Dr. Tanuja S is a Senior Scientist specializing in Fish Processing Technology at the ICAR–Central Institute for Women in Agriculture (CIWA), Bhubaneswar, where she has been serving since November 2011. She holds an outstanding academic record, including being the topper in her MFSc (Post-Harvest Technology) programme at ICAR–Central Institute of Fisheries Education (CIFE), earning the Hiralal Choudhary Gold Medal (2005). She was also honored as the Best Fisheries Graduate of India (2004) in the National Competition conducted by the PFGF.

Her early academic excellence is further reflected in the Best Fish Processing Student Award (2003) from the College of Fisheries, Panangad (now KUFOS). She also qualified for the UGC-NET Lectureship in Life Sciences (2005).

Research Contributions & Achievements

Dr. Tanuja has made significant scientific contributions in the field of fisheries post-harvest technology, women-centric aquaculture interventions, and climate-resilient agricultural practices.

Key Research Achievements

• 19 major research achievements in fish processing and women-focused aquaculture.

• 37 peer-reviewed research publications.

• 330+ Google Scholar citations, h-index: 9, i10-index: 9.

• Authored/edited 4 notable books and contributed to 50+ book chapters, popular articles, and compendium papers.

Research Project Leadership

She has been involved in 20 research projects, including:

• Principal Investigator (PI) in 4 ICAR-funded projects.

• PI of a DSIR-funded project.

• PI of a NICRA project.

• Co-PI in 14 projects.

Her work emphasizes value addition, fish processing innovations, women’s empowerment in fisheries, and climate-smart aquaculture technologies.

Professional Achievements
Reviewer for 11 Prestigious Journals

Including:

• Journal of Food Processing and Preservation

• Journal of Food Biochemistry

• Indian Journal of Fisheries

• Waste and Biomass Valorization

• Journal of the Science of Food & Agriculture

• Aquaculture, Fish and Fisheries
  …among others.

Conference/Workshop Participation

• 26 international/national conferences, seminars, and trainings.

• Delivered 19 scientific achievements and numerous oral presentations (12 international, 7 national).

Publications & Books
Books Authored/Edited (4)

1. Promoting Women Agripreneurship through Crop–Livestock–Fisheries Technologies (2021)

2. Entrepreneurial Opportunities in Agriculture & Allied Sectors (2023)

3. Agripreneurship through Farming System: A Viable Techno-Economical Approach for Women Empowerment (2023)

4. Gender Disaggregated Data in Agriculture (2023)

Awards & Recognitions

Dr. Tanuja has received multiple prestigious awards, reflecting her scientific excellence and leadership:

• Best Fish Processing Student Award (2003)

• Best Fisheries Graduate of India (2004) – PFGF

• Hiralal Choudhary Gold Medal (2005)

• UGC-NET Lectureship in Life Sciences (2005)

• Best Poster Award – Braqcon 2019

• Best Oral Presentation Awards (2020, 2024)

• Young Woman Fisheries Scientist Award (2020)

• Young Scientist Award – Vigyan Varta (2020)

• Best Innovative Article Award (2022)

• Eminent Scientist Award (2023)

• Woman Researcher Award – Agri Vision 2024

• Best Oral Presentation – ICNSFS 2024

She is also a Life Member of the Society of Fisheries Technologists of India.

Eligibility for Iconic Women Scientist Award 

Dr. Tanuja S is eminently eligible for the “Iconic Women Scientist Award in Scientific Laurels” owing to her exemplary contributions to fish processing technology, women-centered aquaculture development, and climate-resilient agricultural innovations. As a Senior Scientist at ICAR–CIWA, she has led and contributed to 20 major research projects, including ICAR, DSIR, and NICRA initiatives, and has produced 37 peer-reviewed publications, four books, and more than fifty chapters and popular articles. Her scientific influence is reflected in 330 citations, an h-index of 9, and her role as reviewer for 11 national and international journals. With numerous prestigious recognitions such as the Hiralal Choudhary Gold Medal, Best Fisheries Graduate of India Award, Young Woman Fisheries Scientist Award, Young Scientist Award, Woman Researcher Award, and multiple best presentation awards, Dr. Tanuja has demonstrated exceptional leadership and innovation in advancing fisheries science and empowering women in fisheries. Her sustained achievements, national impact, and scholarly excellence make her a distinguished and deserving candidate for this prestigious award.