Dr. Laishram Gopeshwor Singh is an accomplished Indian geoscientist and engineering geologist with extensive expertise in engineering geology, rock mechanics, tunnelling, underground excavations, slope stability, geohazards, and igneous petrology. He obtained his Ph.D. in Applied Geology from Kurukshetra University and further strengthened his specialization through a Post Graduate Diploma in Mineral Exploration and Mining Geology from Annamalai University. He completed his M.Sc. in Applied Geology from Kurukshetra University and B.Sc. (Hons.) in Geology from Imphal College.

Dr. Singh currently serves as Associate Professor at Manipur University since September 2025. Prior to joining academia, he served for nearly seventeen years at the National Institute of Rock Mechanics (NIRM) under the Ministry of Mines, Government of India, progressing through the positions of Scientist-B, Scientist-C, Scientist-E1, and Scientist-E2. During his tenure at NIRM, he contributed significantly to several nationally important hydroelectric, tunnel, mining, railway, highway, nuclear power, and irrigation infrastructure projects across India and Bhutan.

Research Contributions & Expertise

Dr. Singh’s research primarily focuses on:

• Engineering Geology
• Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering
• Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology
• Rock Mass Characterization
• Slope Stability and Landslide Studies
• Geohazard Assessment
• Geotechnical Investigations
• Igneous Petrology

He has made substantial contributions to underground excavation stability, hydroelectric and lift irrigation tunnel systems, cavern support design, landslide hazard analysis, and geotechnical characterization of complex rock masses. His investigations and consultancy work have supported several mega infrastructure projects including:

• Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Scheme
• Palamuru-Ranga Reddy Lift Irrigation Scheme
• Polavaram Hydroelectric Project
• Rajasthan Atomic Power Project
• Bunakha Hydroelectric Project, Bhutan
• National Highway and Railway tunnel projects across India

Publications & Scholarly Achievements

Dr. Singh has authored and co-authored a large number of high-impact research papers in reputed national and international journals published by Springer Nature, Geological Society of India, ISRM, and other recognized publishers. His publications cover advanced engineering geological assessments, tunnelling challenges in granitic terrains, rock support systems, slope instability, underground cavern stability, and geotechnical investigations.

His work has been widely recognized for combining field-based geological investigations with practical engineering solutions for infrastructure safety and sustainability.

Awards, Fellowships & Professional Recognition

Dr. Singh has received several prestigious honours and recognitions, including:

• Best Paper Award at INDOROCK 2019 for his research on engineering geological investigations of deep surge pool areas in Telangana.
• CSIR Senior Research Fellowship awarded by the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), Government of India.
• University Research Scholarship from Kurukshetra University.
• Outstanding performance in GATE with All India Rank 60.

He is also associated with several renowned professional organizations including:

• International Society for Rock Mechanics (ISRM)
• International Association for Engineering Geology and the Environment (IAEG)
• Indian Society of Engineering Geology (ISEG)
• Himalayan Geology Society
• Society of Earth Scientists
• Young Earth Scientists (YES) Network

Additionally, he serves as reviewer and editorial contributor for several reputed international journals in geosciences, engineering geology, and geotechnical engineering.

Eligibility for Best Researcher Award

Dr. Laishram Gopeshwor Singh is highly eligible for the Best Researcher Award under Scientific Laurels due to his exceptional and sustained contributions to engineering geology, rock mechanics, tunnelling technology, and geotechnical engineering. His eligibility is strongly supported by:

• More than 15 years of advanced research and professional experience in nationally significant infrastructure and geotechnical projects.
• Extensive publication record in reputed peer-reviewed journals and international conference proceedings.
• Significant research contributions in underground excavation stability, tunnel engineering, landslide mitigation, and rock mass characterization.
• Active involvement in multidisciplinary national projects funded by Government of India agencies, NHAI, NPCIL, MEIL, RITES, NHIDCL, and other major organizations.
• Recognition through prestigious awards, fellowships, and professional memberships.
• Editorial and peer-review contributions to international scientific journals.
• Demonstrated impact of research outcomes on sustainable infrastructure development and engineering safety.

His strong academic background, applied research excellence, publication achievements, and technical leadership in engineering geology and rock engineering make him a deserving candidate for the Scientific Laurels – Best Researcher Award.