Satyen Kumar Das | Chemical Engineering | Outstanding Scientist Award

Dr. Satyen Kumar Das | Chemical Engineering | Outstanding Scientist Award

Chief General Manager at Indian Oil Corporation Limited, R&D Centre, Faridabad, India

Dr. Satyen Kumar Das, Chief General Manager at IndianOil R&D Centre, is a distinguished chemical engineer with over 30 years of pioneering contributions in petroleum refining, sustainability, and circular technologies. A Ph.D. from IIT Delhi, he has led the development and commercialization of breakthrough technologies such as INDMAX, Ind-Coker, Needle Coke, INDEcoP2F, and IV-IZOMaxCAT, significantly enhancing India’s energy self-reliance. With 210 patents (144 granted globally), 10 commercialized technologies, and over 98 technical publications, his innovations span residue upgradation, light olefin production, and waste-to-fuel conversion. Dr. Das has received 13+ national awards, including honors from DST, DSIR, and MOP&NG, recognizing his excellence in applied R&D. Under his leadership, several large-scale refining projects have been successfully deployed across India and internationally. His visionary work blends scientific rigor with industrial impact, making him a leading force in advancing indigenous, eco-friendly refining technologies.

Professional Profile 

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Education 

Dr. Satyen Kumar Das has a strong academic foundation in chemical engineering from some of India’s premier institutions. He completed his Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) in Chemical Engineering from the University of Calcutta, where he gained essential knowledge in chemical processes and thermodynamics. He then pursued his Master of Technology (M.Tech) in Chemical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, enhancing his expertise in process engineering and catalysis. To further advance his academic pursuits, Dr. Das earned his Doctorate (Ph.D.) in Chemical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi. During his academic journey, he built a strong foundation in research methodology, process modeling, and applied chemical engineering, which laid the groundwork for his long-standing contributions to petroleum refining and sustainable technologies. His education has been instrumental in shaping his career, enabling him to bridge the gap between scientific research and industrial innovation effectively.

Experience 

Dr. Satyen Kumar Das began his professional journey with IndianOil R&D Centre in 1995 and has since accumulated nearly 30 years of experience in the petroleum refining industry. Currently serving as Chief General Manager, he leads the Refining Technology division, steering large-scale R&D, troubleshooting, and commercial deployment of innovative technologies. From 1995 to 2013, he contributed to the development of key catalytic processes such as INDMAX, INDALIN, and Fischer Tropsch-based technologies. Between 2014 and 2025, he spearheaded the commercialization of advanced solutions including Ind-Coker, INDEcoP2F, and IV-IZOMaxCAT, transforming refinery operations across India. His leadership has resulted in the successful implementation of several commercial plants, with a cumulative licensed capacity of over 17 MMTPA. Dr. Das also initiated futuristic projects in bio-refineries, waste-to-energy, and CO₂ valorization, demonstrating a vision aligned with environmental sustainability. His broad experience reflects an exceptional blend of technical depth and strategic innovation.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Satyen Kumar Das has been widely recognized for his outstanding contributions to petroleum refining and chemical engineering through numerous national and industry awards. He has received over 13 prestigious honors, including multiple National Awards from the Government of India for the development and commercialization of INDMAX and Needle Coke Technologies. The National Petroleum Management Program (NPMP) and DST, DSIR, and MOP&NG have honored him for innovation, sustainability, and indigenous technology leadership. He received the “Innovator of the Year” award from FIPI, the CHEMTECH CEW Award for R&D excellence, and the AIMA Award for breakthrough innovation in artificial intelligence and R&D. In recent years, he was recognized for plastic circularity (INDEcoP2F), light naphtha isomerization (IV-IZOMaxCAT), and was honored with the “Jewel of India Award” and the “Indian Scientist Award” for best researcher in chemical engineering. His accolades underscore his impact on national energy innovation.

Research Focus  on Chemical Engineering

Dr. Satyen Kumar Das’s research primarily centers on the development of innovative, sustainable, and commercially viable technologies in petroleum refining. His focus includes residue upgradation, light olefin production, waste-to-fuel conversion, and plastic circularity—critical areas in the transition toward cleaner energy. He led the development of pathbreaking technologies like INDMAX, Ind-Coker, INDEcoP2F, and Octamax, targeting fuel efficiency, process optimization, and emissions reduction. His work spans catalyst development, feedstock valorization, carbon material synthesis, and CO₂ utilization, reflecting a deep commitment to sustainability and energy security. Dr. Das’s ability to move innovations from lab-scale to full-scale commercial deployment across multiple Indian and international refineries highlights his applied research excellence. He also initiated future-oriented programs in bio-refineries, advanced carbon materials, and specialty chemicals, aligning with global trends. His research philosophy blends scientific rigor with practical utility, aiming to enhance refinery economics while minimizing environmental impact.

