Dr. Hemant Kumar is an emerging entomologist and agricultural researcher specializing in insect physiology, thermal stress, reproductive biology, molecular entomology, and sustainable insect pest management.

He served as Assistant Professor-cum-Junior Scientist at Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi, from January 2025 to July 2026. He has also been actively involved in academic leadership, student organizations, scientific conferences, training programmes, and research coordination.

Research Contributions

Dr. Kumar's research primarily focuses on the effects of thermal stress and environmental factors on insect development, physiology, metabolism, reproductive fitness, and adaptation, particularly in economically important insect pests such as Spodoptera litura, Spodoptera frugiperda, and other agricultural pests. His work integrates physiological observations with transcriptomic, biochemical, and molecular approaches to understand insect responses to climate-related stress.

He has contributed 12 research articles, along with several review articles and book chapters, covering diverse areas such as RNAi and CRISPR/Cas technologies for pest control, DNA insecticides, thermoregulation, entomovectoring, insect sperm dimorphism, endosymbionts, and physiological adaptation.

His research has appeared in journals including Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part D: Genomics and Proteomics, Journal of Pest Science, International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, Animal Biology, Archives of Insect Biochemistry and Physiology, Current Science, and National Academy Science Letters.

Fellowships, Awards & Recognitions

Dr. Hemant Kumar has received several competitive fellowships and recognitions that demonstrate his academic excellence, research potential, and scientific achievements. His notable accomplishments include:

• Best Oral Presentation Award, SSU and CSIR, 2026.
• Best Oral Presentation Award, KSNUAHS, Shivamogga, 2025.
• ESI Travel Grant Award, Entomology Students' Conclave, 2025.
• Young Entomologist Award, ISASTR & ICAR, CITAAS, 2024.
• ICAR & NAHEP-CAAST Overseas Training Fellowship, 2023.
• Best Oral Presentation Award, DST-SERB & ICAR-VPKAS, 2023.
• UGC National Fellowship for PwD during Ph.D., 2022.
• Best Article Award, Agriculture & Food e-Newsletter, 2022.
• ICAR-JRF & SRF for Ph.D., securing AIR-4, 2020.
• ICAR-PG Fellowship, 2018.

These accomplishments reflect sustained excellence in research, scientific communication, academic achievement, and professional development.

International Exposure & Professional Development

Dr. Kumar underwent specialized international training under the ICAR–NAHEP-CAAST Overseas Training Fellowship during November–December 2023 at the DA-CROP Biotechnology Center, Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), Philippines. The training provided international exposure to biotechnology, genomics, molecular approaches, and advanced techniques relevant to insect pest management, thereby strengthening his technical expertise and research capabilities.

He has presented his research at national and international conferences, international agriculture and biotechnology conferences, Entomology Students' Conclaves, and specialized conferences focused on biological control and sustainable management of fall armyworm.

Academic Leadership & Co-Curricular Achievements

Beyond research, Dr. Kumar has demonstrated strong leadership, organizational, and team-coordination abilities. He served as Social and Cultural Secretary of the Post Graduate School Student Union at ICAR-IARI (2022-23) and Vice-President of the Pusa Entomology Club (2022-23). He also served as Student Organizing Secretary of the Entomology Students' Conclave (2023), contributing to the organization and coordination of scientific and student activities.

His achievements extend to music and cultural activities, where he represented his university at national-level ICAR All India Agricultural Universities Youth Festivals and AIU Central Zone Inter-University Youth Festivals. He was also awarded ICAR-IARI Mr. Freshers (Allrounder) and secured first rank in a group singing competition.

Scientific & Professional Memberships

Dr. Kumar is a lifetime member of the Sustainable Environment and Ecological Development Society (SEEDS) and the Indian Society of Agricultural Science & Technology Research (ISASTR), as well as an annual member of the Entomological Society of India (ESI).

Eligibility for Young Researcher Award

Dr. Hemant Kumar is strongly eligible for the Young Researcher Award in Scientific Laurels in recognition of his promising and sustained contributions to agricultural entomology and insect pest management. His profile demonstrates a strong combination of competitive fellowships, research publications, award-winning scientific presentations, international research training, academic leadership, and specialized expertise in molecular and physiological entomology.

His research on thermal stress, insect adaptation, reproductive physiology, transcriptomics, and sustainable pest-management technologies addresses important challenges associated with climate change and agricultural productivity. His achievement of ICAR-JRF/SRF with AIR-4, the Young Entomologist Award, multiple Best Oral Presentation Awards, overseas research fellowship, research publications, reviews and book chapters, together with his leadership in scientific and academic activities, establishes him as a promising young scientist with significant potential for future contributions.

Therefore, Dr. Hemant Kumar is strongly eligible for the Young Researcher Award in Scientific Laurels in recognition of his emerging excellence and contributions to agricultural entomology, insect physiology, molecular research, and sustainable pest management.