Dr. Balaji Prasath Barathan, is the Senior Scientist at the Gujarat Institute of Desert Ecology, He obtained his Ph.D. in Marine Science from Bharathidasan University, India. His areas of specialization include Marine Planktonology, Harmful Algal Blooms, Microbial Toxicology, and Wastewater Treatment. Dr Prasath comes with over 15 years of marine scientific research and field work. He has performed research work in the Indian Ocean and Chinese seas, as well as on-board Taiwan and Hong Kong, using scientific equipment to do sample analysis with Physical Chemical Environmental and Biological Oceanography. Dr. Prasath possesses an astounding collection of more than 60 published scholarly works, including research papers, reviews, books, and technical documents spread throughout multiple reputable international journals, he acts as an Academic Editor of many national and international journals and has more than 5 active memberships in scientific societies.
Dr. Vijaykumar Velupillai is serving as Director of Gujarat Institute of Desert Ecology, with 39 years of experience in research, administration and teaching. Dr. Kumar has Ph.D in Biosciences - Wildlife. He has been part of 251 research/consultancy projects domestically and internationally, and expertise in wildlife research, restoration of pastures, management of watersheds, desertification and climate change. Dr. Kumar has authored 85 published articles in journals, newsletters, book and book chapters, with over 35 presentations at international/national conferences. Having extensively worked with diverse government and non-government organizations, his extensive project coordination with leading industrial firms has enabled him to gain proficiency within the corporate sector. In addition, he actively engages in development of infrastructure and collaborating with national and international institutions. Besides the IUCN, Dr. Kumar is a member of national and state level committees associated to environment and education. His contributions have also earned him numerous accolades such as the Oryx Award-UK in 1995 and Man of Excellence award 2021.
Dr. Santhanam Perumal, a Professor in the Department of Marine Science at Bharathidasan University, Tamil Nadu, India, has 22 years of research and 17 years of teaching experience in Marine Biology. He completed his M.Sc., M.Phil, and PhD degrees from Annamalai University in Marine Planktonology and Aquaculture. He specializes in marine plankton biodiversity, eco-toxicology, and climate change and microplastic pollution, sustainable aquaculture including biofloc technology and aquaponics, and post- doctoral mentorship. As the mentor of 19 awarded PhDs, he has guided dozens of scholars and postdoctoral fellows. Aside from these contributions, he holds numerous administrative functions such as placement coordinator, training coordinator, and member of different councils of the university. Prof. P. Santhanam moves marine science forward with climate friendly aquaculture innovations and sustainable ecological solutions.
Dr. Karthikeyan Kannan is the Assistant Director of Gujarat Institute of Desert Ecology, who holds his Ph. D in Environmental Sciences and has a working experience of 20 years in the field of Environmental Auditing, Marine Environmental Monitoring and Microbial biotechnology and 7 years of Teaching experience as an Adjunct Faculty in Environmental Science. He is a University First Rank holder in Microbiology and has qualified UGC-NET in Environmental Sciences and State Eligibility Test in Life Sciences. He is a Gujarat Pollution Control Board recognized Environmental Auditor. He has done projects sponsored by National funding agencies such as DST, DBT, MoES etc. He is a recognized Research Guide for Ph. D in Universities in Gujarat and Tamilnadu. He serves in various Academic. Environmental committees and also in various Conservation Cell and Monitoring committees of Industries.