Publications Top Notes

  • Title: Multi stage selective catalytic cracking process and a system for producing high yield of middle distillate products from heavy hydrocarbon feedstocks
    Authors: D Bhattacharyya, AK Das, AV Karthikeyani, SK Das, P Kasliwal, M Santra, …
    Year: 2006
    Citations: 64

  • Title: CO-hydrogenation of syngas to fuel using silica supported Fe–Cu–K catalysts: Effects of active components
    Authors: SK Das, S Majhi, P Mohanty, KK Pant
    Year: 2014
    Citations: 43

  • Title: Process for catalytic cracking of petroleum based feed stocks
    Authors: S Mandal, S Kumarshah, D Bhattacharyya, VLN Murthy, AK Das, S Singh, …
    Year: 1998
    Citations: 41

  • Title: CO-hydrogenation over silica supported iron based catalysts: Influence of potassium loading
    Authors: SK Das, P Mohanty, S Majhi, KK Pant
    Year: 2013
    Citations: 40

  • Title: Upgradation of undesirable olefinic liquid hydrocarbon streams
    Authors: AK Das, S Mandal, S Ghosh, D Bhattacharyya, GS Mishra, JK Dixit, …
    Year: 2000
    Citations: 38

  • Title: Stabilized dual zeolite single particle catalyst composition and a process thereof
    Authors: MP Kuvettu, SK Ray, G Ravichandran, V Krishnan, SK Das, S Makhija, …
    Year: 2005
    Citations: 31

  • Title: Molecular-level structural insight into clarified oil by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy: estimation of hydrocarbon types and average structural parameters
    Authors: S Mondal, A Yadav, R Kumar, V Bansal, SK Das, J Christopher, GS Kapur
    Year: 2017
    Citations: 29

  • Title: Process for simultaneous cracking of lighter and heavier hydrocarbon feed and system for the same
    Authors: S Subramani, D Bhattacharyya, R Manna, SK Das, T Sarkar, S Rajagopal
    Year: 2016
    Citations: 19

  • Title: Dissecting the cohesiveness among aromatics, saturates and structural features of aromatics towards needle coke generation in DCU from clarified oil by analytical techniques
    Authors: S Mondal, A Yadav, V Pandey, V Sugumaran, R Bagai, R Kumar, SK Das
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 14

  • Title: Process for simultaneous cracking of lighter and heavier hydrocarbon feed and system for the same
    Authors: S Subramani, D Bhattacharyya, R Manna, SK Das, T Sarkar, S Rajagopal
    Year: 2016
    Citations: 13

  • Title:Process for the production of needle coke
    Authors: D Bhattacharyya, SV Kumaran, BVHP Gupta, P Kumar, AK Das, G Saidulu, SK Das
    Year: 2009
    Citations: 8

  • Title: Delayed coker drum and method of operating thereof
    Authors: THVD Prasad, PR Pradeep, SK Das, JK Dixit, G Thapa, D Bhattacharyya
    Year: 2019
    Citations: 7

  • Title: Process and apparatus for co-conversion of waste plastics in delayed coker unit
    Authors: PR Pradeep, THVD Prasad, SA Dixit, P Mondal, VK Kottiyath, SK Das, …
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 6

  • Title: Process for the conversion of crude oil to light olefins, aromatics and syngas
    Authors: PR Pradeep, AK Kottakuna, THVD Prasad, SK Das, D Bhattacharyya, …
    Year: 2020
    Citations: 3

  • Title: Process for conversion of residue employing de-asphalting and delayed coking
    Authors: PR Pradeep, SK Das, THVD Prasad, AK Kottakuna, D Bhattacharyya, …
    Year: 2020
    Citations: 2

Conclusion

Dr. Satyen Kumar Das is an accomplished chemical engineer with a robust academic background from top Indian institutions and nearly three decades of impactful experience at IndianOil R&D. His contributions to indigenous refining technologies, waste-to-fuel innovation, and plastic circularity have transformed India’s energy landscape. With over 210 patents, 98 publications, 13+ national awards, and successful commercialization of 10 major technologies, his work demonstrates a rare blend of scientific depth, innovation, and real-world implementation. Dr. Das is strongly recommended for the Outstanding Scientist Award in recognition of his pioneering research and sustained national impact.

Hari B Sharma | Environmental Engineering | Young Scientist Award

Dr. Hari B Sharma | Environmental Engineering | Young Scientist Award

Assistant Professor, Sikkim Manipal Institute of Technology, India

Dr. Hari Bhakta Sharma is an esteemed environmental engineer and researcher currently serving as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering at the Sikkim Manipal Institute of Technology, India. With a profound interest in sustainable waste management and renewable energy, Dr. Sharma’s work focuses on innovative methods to recover resources from waste. His dedication to environmental sustainability and contribution to academia makes him a promising candidate for the “Best Researcher Award.”

