Dr. Ningaraj S. Makanur is a botanist and researcher specializing in Angiosperm Taxonomy, Ethnobotany, Phytochemistry, Plant Systematics, Medicinal Plants, and Biodiversity Conservation. Holding a PhD in Botany, he has developed a research profile combining taxonomic exploration, floristic documentation, ethnobotanical studies, phytochemical investigations, and conservation-oriented research.

He currently serves in the Department of Botany, Shri Jagadguru Thontadarya Govt. First Grade College, Mundargi, Katnataka, India. where he is actively involved in teaching and research. Previously, he worked at RTES Arts, Science and Commerce Degree College Ranebennur, then at MASC Degree College, Haunsbhavi, and the Department of Botany, Karnatak Science College, Dharwad. His professional experience includes academic teaching, field-based botanical exploration, research supervision, and biodiversity documentation.

Research Expertise

Dr. Makanur's core expertise encompasses:

• Angiosperm taxonomy and plant identification
• Floristic and biodiversity documentation
• Ethnobotany and medicinal plant research
• Plant systematics and endemism studies
• Phytochemical screening
• Antioxidant and antibacterial activity assessment
• Cytotoxicity-related studies
• Phytodiversity and phytoplankton studies
• Conservation biology and ecological field studies
• Research methodology, experimental design, and data analysis

His work particularly emphasizes the documentation and scientific evaluation of plant resources in Karnataka, including Haveri District and surrounding biodiversity-rich regions.

Research Publications & Contributions

Dr. Makanur has authored and co-authored 24 peer-reviewed research publications spanning 2021–2026. His publications address new plant records, endemic and medicinal plants, floristic diversity, riparian vegetation, alien flora, tree diversity, ethnobotanical knowledge, phytochemical properties, antioxidant and antibacterial activities, carbon sequestration, and aquatic biodiversity.

Notable contributions include research documenting new records and additions to the flora of Karnataka, endemic plants of Haveri District, medicinal plants of the Ranebennur Blackbuck Sanctuary, riparian flora, non-timber forest products, and phytochemical and biological activities of medicinally important plants. His publication record demonstrates sustained research productivity and a strong specialization in plant biodiversity and applied botanical research.

Awards & Research Recognition

Dr. Makanur has received notable recognition for his research achievements, including the Best Researcher Award in 2026. He also received the Best Paper Presentation Award at Confluence-2025: International Conference on Advancing Sustainability through Multidisciplinary Research and Innovation for his work on New Additions to the Flora of Karnataka from Haveri District, India.

These recognitions reflect his ability to conduct original botanical research and effectively communicate scientific findings at national and international academic platforms.

Research Supervision & Academic Mentorship

As a research guide, Dr. Makanur has supervised nine MSc Botany students in postgraduate project work on subjects including phytochemical screening, antioxidant activity, antibacterial activity, ethnobotanical documentation, medicinal plants, and biochemical characterization of crops. He has additionally mentored 12 postgraduate students during his earlier academic service at Karnatak Science College, Dharwad.

His involvement in student research demonstrates his commitment to developing the next generation of researchers in botanical sciences.

Scientific Presentations & Academic Engagement

Dr. Makanur has actively participated in national and international conferences and seminars, presenting research on medicinal plants, floristic diversity, riparian vegetation, tree diversity, endemic plants, and Loranthaceae. He has presented at conferences organized by the Indian Association of Angiosperm Taxonomy, universities, and botanical research institutions.

He has also served as a resource person, delivering invited lectures on Taxonomic Research Methods and Practices, Angiosperm Taxonomy, Climate Change and Biodiversity, and the role of taxonomy in understanding nature.

Professional Memberships & Academic Service

He is a Life Member of the Indian Association of Angiosperm Taxonomy (IAAT) and a member of The Indian Botanical Society and the Society for Ethnobotany, India. He also contributes to the academic community as a reviewer for journals including the Journal of Threatened Taxa, Asian Journal of Research in Botany, and The Journal of Plant Science Research.

He has further contributed to biodiversity-related initiatives, including work as a verification officer in the People's Biodiversity Registers campaign organized by the Karnataka Biodiversity Board in association with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

Research Focus & Future Potential

His continuing research interests are centered on plant taxonomy, biodiversity conservation, medicinal plants, ethnobotany, phytochemistry, and ecological documentation. His combination of field exploration, taxonomic expertise, laboratory-based phytochemical studies, publication activity, research supervision, and academic outreach positions him as an emerging researcher contributing to the understanding and conservation of India's botanical diversity.

Eligibility for Young Researcher Award 

Dr. Ningaraj S. Makanur is eligible for the Young Researcher Award in Scientific Laurels based on his strong and growing record of academic and research accomplishments. His eligibility is supported by his PhD in Botany, specialization in Angiosperm Taxonomy and Ethnobotany, 24+ peer-reviewed publications, Best Researcher Award 2026, Best Paper Presentation Award at Confluence-2025, multiple national and international research presentations, supervision of MSc research projects, invited academic lectures, journal-reviewing activities, and professional memberships in leading botanical societies.

His sustained contributions to plant taxonomy, biodiversity documentation, medicinal plant research, ethnobotany, phytochemistry, and conservation biology, together with demonstrated academic leadership and research mentorship, make him a strong candidate for recognition under the Young Researcher Award in Scientific Laurels.