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Pankaj Kumar Rai

Institute of Management Studies Ghaziabad, Invertis University, Banaras Hindu University, Bundelkhand University, Barkatullah University

ORCID iD 0000-0002-4962-7635
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About

Dr. Pankaj Kumar Rai is a distinguished academician and researcher currently serving as Professor and Head of the Department of Biosciences at IMS Ghaziabad (University Courses Campus), Ghaziabad. With over 16 years of research experience and 13 years of post-Ph.D. teaching and research expertise, he has established a strong foundation in academic leadership, previously holding key administrative roles such as University Ph.D. Coordinator and NAAC Coordinator for Criteria III.
Academic Background
Dr. Rai's foundational expertise lies in Microbiology, having earned a Gold Medal for his B.Sc. (Hons.) from Bundelkhand University in 2007. He subsequently completed his M.Sc. in Microbiology with distinction (91.2%) at Banaras Hindu University (B.H.U.) in 2009. He remained at B.H.U. to complete his Ph.D. in 2013, focusing his thesis on hydrogen production from dairy and agro-wastes through integrated dark- and photo-fermentation.
Professional Experience & Leadership
Before his current appointment at IMS Ghaziabad, Dr. Rai held prominent positions at Invertis University, where he managed 850 students across Biotechnology and Forensic Science programs and coordinated academic and research activities for 400 Ph.D. scholars. His academic career also includes roles as an Assistant Professor at Barkatullah University and a Research Associate at B.H.U. His leadership extends to organizing multiple international conferences and serving as the State President of U.P. for the Microbiologists Society of India (2025–2026).
Research & Innovation
A prolific researcher, Dr. Rai specializes in bioprocess development, biohydrogen production from microalgae, and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria. His scholarly output includes 105 indexed publications, four published patents, and a robust citation record exceeding 3,000, achieving an h-index of 26 and an i-10 index of 43. He has successfully supervised nine Ph.D. candidates to completion and actively led intramural research projects focusing on renewable biofuels, antimicrobial compounds, and biomedical waste management.
Awards & Recognition
Throughout his career, Dr. Rai has been recognized with numerous accolades, including the "Academician of the Year 2021-22" and "Excellence in Research Award 2018-19" during his tenure at Invertis University. His scientific contributions are further validated by prestigious fellowships from UGC, CSIR, and MNRE, along with his active role as an editorial board member and peer reviewer for several high-impact international journals.

Employment

  • Institute of Management Studies Ghaziabad PROFESSOR & HEAD
    2026 - Present
  • Invertis University Professor
    2022 - 2026
  • Invertis University Associate Professor
    2021 - 2022
  • Invertis University Assistant Professor
    2018 - 2021
  • Barkatullah University Assistant Professor
    2014 - 2018
  • Banaras Hindu University Research Associate
    2013 - 2014

Education

  • Banaras Hindu University Ph.D Applied Microbiology
    2009 - 2014
  • Banaras Hindu University M.Sc Applied Microbiology
    2007 - 2009
  • Bundelkhand University B.Sc (H) Microbiology
    2004 - 2007

Projects & Funding

Projects & funding information is unavailable.

Publications (67)