Profile

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Nomination for “Young Scientist Award”

Strengths for the Award 🌟

The nominee exhibits remarkable strengths that make them a suitable candidate for the “Young Scientist Award.” With a robust academic foundation in civil engineering, complemented by a focus on environmental sustainability, the candidate has excelled in both research and practical application. Their work in wastewater treatment, especially through innovative technologies like vertical flow constructed wetlands and biochar production, demonstrates a commitment to addressing environmental challenges. Additionally, their contributions to multiple high-enrollment courses at IIT Kharagpur showcase their dedication to education and knowledge dissemination. The numerous scholarships, travel grants, and awards they have received, such as the “Most Cited Research Paper Award” and the “Most Downloaded Research Paper Award” in 2023, further highlight their research impact and recognition in the scientific community.

Areas for Improvement 📈

While the candidate’s achievements are impressive, there are some areas where further development could enhance their profile. For instance, increasing their involvement in international collaborations could broaden their research network and foster diverse perspectives in their work. Additionally, while their editorial roles in journals like “Frontiers in Sustainability” and “Frontiers in Energy Research” are commendable, expanding these roles to include leadership positions in more prominent journals or conferences could further solidify their standing in the field. Lastly, while their work on the “Namami Ganga Program” indicates strong practical experience, pursuing more publications in high-impact international journals could enhance the global reach and impact of their research.

Education 🎓

Dr. Sharma holds a Ph.D. in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, where he specialized in resource recovery from organic waste using hydrothermal carbonization. He earned his Master of Technology in Environmental Engineering from Lovely Professional University, focusing on wastewater treatment. His academic journey began with a Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering (Honours) from the same institution, where he developed a strong foundation in environmental and civil engineering principles.

Professional Experience 💼

Dr. Sharma is currently an Assistant Professor at the Sikkim Manipal Institute of Technology, where he teaches and conducts research in Environmental Engineering. His professional journey is marked by his commitment to sustainability and innovation in waste management. He has been actively involved in academic research, publishing extensively on topics such as hydrothermal carbonization, waste-to-energy conversion, and sustainable waste management practices.

Research Interests 🔍

Dr. Sharma’s research interests lie in environmental engineering, with a particular focus on sustainable waste management, resource recovery, and renewable energy production. His work often explores hydrothermal carbonization, a process that transforms organic waste into valuable biofuels, and circular economy strategies to enhance waste management systems. Dr. Sharma aims to contribute to global sustainability goals by developing innovative solutions to environmental challenges.

Awards 🏆

Dr. Sharma has been recognized for his contributions to environmental engineering and waste management. While specific awards are not listed, his high citation count and significant research impact highlight his reputation in the academic community. His work has been acknowledged for its relevance to pressing global issues such as waste management during the COVID-19 pandemic and sustainable recovery strategies.

Publications Top Notes📚

Dr. Sharma has published numerous papers in reputed journals, showcasing his expertise in environmental engineering. Some of his notable publications include:

“Challenges, opportunities, and innovations for effective solid waste management during and post COVID-19 pandemic” (2020) – Resources, Conservation and Recycling
Link to Article (Cited by: 809)

“Challenges and strategies for effective plastic waste management during and post COVID-19 pandemic” (2021) – Science of The Total Environment
Link to Article (Cited by: 714)

“Hydrothermal carbonization of renewable waste biomass for solid biofuel production: A discussion on process mechanism, the influence of process parameters, environmental…” (2020) – Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews
Link to Article (Cited by: 386)

“Circular economy approach in solid waste management system to achieve UN-SDGs: Solutions for post-COVID recovery” (2021) – Science of the Total Environment
Link to Article (Cited by: 343)

“Valorisation of food waste via hydrothermal carbonisation and techno-economic feasibility assessment” (2019) – Science of the Total Environment
Link to Article (Cited by: 164)

“Anaerobic co-digestion of food waste with pretreated yard waste: A comparative study of methane production, kinetic modeling and energy balance” (2020) – Journal of Cleaner Production
Link to Article (Cited by: 157)

Conclusion 🏅

The nominee’s extensive experience in environmental engineering, particularly in sustainable wastewater treatment, coupled with their strong academic background and commitment to education, make them a strong candidate for the “Young Scientist Award.” Their ability to secure competitive grants and scholarships, as well as their active participation in significant research projects and editorial roles, underscores their potential as a future leader in environmental science. By addressing the suggested areas for improvement, the nominee could further enhance their research impact and continue to make significant contributions to the field of environmental engineering.