Dr. Syed Abrar won Outstanding Scientist Award
in the field of Botany / Faculty of Science

BY SCIENTIFIC LAURELS Khaja Bandanawaz University, Kalaburagi INDIA

| Khaja Bandanawaz University, Kalaburagi | INDIA

Dr. Syed Abrar is an accomplished botanist and academician with nearly two decades of research experience (2006–present) in macrofungal diversity, macrofungi, phenology, conservation and allied biological sciences. He is currently serving as an Assistant Professor of Botany at Khaja Bandanawaz University, Kalaburagi, where he teaches B.Sc. and M.Sc. Botany programmes (2022–present).
He also holds an important administrative role as Assistant Dean – Student Welfare at the university.
He has contributed significantly to the academic community through teaching, research, conference organization, and scholarly publications.

Fellowships & Research Experience

Dr. Abrar has an extensive fellowship background, including:

  • Post-Doctoral Fellow (PDF) – Department of Science & Technology (2014–2016)

  • Senior Research Fellow (SRF) – UGC Major Research Project (2011–2012)

  • Junior Research Fellow (JRF) – UGC Major Research Project (2009–2011)

  • JRF – OBC Fellowship, Kuvempu University (2008–2009)

He possesses 19 years of continuous research experience, focusing on macrofungal diversity, fungal biotechnology, and environmental biology.

Teaching & Academic Engagement

Beyond his university role, Dr. Abrar has served as:

  • Visiting Faculty (2020–2022) – Faculty Visiting Programme, Department of Botany, Kumadvathi First Grade College, Shimoga.

  • PBR Coordinator (2012–till date): Chikmagalur, Dharwad and Shimoga districts – funded by Karnataka Biodiversity Board.

He has a demonstrated commitment to student development, academic mentoring, and community-based learning.

Research Contributions & Publications

  • New Macrofungal Discoveries: 67 macrofungi (new to India) and 63 macrofungi (new to Karnataka)

  • Publications: 16

  • Books Authored/Edited: 3

  • Book Chapters: 2 (Springer & Elsevier)

  • Projects: 8

  • Awards: 22

  • Subject Expert: 2 Major Research Projects (DST-SERB, 2017–2021)

  • Scientific Reviewer: 09 journals (including Current Science and Springer)

  • Invited talks: 21

His book chapters on fungal enzymes and biosurfactants for heavy-metal remediation are widely referenced.

Conferences, Workshops & Webinars

Conferences Organized

  • Organizing Secretary, State Level Student Conference on Biological Sciences (SSCBS-2022)

  • Organizing Secretary, International Conference (2024)

  • Organizing Secretary, National Conference (FBS-2025)

Workshops Organized

  • Organizing Secretary, State Level Workshop on Macrofungi & Pteridophytes (2022)

  • Coordinator, AMAPSS-2023

Webinars Organized

  • Coordinator, International Webinar Series on Multidisciplinary Research (15 speakers, 2023)

Conference Presentations

  • International: 10

  • National: 29

Participation

  • National Seminars & Conferences: 14

  • Workshops: 21

  • Webinars: 15

  • FDPs: 3

Academic Leadership & Administrative Roles

  • Assistant Dean – Student Welfare, Khaja Bandanawaz University

  • Leads academic outreach, student support, research motivation, and interdepartmental collaborations.

  • Major contributor to national & international scientific events, enhancing institutional research culture.

Eligibility for the Outstanding Scientist Award

Dr. Syed Abrar is highly deserving of the Outstanding Scientist Award (Scientific Laurels) due to:

  • 19 years of research experience in macrofungal diversity, biotechnology, and environmental biology.

  • Prestigious UGC JRF, SRF, and DST PDF fellowships.

  • Discovery of 67 new macrofungal species in India and 63 new species in Karnataka.

  • Subject Expert for DST-SERB Projects (2017–2021).

  • Research output: 16 publications, 3 books, international book chapters (Springer & Elsevier).

  • Recipient of 21 major awards, including:

    • Biodiversity Award–2018 (Government of Karnataka)

    • Sir J.C. Bose Memorial Best Young Scientist Award

    • Prof. K. Natarajan Memorial Award

    • Young Researcher Award

    • Smt. Guman Devi Verma Memorial Award

  • Reviewer for top-tier journals (Springer, Current Science).

  • PBR Coordinator (since 2012) for three Karnataka districts.

  • Life member of several scientific bodies (Mycological Society of India, Indian Botanical Society).

  • Significant leadership as Assistant Professor and Assistant Dean (Student Welfare).

These achievements strongly affirm his eligibility for the Outstanding Scientist Award and highlight his impactful scientific contributions