Prof. Dr. Meenakshi Bhattacharjee is an internationally acclaimed algal biotechnologist and cyanobacteriologist with over 35 years of distinguished academic, research, and teaching experience across India, Europe, and the United States. She served as Professor and Head, Department of Bioscience, Dean, Faculty of Life Sciences, and Chairperson of the Board of Studies and Examination Committee at Bhopal University, India, before moving to the USA.

Currently, she is a Research Professor and Visiting Faculty at Rice University, USA (2014–Present) and also works as an independent consultant and advisor to industries in algal, environmental, and industrial biotechnology.

Research Expertise & Contributions

Dr. Bhattacharjee is a pioneer in algal, agricultural and environmental biotechnology, with path-breaking contributions in:

• Algal biotechnology & cyanobacteriology
• Biofuels and green energy
• Bioremediation and wastewater treatment
• Industrial and environmental applications of algae
• Biofertilizers and biostimulants in agriculture

She has over 250 scientific publications, including peer-reviewed journal articles, conference papers, books, and book chapters. Her work has garnered ~1767 citations (Google Scholar), with an h-index of 18.

She has also worked in leading algae laboratories in Germany, the UK, and the USA under prestigious fellowships such as DAAD, Commonwealth Fellowship, and DBT Overseas Associateship.

Teaching & Mentorship

With nearly 35 years of postgraduate and doctoral teaching experience, Dr. Bhattacharjee has supervised:

• 25 Ph.D. scholars
• 60 M.Phil. students
• 300+ M.Sc. dissertations

Her mentorship has significantly contributed to the global scientific workforce in biosciences.

Leadership, Service & International Recognition

She has rendered exemplary service to the scientific community as:

• Reviewer for 62 international journals
• Keynote and invited speaker at international forums
• Judge for Rice University Research Students (RURS) and Texas State Science Fairs
• Advisor and consultant to industries addressing large-scale environmental challenges using algal technologies

She is a Fellow/Life Member of numerous national and international scientific academies and organizations.

Awards, Honors & Distinctions

Prof. Bhattacharjee has received numerous prestigious national and international awards, a few are detailed below:

• UNESCO-recognized Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Award for Environmental Biotechnology (2004).

• Albert Schweitzer International Gold Medal for Science (UK) (2006).

• Recipient of the International Plant Scientist Award (2010).

• N. Katju Award (DST, Govt. of India) (2013).

• World Oil Award – “Innovative Thinker” (USA) (2017).

• Women of Excellence Award from the Strathmore Who’s and Who worldwide honors(2022).

• International Scientific Lifetime Achievement Awards (2021, 2024).

• Women of Excellence Award from the Strathmore Who’s and Who worldwide honors(2022).

• Awarded as one of the top 50 women entrepreneurs and leaders of Houston Texas (2023).

• Included in the marquis American Who’s and Who (2024).

• C. Bose Award for Outstanding Academic and Research Achievements (2025).

She was featured in “Lilavati’s Daughters” by the Indian Academy of Sciences as one of the top 100 women scientists of India (Ranked 12th) and has appeared on the cover pages of multiple international science and leadership magazines between 2023–2025.

Entrepreneurship & Societal Impact

Currently based at Rice University, Dr. Bhattacharjee actively pursues entrepreneurial research, offering consultancy on commercial mass cultivation of algae, sustainable biotechnology solutions, and environmental remediation, contributing directly to climate action and sustainable development goals.

Eligibility for Nobel Academician Award

Prof. Dr. Meenakshi Bhattacharjee is eminently eligible for the Nobel Academician Award in Scientific Laurels due to her:

• Exceptional lifetime contributions to algal and environmental biotechnology

• Global research impact with translational and industrial relevance

• Sustained academic excellence, leadership, and mentorship

• International recognition, prestigious fellowships, and lifetime achievement honors

• Innovative solutions addressing critical global challenges in sustainability, energy, and environmental protection

Her career exemplifies the highest standards of scientific scholarship, innovation, and societal impact, aligning strongly with the criteria and spirit of the Nobel Academician Award in Scientific Laurels.