PhD in Environmental Science
Current position: Assistant Professor at Banaras Hindu University, India
Research focus: aerosol-climate chemistry, satellite retrieval of aerosols, geospatial analysis, environmental health
Being affiliated with the Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development at Banaras Hindu University, Tirthankar has continued his scientific research on satellite remote sensing of aerosols and trace-gases particularly over the Indo-Gangetic Plain of South Asia. Through measurements of atmospheric trace gases and aerosols from various observational platforms, he aims to predict changes in atmospheric constituents and its repercussions on the regional to global climate. Tirthankar has very active and productive research collaboration with many research institutions across the world. His research group was a pioneer in identifying many contemporary environmental issues especially in identifying aerosols sources, aerosol transport and its health impacts over the region.
2019 Visiting Professor, Laboratory of Physico-Chemistry of the Atmosphere, University of the Littoral Opal Coast, Dunkerque, France
2015 Young Scientist Start-up Grant, Department of Science and Technology, Government of India
2014 Hiyoshi Young Leaf Award, Hiyoshi India Ecological Services Pvt. Ltd.
CV as submitted for the Green Talents award (2010):
Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
Research focus: environmental modelling
Dr Tirthankar Banerjee has gained scientific expertise in a number of different fields. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture at Visva Bharati University in Santiniketan, India, followed by a Master of Science as well as a PhD in Environmental Science from G. B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology in Pantnagar, India.
During his Master’s programme, Dr Banerjee optimized the catalyst removal process and characterized the waste water during production of biodiesel from Jatropha curcas seeds as a clean alternative to fossil fuel. As part of his doctoral research, he used mathematical models and software programmes to assess the extent of environmental impacts in terms of ambient air quality.
For the past three years, Dr Banerjee has been a senior research fellow at the Department of Environmental Science at G. B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology. He conducted a comprehensive environmental impact assessment study of an industrial estate comprised of 465 different industries. He also joined several NGO programmes to promote sustainable practices. Parallel to his doctoral studies, Dr Banerjee also earned a postgraduate diploma in environmental law at the National Law School of India University in Bangalore and is pursuing an MBA with a focus on human resources management at the Indira Gandhi National Open University in New Delhi. Dr Banerjee has currently taken over a new position as assistant professor at the Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development of the Banaras Hindu University in Varanasi.
The jury chose Dr Tirthankar Banerjee because of his unusually broad spectrum of scientific and academic expertise. Not only does it encompass analysis of air, ground and surface water quality, soil health, traffic density, noise quality and regional biodiversity, but also process-based technologies for the decontamination of soil or the treatment of wastewater. His work reflects a holistic approach that takes both scientific and societal factors into account for tackling the challenges of sustainable development.
“I hope to meet scientific experts and learn from them about the recent developments in the field of atmospheric modelling,” says Dr Banerjee. He expects the Green Talents Forum to be an opportunity for this and for further expanding his scientific Portfolio.
