February to 2nd March, 2016
192. Coordinated Science Academies’ Lecture Workshop on Recent Breakthroughs in Plant Sciences at Central University of Punjab, 22nd to 24th February, 2016
193. Coordinated Science Academies’ Refresher Course on Environmental Biology at Central University of Punjab, 1st to 15th February, 2016
2015
194. Delivered an invited Popular Talk on “Tree Of Life: Disentangling the Tangled Bank” at Vikrama Simhapuri University, Nellore, AP on 17th December, 2015
195. Delivered talk on “DNA Barcoding reveals cryptic diversity of mosses from the springs of Himalayas”, Himalayan Studies Conference, Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla on 4th November, 2015
196. Delivered an invited Popular Talk (Rashtriya Avishkar Abhiyan) Motivational Contact Programme for Talented School Students of Punjab, on “Fascinating world of plants” at Central University of Punjab on 16th September, 2015
197. Participated in two days workshop: “Capacity Building of Higher Education Teachers on e-content Development Using Moodle. 15th to 16th September, 2015
198. Delivered an invited Talk on “Fascinating world of plants” at Centre for Plant Sciences, Central University of Kerala, on 31st July, 2015
199. Delivered an invited Talk on “Evolution and Humanity” at Centre for Animal Sciences, Central University of Kerala, on 31st July, 2015
200. Delivered an invited Talk on “Computational Phylogenetics” at St. Pius X College, Rajapuram, Kerala, on 29th July, 2015
201. Delivered a Talk on “Invisible world of marine plants” at Central University of Punjab in connection with Fascination of Plants Day, on 18th May, 2015
202. Delivered an Invited Talk at S. Govt. College of Science & Technology, Jagraon, Punjab on 16th February, 2015 on “Phylogenetic Systematics of Aquatic Plants.”
203. Orientation Programme at UGC-Academic Staff College, Delhi University. 8th December, 2014-5th January, 2015.
2014
204. National Conference on Recent Advances in Algology, Mycology and Plant Pathology at University of Madras Guindy Campus; 19-20 February 2014. Invited Talk: “Strong Endemism of Bloom-forming Tubular Ulva in Indian West Coast, with Description of Ulva paschima sp. nov. (Ulvales, Chlorophyta)”
2013-2007
205. National Conference on “Climate Change, Environmental and Sustainable Development” at Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi on 9th-10th December 2013. Oral Presentation: “Sargassum zhangii invades India”
206. 2nd International Conference on "Agriculture, Food Technologies and Environment- New Approaches" (AFTENA- 2013) at JNU, New Delhi, October 2013. Oral Presentation: “Agronomy and cultivation methods for edible seaweeds”.
207. British Phycological Society annual workshop on molecular phylogenetics of seaweeds at Marine Biological Association, Plymouth, United Kingdom 13-15 March, 2013
208. International Algal Summit by Indian Phycological Society, New Delhi, February 2012. Oral Presentation “DNA barcoding discovers substantial divergence within interbreeding populations of green alga, Monostroma (Ulvophyceae)”
209. National Seminar on Environment and Health, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda. Poster presentation “How does the DNA Sequencer work?” 27th September 2011
210. New Horizons in Cancer Research by American Association of Cancer Research (AACR), New Delhi, December 2011. Poster presentation: Cancer Phylogenetics: Computational Modelling of Tumor Evolution
During PhD Period
211. 57th Winter meeting of the British Phycological Society, Natural History Museum, London, United Kingdom. January 2009. Supported by student bursary from the BPS (Oral presentation). “Ecophysiology and phylogeography of Monostroma latissimum’
212. 57th Winter meeting of the British Phycological Society, Natural History Museum, London, United Kingdom. January 2009. Supported by student bursary from the BPS (Poster presentation). “Gametangial development in Monostroma latissimum’
213. XIX International Seaweed Symposium, Kobe, Japan, March 2007. Supported by Japanese Phycological Society grants. (Seasonal fluctuations in the growth of Monostroma latissimum).
214. XIX International Seaweed Symposium, Kobe, Japan, March 2007. Supported by Japanese Phycological Society grants. (Seasonal fluctuations in sex ratios of Monostroma latissimum).
215. 31st Annual International meeting of the Japanese Society of Phycology, Kobe, Japan organized by Japanese Society of Phycology, Kobe, Japan March 2007 (Poster: “Ontogenical observations on edible marine algae Monostroma”)
216. Marine Botany Summer Course (With scholarship from National Science Foundation (NSF), USA), including attendance in FHL conference 2007. Friday Harbor Laboratories, University of Washington, USA. August 2007. Oral presentation: “Same or different? DNA Barcoding of ulvophycean green algae in and around Puget Sound, WA, USA”
PATENT FILED
One (Photobioreactor)
University MOOC Coordinator
Ex-Head of the Department, Botany
Ex Member: Executive Council
Ex Member: Academic Council