Microbial Biotechnology for Revolutionizing Biobased Biorefineries

Dr. Yogesh K. Ahlawat

Dr. Yogesh K. Ahlawat is a Professor in the Department of Life Sciences at Shree Guru Gobind Singh Tricentenary (SGT) University in Haryana, India. He earned his PhD from Michigan Tech University in the United States, focusing on the enhancement of biofuel production through plant cell wall biosynthesis. His research centers on manipulating lignin biosynthesis in poplars to increase biofuel yield. Dr. Ahlawat has successfully developed numerous transgenic lines of Populus trichocarpa, a pioneering bioenergy tree, by overexpressing and silencing specific genes and transcription factors using tissue-specific promoters. With 13 years of extensive experience in functional genomics, postharvest genomics, and crop enhancement methodologies, Dr. Ahlawat has an impressive record of impactful research publications. He serves on the editorial boards of several esteemed journals, including the BMC series, Frontiers in Plant Science, Frontiers in Microbiology and Nutrition, and MDPI. His international recognition includes awards such as the Doctoral Finishing Fellowship, Best Graduate Teaching Award, and Best PhD Research Award. Dr. Ahlawat holds several patents and has received numerous national and international travel grants from prominent organizations.

Ramesh Chander Kuhad

Ramesh Chander Kuhad is a Distinguished Professor at Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, Haryana, and Sharda University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh. He also serves as the Director at DPGITM, Gurugram, Haryana. His research interests lie in plant biomass biotechnology and biorefineries for the sustainable production of biofuels and other bio-based products.

Dr. Vijai Kumar Gupta

Dr. Vijai Kumar Gupta holds a doctoral degree in Microbiology from Dr RML Avadh University, India. He is currently a Senior Fellow and Group Leader at the Center for Safe and Improved Foods & Biorefining and Advanced Materials Research Center, SRUC, Edinburgh, UK. Dr. Gupta is an expert in Biomass Valorisation, Microbial Engineering Biotechnologies, Enzyme and Bioprocessing Technologies, Bioactive Natural Products, and Functional Microbiome. His overarching research goal is to develop bioprocess technologies that valorize available bioresources for the production of value-added biochemicals, bioproducts, and fuels, addressing critical challenges in the agri-food-pharma-environment sectors. He has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications, 48 book chapters, and 42 books.