From PAU to Perth: Punjabi scientist elected fellow of The World Academy of Sciences

An esteemed alumnus of Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, has earned one of the world's most distinguished scientific honours.

Professor Zora Singh Khangura, the Foundation Professor of Post-harvest Horticulture at Curtin University, Perth, Australia, has been elected as a Fellow of The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS).

This prestigious appointment recognises his exceptional scientific contributions toward advancing sustainable development, particularly in the developing world.

Dr Singh is globally renowned for his groundbreaking, innovative work in dramatically reducing post-harvest losses in fresh fruits, vegetables, and other horticultural products, a critical factor in global food security.

The election to TWAS follows a recent period of recognition for Dr Singh, who was earlier awarded a $75,000 cash prize for his pioneering research.

His work directly tackles the global issue of food waste, which sees nearly one-third of all fresh produce lost due to the effects of ethylene, the natural plant hormone responsible for ripening.

"By developing a cost-effective and practical technique to block the ethylene receptor at the cellular level, we can significantly slow the ripening process," Dr Singh explained during his recent visit to Faridkot.

He noted that this discovery helps reduce waste along the entire supply chain—from farms to markets—before the produce reaches consumers.

Professor Singh’s election to TWAS—an Academy founded in 1983 by Nobel Laureate Abdus Salam to address scientific underdevelopment in poorer nations—places him among an elite global network of over 1,400 scientists committed to tackling the world’s most pressing challenges, including food security and sustainable agriculture.

Expressing his gratitude for the international recognition, Dr. Singh stated, “It is a profound privilege to join such a distinguished global community of scientists committed to advancing science for the betterment of humanity.”

Having resided in Australia for over three decades, Professor Singh maintains robust academic and professional ties with India.

His prolific career includes supervising over 40 PhD and 14 MPhil/MSc students. His innovations include the development of novel ethylene antagonists and improved post-harvest management technologies designed to enhance produce quality while reducing both nutritional and economic losses.