Microbial Exopolysaccharides

Prof. Onkar Nath Tiwari is a Professor and Principal Scientist at ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, with over 25 years of experience in Agriculture, Horticulture, Microbiology, and Biotechnology. He earned a PhD in Life Sciences from the University of Allahabad, and has conducted postdoctoral work in the USA, and was a Visiting Professor at the UTEX Culture Collection of Algae, The University of Texas at Austin. Prof. Tiwari has authored numerous publications in international and national journals and over 30 book chapters. He has led major R&D projects, guided PhD scholars, and received accolades such as the Best Scientist Award at the Algal Biomass Summit in the U.S.A. He has a strong background in bioresources development and collaborative research having previously worked as a Scientist at the DBT-Institute for Bioresources and Sustainable Development, Imphal, Manipur, India. Prof. Tiwari's current research focuses on bioremediation, microbial fuel cells, biodiesel production, and sustainable livelihood development.

Dr. Partha Palit is currently an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences at Assam University, Silchar, India. He has a PhD in Pharmacy, and his research achievements have been recognized through awards such as the Fast Track Young Scientist award from the Department of Science and Technology, an Endeavour Postdoc Research Fellowship, and selection as an Australian research ambassador from India by the Australian Government. As a dedicated mentor, he is currently supervising PhD students and has successfully guided several students in their research endeavors. He has authored numerous research publications in national and international journals as well as contributed to several book chapters in Elsevier publications. His research area of interest is drug discovery and development from natural, synthetic, and ethnic medicinal plants and through repurposing against inflammation, auto-immune disorders, cancer, neurological disorders, and microbial infection.

Dr. Pannaga Pavan Jutur is a Group Leader of the Omics of Algae Group at the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) in New Delhi, India. He received his MPhil and PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Pondicherry University in Pondicherry, India and further advanced his analytical and technical skills as a postdoctoral research associate at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln, Nebraska, U.S.A. With a background in algal biology and omics/metabolic engineering, he focuses on utilizing an integrative multi-omics approach to understand microalgal systems for biofuel production. His research aims to develop strategies for converting light and carbon sources into biomass, biofuels, and bio-renewables. Dr. Jutur has published 70 research papers and mentored numerous pre-doctoral and postdoctoral fellows, as well as graduate and postgraduate students. His future goals include advancing molecular tools for metabolic pathway regulation in microalgae to enhance next-generation biofuel production.