Four scientists from GB Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment amongst top two per cent scientists of the world listed by Stanford University
Four scientists from GB Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment amongst top two per cent scientists of the world listed by Stanford University
B.D.Kasniyal
Pithoragarh, Oct 25
Four scientists from GB Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment (NIHE), at Almora have been given place amongst top two percent scientists of the world in a recent list released by Stanford University at California in USA .”We feel proud of this honour and congratulate the scientists and their families for making the institute proud as well,” said Dr Sunil Nautiyal, Director of NIHE.
The scientists, who have been included in the two per cent top scientists globally, included, Dr I.D Bhatt, Dr. Tarun Belwal, former director of the institute Late Dr R.S. Rawal and Dr. R.K. Maikhuri.
Dr I.D.Bhatt who is working at the institute as scientists G and heads the Center for Biodiversity Conservation and Management at the institute, has been recognised for his contribution to make understand high Himalayan bio-diversity and ecology of Himalayas as well as studies on effects of climate change impacts on high altitude eco system of Himalayan region. Dr Bhatt has till date over 300 research papers and 10 books to his credit and also contributes at various projects carried by international organisations of IPCC and IUCN.
Another scientist, given place in the list of top two percent top scientists of the world include late Dr Ranvir Singh Rawal, former director of the institute. Dr Rawal has been recognised for his contribution in the field studying bio diversity and high altitude eco system of Himalayan region.”Besides been author of 10 books and 151 research papers on his subjects, Dr Rawal has also led 19 research development projects studying ecology and bio diversity in high Himalayan region and worked in sacred Kailash landscape conservation projects. He was also awarded for his work by ICIRFC and U-COST, Uttarakhand,” said Dr Sunil Nautiyal, Director of institute.
Dr R.K Maikhuri, a former scientist G, with the institution and presently head of department of environmental studies, HNB Garhwal University, Srinagar Garhwal, has been given the place amongst the top two percent scientists of the world. Dr. Maikhuri, who has specialisation in ecological research within Indian Himalayas, has significantly contributed towards sustainable development and management of natural resources in mountain eco-system.”He has also significantly contributed in the fields of agro economy livelihood enhancement of rural communities of Himalayan region and traditional knowledge system prevailing in these communities,” said the institute director.
Dr Tarun Belwal, presently working as research director in an institute in New Jersey ,USA, is another scientist who has got a place in the list, is a researcher in the field of food sciences and natural product. He has completed his Ph D from NIHS and working in the field of plant based bioactive compounds and their application in food and health.”Dr Belwal, who has contributed over 60 research papers in reputed international journals on his subject, is actively working in the field of phytochemistry, nutraceuticals and functional foods at present,” said institute Director Dr Nautiyal.
