Professor Lala Behari Sukla’s journey is marked by extraordinary achievements and unwavering dedication to scientific exploration. His recognition among the top two percent of scientists globally, by Stanford University, underscores his exceptional contributions to academia. Serving as Director at the Biofuels and Bioprocessing Research Centre (BBRC) within Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan University, Bhubaneswar, his tenure spans over 45 years of research and development.

Beginning with a passion to unravel nature’s mysteries, Prof. Sukla’s career encompasses various distinguished roles. Formerly, he served as Chief Scientist and headed the Bioresources Engineering Department at CSIR-IMMT, Bhubaneswar. Additionally, he held positions as an Emeritus Scientist at CSIR and an Emeritus Professor at AcSIR, New Delhi, showcasing his versatility in navigating scientific inquiry.

Driven by a relentless pursuit of excellence, Prof. Sukla’s pioneering work in Bio-mineral Processing and Hydrometallurgy has expanded scientific frontiers and led to tangible real-world advancements. With over 250 publications in esteemed journals, five authored books, and 10 patents, his scholarly contributions resonate profoundly in the scientific community.

Beyond his scholarly pursuits, Prof. Sukla is deeply committed to nurturing the next generation of scientific minds. As a mentor, he has shaped the academic and professional trajectories of numerous students, fostering a passion for inquiry and excellence. Under his guidance, seven PhD students have successfully completed their degrees, contributing to the pool of scientific innovators.

Prof. Sukla’s remarkable contributions have been recognized through prestigious awards such as the International Education Awards 2021 and the Global Teaching Excellence Awards 2021. His dedication to excellence in education and research is celebrated on both national and international platforms.

Additionally, Prof. Sukla actively engages in editorial activities, serving as a board member for Scientific Reports, a renowned journal published by Nature Publishing Group. His involvement underscores his esteemed reputation within the scientific community and commitment to advancing knowledge dissemination.

Throughout his illustrious career, Prof. Sukla has spearheaded impactful projects in microbial processes, bioleaching, and biotechnology. His expertise, coupled with adept project management and collaboration with diverse funding agencies, has propelled fields like biomineral processing and microbial biotechnology forward.

As Prof. Sukla continues to push the boundaries of scientific inquiry, he remains a beacon of inspiration for aspiring researchers worldwide. His journey epitomizes the spirit of innovation and excellence, defining the essence of scientific endeavor.

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