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Dr. RAJESH V. WAGH

Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Bombay Veterinary Science College, Guru Angad Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana, India, University of Helsinki

ORCID iD 0000-0002-0589-2410

About

I am Dr. Rajesh Vishwanath Wagh, Assistant Professor in the Department of Livestock Products Technology at Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU), Ludhiana, India. My academic and research career has been dedicated to advancing the science and technology of foods of animal origin, with a particular focus on food quality, safety, sustainability, and value addition. Through interdisciplinary research, teaching, student mentorship, and technology development, I strive to address emerging challenges in the livestock and food sectors while contributing to the development of innovative and sustainable food systems.

I obtained my Bachelor of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry (B.V.Sc. & A.H.) and Master of Veterinary Science (M.V.Sc.) in Livestock Products Technology from Maharashtra Animal and Fishery Sciences University (MAFSU), India. Subsequently, I earned my Ph.D. in Livestock Products Technology from Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU), Ludhiana. To broaden my interdisciplinary expertise, I also completed an MBA in Operations Management and a Post Graduate Diploma in Agricultural Extension Management (PGDAEM). I qualified the ICAR-NET examination and have continuously engaged in advanced professional training programs, including national and international fellowships and specialized research training.

My research interests lie at the intersection of livestock products technology, food science, nanotechnology, and sustainable packaging systems. Over the years, I have developed a strong interest in smart and intelligent food packaging, active packaging technologies, biodegradable films, nanocomposite materials, carbon dot-based sensing systems, food preservation technologies, and functional foods derived from animal sources. My work aims to bridge fundamental scientific research with practical applications that improve food safety, quality monitoring, shelf-life extension, and environmental sustainability.

A significant component of my current research focuses on the development of next-generation biodegradable and active packaging systems for foods of animal origin. These systems incorporate natural bioactive compounds, nanomaterials, and intelligent indicators capable of monitoring food quality in real time. My objective is to develop packaging solutions that not only protect food products but also provide consumers and industry stakeholders with reliable information regarding freshness, spoilage, and product quality. Such innovations have the potential to reduce food losses, enhance food safety, and contribute to more sustainable supply chains.

I am currently serving as Principal Investigator of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) funded project titled “SmartBioPack: Real-Time Quality Monitoring of Livestock Products.” This project focuses on developing advanced biodegradable packaging systems integrated with smart sensing capabilities for quality assessment of livestock products. The project represents a major step toward integrating nanotechnology, intelligent packaging, and food safety monitoring into practical applications for the livestock sector.

My research also encompasses value-added meat products, functional meat products, natural antioxidants, dietary fibers, bioactive ingredients, and strategies for improving nutritional quality and consumer acceptability. I have worked extensively on the utilization of agricultural by-products and natural plant-derived materials for enhancing food functionality and sustainability. These efforts align with global priorities related to circular bioeconomy, waste valorization, and sustainable food production.

International collaboration and exposure have played an important role in shaping my scientific perspective. I had the opportunity to undertake advanced research training at Kyung Hee University, Republic of Korea, where I worked on cutting-edge research related to bio-nanocomposite materials, smart packaging systems, and advanced food applications. This international experience strengthened my expertise in multidisciplinary research and facilitated exposure to modern analytical techniques, global research practices, and collaborative scientific environments.

In addition, I participated in the Finnish Government Pool Programme at the University of Helsinki, Finland, which provided valuable international exposure and strengthened my understanding of global food systems, research methodologies, and academic collaboration. These international experiences continue to influence my research philosophy and help me establish collaborative networks across disciplines and countries.

Throughout my academic career, I have been actively involved in teaching and mentoring undergraduate and postgraduate students. I strongly believe that research and education are complem

Employment

  • Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University Assistant Professor
    2016 - Present
  • Bombay Veterinary Science College Scientist (SR)
    2015 - 2016

Education

  • Guru Angad Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana, India Ph.D.
    2012 - 2015
  • University of Helsinki Visiting Scientist
    2012 - 2013

Projects & Funding

Projects & funding information is unavailable.

Publications (27)