| St. Edmund’s College | INDIA
Mr. Sumit Deb is an experienced Chemistry educator, researcher, and academic administrator with over 33 years of teaching experience since 1993 and approximately 25 years of active research experience. He completed his B.Sc. in Chemistry from St. Edmund’s College, Shillong, followed by an M.Sc. in Chemistry from North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU). He has built his entire academic career at St. Edmund’s College, Shillong, progressing from Assistant Professor (1993–2003) to Associate Professor (2003–2026) in the Department of Chemistry. He also served as Head of the Department of Chemistry from 2018 to 2026 and subsequently took up the role of Director, Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) in 2026.
Research Contributions
Mr. Deb’s research primarily focuses on environmental biotechnology and sustainable bioremediation, particularly the application of cyanobacteria and bacteria for addressing persistent environmental pollutants. His research encompasses petroleum and hydrocarbon bioremediation, textile-dye degradation, heavy-metal mitigation, and photobioreactor-based treatment systems. His work aims to develop environmentally sustainable approaches for converting hazardous pollutants into less harmful substances.
Research Funding & Publications
He has been associated with four funded research projects supported by organizations including the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India, and Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL), Assam. His reported research funding amounts to approximately ₹14.45 crore, including ₹13.65 crore from DBT and ₹0.89 crore from NRL. He has authored 20 research publications, comprising 13 international and 7 national publications. He is also pursuing intellectual-property development through a design patent for a bioreactor.
Awards & Recognition
Mr. Deb has received four national and international awards and recognitions for his contributions to education, chemistry, research, and academic leadership. His recognitions include the Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Honour Award 2026, Faculty of the Year, LEAP 2025 from the London School of Digital Business, Best Academician of the Year in Chemistry 2025 from Scientific Laurels, and a Lifetime Achievement Award in Education from International Education Olympiads. These recognitions reflect his sustained engagement in teaching, research, academic leadership, and educational development.
Academic Leadership & National Responsibilities
Beyond teaching and research, Mr. Deb has undertaken several institutional and national-level responsibilities. He has served as College Nodal Officer for AISHE, Nodal Officer for MGNCRE, Coordinator for NIRF, Convener of the Institution’s Innovation Council, Advisor for the DBT Star College Scheme, Mentor for Atal Tinkering Labs, and Observer for the National Testing Agency (NTA). He has also contributed as a resource person for NCERT, IAS training programmes, and academic outreach initiatives.
Professional Memberships & Academic Contributions
Mr. Deb is a member of the American Chemical Society (ACS) and a lifetime member of the AI-ML Innovative Entrepreneurs and Engineers Association (AMIEE). He has also contributed to academic governance through memberships in the NEHU Board of Studies in Chemistry, Board of Studies in Nanotechnology, and School of Technology. His academic work combines chemistry, environmental biotechnology, innovation, institutional quality assurance, and student mentoring.
Community Engagement & Vision
Mr. Deb is actively involved in educational and community-oriented activities in Shillong. He has served in management and leadership roles in educational institutions, trusts, and cultural organizations. His future vision includes mentoring students in research, advancing cyanobacteria- and bacteria-based bioremediation toward field applications, and strengthening biotechnology research infrastructure to address local environmental challenges through scalable and community-oriented innovation.
Eligibility for Lifetime Achievement Award
Based on the provided profile, Mr. Sumit Deb is eligible for the Lifetime Achievement Award in Scientific Laurels. His eligibility is supported by his 33 years of teaching experience, 25 years of research engagement, ₹14.45 crore in reported research funding, four funded research projects, 20 national and international publications, environmental biotechnology research, bioremediation innovations, intellectual-property development, and multiple national and international recognitions. His sustained contributions to chemistry, environmental research, academic leadership, and the development of research capacity demonstrate a significant professional record relevant to the Lifetime Achievement Award.