Four scientists make PAU proud, shine on global stage

Punjab Agricultural University’s four scientists have been ranked among the top 2 per cent of the world’s best scientists on Stanford University’s prestigious list for 2024.

The rankings were based on over 40 research parameters, including citations, h-index, research papers published in high-impact journals and strategic technologies accumulated over 30 years.

On the global elite list, Dr Milkha Singh Aulakh was ranked 1,60,484, Dr DK Bembi was ranked 1,79,339, Dr SS Guraya was ranked 2,20,129, and Dr VP Sethi was ranked 3,58,246. Dr Sethi, professor and head of the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the PAU, was the only active faculty member while the other three scientists have retired from the university service but continue to be recognised for their national and international contributions.

Dr Sethi, who has been with the PAU since 1993, has developed several innovative technologies in greenhouse engineering, solar energy, biomass and hydroponics, earning national patents and commercialisation at both national and international levels. His research, widely published in top-tier journals, also includes Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) studies. Additionally, he has served as a visiting faculty member at North Dakota State University, USA, and the University of Guelph, Canada.

PAU Vice-Chancellor Dr Satbir Singh Gosal, along with Director of Research Dr AS Dhatt and Dean of the College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology Dr Manjeet Singh, congratulated the scientists for their remarkable achievements.

“These achievements enhance PAU’s global reputation and underscore its commitment to fostering quality research and innovation on a global scale,” Dr Gosal said.