Prof Dr Pawan Kumar Joshi | Remote Sensing and GIS | Best Researcher Award

Professor , Jawaharlal Nehru University, India

Prof. Pawan K. Joshi is a distinguished environmental scientist specializing in remote sensing and GIS. Currently a professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University, he also serves as the director of Swachha JNU. With a career spanning over 26 years, he has held pivotal roles at esteemed institutions like TERI University and the Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (ISRO). His contributions have significantly advanced the fields of climate change, disaster management, and landscape characterization. He has been recognized with several prestigious awards, including the Young Scientist Medals from INSA and NASI.

Profile

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Strengths for the Award

1. Extensive Expertise: Prof. Joshi has a robust background in environmental sciences, particularly in satellite remote sensing and GIS. His expertise is evident from his leadership roles at prestigious institutions like Jawaharlal Nehru University and TERI University.
2. Diverse Research Contributions: His research spans critical areas such as climate change, disaster studies, and ecosystem services, which are highly relevant in today’s environmental context. He has contributed to numerous projects funded by prominent organizations, showcasing his ability to secure and manage significant research funding.
3. Prolific Publication Record: With a significant number of publications in peer-reviewed journals, including highly cited works, Prof. Joshi demonstrates a strong commitment to advancing knowledge in his field. His research outputs have made notable impacts, as indicated by their citations.
4. Recognition and Awards: He has received several prestigious awards, including the Young Scientist Medals from INSA and NASI, and has been honored for his contributions to remote sensing. His recognition as a fellow in various scientific academies further underscores his influence in the academic community.
5. International Collaboration: His experience as a visiting faculty at renowned institutions worldwide, such as Yale and the University of Helsinki, highlights his global engagement and the international relevance of his work.
6. Student Mentorship: Prof. Joshi has successfully supervised a substantial number of graduate and doctoral students, contributing to the development of future researchers in environmental sciences.

Areas for Improvement

1. Broader Outreach: While Prof. Joshi has a strong academic presence, enhancing outreach activities that translate research into community action could further amplify the impact of his work, particularly in disaster management and climate adaptation.
2. Interdisciplinary Collaborations: Expanding collaborations beyond environmental sciences, particularly with social scientists and policy-makers, could lead to more holistic approaches to addressing climate change and disaster resilience.
3. Public Engagement: Increasing public engagement through workshops, seminars, and media interactions could raise awareness about his research findings and their practical applications, fostering greater community involvement in environmental issues.
4. Focus on Emerging Technologies: Integrating new technologies like AI and machine learning into his research could enhance data analysis capabilities and open new avenues for exploration in remote sensing and environmental monitoring.

Education

Prof. Joshi earned his Ph.D. in Environmental Sciences from the Indian Institute of Remote Sensing in 2002, specializing in Remote Sensing and GIS. He also holds an MSc in Sustainable Development from Sikkim Manipal University and another MSc in Environmental Sciences from Gurukula Kangri University. His academic journey began with a B.Sc. in Environmental Sciences, laying a strong foundation for his extensive research career. Additionally, he has pursued professional qualifications, including a diploma in marketing management and a certificate in photogrammetry.

Experience

With approximately 26 years of experience, Prof. Joshi has made significant contributions to academia and research. He has held key positions at various institutions, including Professor and Head of the Department of Natural Resources at TERI University. His international teaching experience includes visiting roles at Yale University, the University of Freiburg, and the University of Helsinki. At JNU, he teaches courses on ecology, landscape analysis, and geoinformatics. Prof. Joshi has successfully supervised numerous PhD and master’s students, fostering the next generation of environmental scientists.

Awards and Honors

Prof. Joshi has received numerous accolades throughout his career, underscoring his contributions to environmental science. These include the Swami Maheshanand Giri Gold Medal (2024) and the National Award for Geospatial Excellence (2020). He was recognized as a Fellow of the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences in 2019 and received the P.R. Pisharoty Memorial Award in 2014. His work has also been acknowledged by prestigious bodies like the Indian National Science Academy and the National Academy of Sciences India, showcasing his commitment to advancing scientific research.

Research Focus

Prof. Joshi’s research primarily centers on environmental studies, with an emphasis on landscape characterization, climate change, and disaster management. He employs advanced geospatial techniques, including remote sensing and GIS, to assess ecosystem dynamics, natural resource management, and climate adaptation strategies. His work also explores the socio-economic implications of ecosystem services, particularly in the context of poverty alleviation and environmental justice. He actively collaborates on various funded projects, contributing to significant advancements in understanding climate impacts and disaster resilience.

Publication Top Notes

• Evaluation of vertical accuracy of open source Digital Elevation Model (DEM) 📏
• A framework for mapping tree species combining hyperspectral and LiDAR data 🌲
• Development of decadal (1985–1995–2005) land use and land cover database for India 📊
• A comparison of selected classification algorithms for mapping bamboo patches in lower Gangetic plains 🌾
• Monitoring urbanization dynamics in India using DMSP/OLS night time lights and SPOT-VGT data 🌆
• Comparison of feature reduction algorithms for classifying tree species with hyperspectral data 🌳
• New vegetation type map of India prepared using satellite remote sensing 🌍
• Ecosystem service value assessment of a natural reserve region for strengthening protection and conservation 🌿
• Assessing the potential of hyperspectral imagery to map bark beetle-induced tree mortality 🐞
• Analyzing deforestation rates, spatial forest cover changes and identifying critical areas of forest cover changes in North-East India during 1972–1999 🌳

Conclusion

Prof. Pawan K. Joshi exemplifies the qualities of a leading researcher in environmental sciences. His extensive expertise, substantial contributions to relevant research areas, and recognition in the academic community position him as a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. By addressing areas for improvement, such as public engagement and interdisciplinary collaboration, he can further enhance his impact and legacy in the field. His dedication to mentoring the next generation of researchers also promises to sustain the advancement of environmental sciences for years to come.