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  Suitable for this Best Researcher Award

We proudly nominate Dr. Abhishek Walia for the esteemed Best Researcher Award in Sustainable Agriculture. His groundbreaking work in microbiology and sustainable farming practices exemplifies innovation and dedication to advancing agricultural sciences.​

• Original research with practical applications
• Academic leadership and mentorship
• Recognition by peers nationally and internationally
• Consistent publication and editorial work
• Contribution to sustainable development goals

 Education 

Dr. Abhishek Walia earned his Ph.D. in Microbiology from Dr. YS Parmar University of Horticulture & Forestry, Nauni-Solan, HP, India. His doctoral research focused on the production, purification, and characterization of cellulase-free xylanase from Cellulosimicrobium cellulans using solid-state fermentation of apple pomace, aiming to enhance pulp biobleaching processes. This work not only contributed to the field of industrial microbiology but also aligned with sustainable agricultural practices by utilizing agro-industrial waste. Dr. Walia’s academic journey is marked by a commitment to integrating microbiological research with practical applications in agriculture, emphasizing eco-friendly and sustainable solutions.​

   Professional Experience

Dr. Walia currently serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Microbiology at the College of Basic Sciences, CSK Himachal Pradesh Agricultural University, Palampur, HP, India, with over five years of experience. Previously, he held the position of Assistant Professor and Head of the Department of Microbiology at DAV University, Jalandhar, Punjab, for four and a half years. His professional journey also includes roles at Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, and the Forensic Science Laboratory in Delhi. Throughout his career, Dr. Walia has demonstrated a strong commitment to teaching and research, guiding numerous M.Sc. students in their dissertations and contributing significantly to the field of microbiology with a focus on sustainable agricultural practices.​

 Awards and Recognition 

• Best Publication Award (2012): Recognized by the Society for Advancement of Human and Nature for his publication on optimizing cellulase-free xylanase production.​

• Gold Medal in Ph.D. (Microbiology): Awarded by Himotkarsh Sahitya Sanskriti Avam Jan-Kalyan Parishad, Una, for securing the top position in his doctoral program.​

• Appreciation Letter (2023): Received from the Hon’ble Vice Chancellor on University Foundation Day for outstanding contributions to the university.​

• Scholarships/Fellowships:

  • Swami Vivekanand Scholarship under the National Scholarship Scheme, Govt. of Himachal Pradesh.​

  • Merit Scholarship during M.Sc. under the University Merit Scholarship Scheme.​

  • INSPIRE Fellowship (JRF and SRF) from the Department of Science and Technology, Govt. of India, under the Assured Opportunity for Research Career (AORC) scheme.

Research skills On Agriculture

Dr. Walia’s research expertise encompasses microbial genetics, industrial and environmental microbiology, and the application of microbial processes in sustainable agriculture. His doctoral work on xylanase production from agro-industrial waste highlights his ability to integrate microbiological research with environmental sustainability. He has guided over twenty M.Sc. students, fostering a new generation of researchers in the field. Dr. Walia’s involvement in various workshops and training programs, such as those on bioinformatics and molecular biology techniques, further demonstrates his commitment to continuous learning and application of interdisciplinary approaches in research. His editorial roles in several scientific journals and active participation in reviewing research articles underscore his dedication to advancing scientific knowledge and promoting sustainable practices in agriculture.​

Publications

Molecular characterization of gut cellulolytic bacteria isolated from different ecotypes of Brahmina coriacea (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) grubs in North‐Western Himalaya

• Authors: Suresh Kumar Mahala, Ravinder Singh Chandel, Kuldeep Singh Verma, Karthik Ramappa, Abhishek Walia

• Journal: Acta Zoologica

• Year: 2025

Carbon negative biofuels: a step ahead of carbon neutrality

• Authors: Tarun Sharma, Prakram Singh Chauhan, Maulik Patel, Akashdeep Singh, Manmeet Kaur, Garima Chauhan, Bharat Bhushan Rana, Naveen Kumar, Abhishek Walia

• Journal: Biofuels

• Year: 2025

The First Report on Opportunistic Human Pathogenic Bacteria Staphylococcus haemolyticus Isolated from Brahmina coriacea (Scarabaeidae: Coleoptera) in the North-Western Himalayas

• Authors: Suresh Kumar Mahala, Karthik Ramappa, R. S. Chandel, K. S. Verma, Abhishek Walia

• Journal: Current Biotechnology

• Year: 2024

Biotechnology for sustainable materials: innovating today for a greener tomorrow

• Authors: Shashi Kant Bhatia, Saurabh Bhatia, Maria Eugenia Inda-Webb, Konstantina Kourmentza, Tae Seok Moon, Vijai Singh, Vishal Ahuja, Jingbo Li, Sanjeet Mehariya, Abhishek Walia et al.

• Journal: Biotechnology for Sustainable Materials

• Year: 2024

Insights into Cow Dung-Based Bioformulations for Sustainable Plant Health and Disease Management in Organic and Natural Farming System: a Review

• Authors: Shweta Sagar, Arjun Singh, Jyoti Bala, Rakesh Chauhan, Rameshwar Kumar, Ravi Kant Bhatia, Abhishek Walia

• Journal: Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition

• Year: 2024