Dr. Manjusha Ingawale is an experienced academician, botanist, researcher, and educator with 33 years of teaching experience. Her academic and research interests are primarily focused on Botany, Phycology, Plant Biodiversity, Charophytes, Diatoms, Cytotaxonomy, Limnology, Environmental Science, Ethnobotany, and Medicinal Plants. Her long-standing contribution to teaching and research reflects a strong commitment to botanical sciences, environmental awareness, and higher education.

Research & Publications

Dr. Ingawale has made significant contributions to the study of algal diversity and plant biodiversity, particularly in the Satara region of Maharashtra. Her research includes studies on Nitella, Chara, Cyclotella, Bacillariophyceae, Charophytes, diatoms, freshwater ecosystems, and environmental changes.

She has published research articles in journals and conference proceedings, including studies on cytomorphology, diatom biodiversity, limnology, environmental pollution, and biofuel-related applications of diatoms. Her work on Nitella gracilis f. minuta was also selected as a reference in the Bibliography and Abstracts of Papers on Flora of Maharashtra published by the Botanical Survey of India.

Books & Academic Contributions

Dr. Ingawale has contributed extensively to academic literature through books and book chapters. Her published works cover subjects such as Bacillariophyceae, Charophytes, algal bioprospecting, environmental science, sustainability, medicinal plants, plant anatomy and embryology, ethnobotanical knowledge, evolutionary theory, and botany education.

Her publications include works such as Cytomorphological Studies of Some Charophytes from Satara District Maharashtra, Environmental Science and Sustainability, Medicinal Plants for Human Well-being, Plant Anatomy and Embryology, and Botany Beyond Classroom. She has also contributed to university-level textbook material and has published three academic units.

Conferences, Presentations & Academic Engagement

She has actively participated in and presented research at international conferences, national conferences, national symposia, seminars, workshops, and state-level academic programmes. Her presentations have addressed plant biodiversity, charophytes, diatoms, cytotaxonomy, environmental science, and freshwater ecosystems.

Her participation in academic forums demonstrates her continuous engagement with scientific advancement, professional development, and dissemination of botanical research.

Awards & Recognitions

Dr. Ingawale has received several recognitions for her contributions to education, research, and academic excellence, including:

• Global Academics Excellence Award – 2024, Society for Advanced Research in Plant Science (SARPS)
• Best Teacher Award – 2025, SIDVI Society for Research and Development
• Best Teacher Award – 2025
• Kstri Pratishta Rajstariya Shikshanratna Puraskar – 2025
• Maharashtra Education Service Ratna Award – 2025
• Savitribai Phule Education Service Award – 2026
• Saraswati Bhushan Gungaurav Award – 2026
• Recognition as a Scholar M.Phil. Student in 2009
• Best Paper Presentation Award at conferences in Satara and Pune

These honours reflect her sustained commitment to teaching, research, academic leadership, and scientific contribution.

Scientific & Social Contribution

Through her research on biodiversity, freshwater algae, environmental sustainability, medicinal plants, and ethnobotanical knowledge, Dr. Ingawale has contributed to the understanding and documentation of India's botanical resources. Her work also demonstrates the importance of integrating botanical research with environmental conservation, education, and sustainable development.

Eligibility for Women Researcher Award 

Dr. Manjusha Ingawale is eligible for the Women Researcher Award in Scientific Laurels based on her extensive academic career, 33 years of teaching experience, sustained research activity in Botany and Phycology, peer-reviewed publications, numerous research presentations, substantial contributions to books and book chapters, and multiple awards recognizing her excellence in teaching and research. Her contributions to plant biodiversity, algal research, environmental science, ethnobotany, and botanical education, together with her long-term service to academia, make her a strong candidate for recognition under the Women Researcher Award category.