Assistant Professor at Graphic Era Deemed to be University, India
Dr. Debasis Mitra is an accomplished microbiologist and plant science researcher whose work spans cutting-edge areas such as plant-microbe interactions, soil microbiology, biocontrol, and nutrient cycling. With a Ph.D. awarded in 2024 from Raiganj University in collaboration with ICAR-National Rice Research Institute, Dr. Mitra has shown strong commitment to advancing agricultural microbiology. He currently serves as an Assistant Professor at Graphic Era (Deemed to be University), Dehradun, where he mentors Ph.D. scholars and leads research in sustainable crop productivity. His prolific publication record—over 120 research articles, 6 books, and numerous chapters—highlights his thought leadership in microbiology. Beyond publishing, he actively contributes to scientific communities as an editor, reviewer, and special issue guest editor in over a dozen international journals. Dr. Mitra’s work reflects both academic excellence and practical relevance, particularly in areas like mycorrhizal fungi, phosphorus uptake, and strigolactone signaling in crops. His ongoing research and international exposure make him a vital contributor to global discussions on food security and soil health. 🌱🧫🌍
Professional Profile
🎓 Education
Dr. Mitra’s academic foundation is deeply rooted in life sciences and biotechnology. He earned his Ph.D. in Microbiology (2019–2024) jointly from Raiganj University, West Bengal, and ICAR – National Rice Research Institute, Odisha, with research focused on arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and their influence on phosphorus uptake in aerobic rice—a topic highly relevant to sustainable agriculture. His Ph.D. work was complemented by coursework (SGPA: 8.00) and awarded in January 2024. Prior to his doctoral studies, he completed an M.Sc. in Biotechnology (2017) from Graphic Era University, Uttarakhand, with a CGPA of 8.28, undertaking his thesis at ICAR-IIHR, Bengaluru. His undergraduate studies culminated with a B.Sc. in Biotechnology (2014) from Vidyasagar University, West Bengal. His academic journey is marked by early interest in microbial interactions and nutrient mobilization, demonstrated in his B.Sc. and M.Sc. theses. He has also enriched his knowledge through international online certifications in fields such as climate change, microbiology, and agriculture from institutions like Macquarie University (Australia), Massey University (New Zealand), and Jordan University of Science and Technology. 📘🧪🎓
💼 Professional Experience
Dr. Mitra brings a solid blend of academic teaching and field-based research experience. He is currently serving as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Microbiology at Graphic Era (Deemed to be University) since February 2024, where he supervises Ph.D. students and teaches microbiology-related subjects. Prior to this role, he worked at ICAR-National Rice Research Institute (NRRI), Odisha, in multiple capacities. From 2018 to early 2024, he served as a Researcher and later as a Project Assistant on high-impact government-funded projects focused on nanofiber biofertilizers and plant nutrition. His roles included experimental design, molecular analyses, microbial isolation, and application of biofertilizers in rice systems. He also completed valuable internships, including a virtual international internship at Universidad de Santander, Colombia, in 2021. Additionally, he gained early research exposure during his M.Sc. and B.Sc. studies, working in reputed labs like ICAR-IIHR, Bengaluru and Oriental Institute of Science and Technology, West Bengal. His experience bridges academic rigor and real-world problem-solving in plant health and microbiome studies. 🧑🏫🧬🔬
🧠 Research Interests
Dr. Mitra’s research interests are centered on plant-microbe interactions, with a focus on enhancing crop productivity through ecological and molecular approaches. His Ph.D. explored the association of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) with rice plants and their role in strigolactone-mediated phosphorus uptake, a key factor for plant nutrition. He is deeply engaged in soil microbiology, biocontrol mechanisms, and molecular signaling between plants and microbes. Other focus areas include crop stress physiology, bioremediation, nanofertilizer technologies, and sustainable agricultural practices. His interest in strigolactones, a plant hormone involved in root symbiosis, positions him at the frontier of molecular plant-microbe signaling research. Furthermore, his inclination towards integrated soil fertility management, biofertilizer development, and microbial biostimulants aligns with global goals in climate-smart agriculture and organic farming. With a strong vision for eco-friendly crop solutions, Dr. Mitra’s research aims to reduce chemical input in farming systems while improving soil health and yield. 🌾🔬🌿
🛠️ Research Skills
Dr. Mitra possesses a comprehensive skill set in microbial techniques, molecular biology, bioinformatics, and field trial management. He is proficient in isolation and characterization of microbial strains, molecular identification (PCR, sequencing), and metagenomics. His lab expertise extends to mycorrhizal staining and quantification, plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) screening, and soil enzymatic assays. He is well-versed in designing and conducting greenhouse and field experiments, particularly in rice and horticultural crops. His familiarity with bioreactor technologies, biopolymer encapsulation for biofertilizers, and data analysis tools (R, SPSS) showcases a multidisciplinary edge. Dr. Mitra is also experienced in research writing, peer review, and academic editing, as evidenced by his editorial roles and large number of reviewed manuscripts. Additionally, his international training exposure, including virtual internship experience in Colombia, has enriched his understanding of global standards in environmental and agricultural microbiology. 🔍🧪🧫
🏅 Awards and Honors
Dr. Mitra has received numerous accolades for his scholarly contributions and professional service. Notably, he was awarded the Best Presentation Award at the International Conference on Microbes and Social Equity (2023) and honored as Best Reviewer (2022) by multiple journals including Current Agriculture Research Journal. He is a Fellow of the Scholars Academic and Scientific Society (FSASS) and holds the title of Dignitary Fellow from the International Organization for Academic and Scientific Development (FMIOASD). His name appears in the AD Scientific Index 2023 & 2022 with impressive institutional and national rankings. In addition, he received the Best Editor of the Year (2021) from the Indian Journal of Microbiology Research. Dr. Mitra is also an editorial board member for over a dozen reputed international journals, including BMC Plant Biology, Discover Sustainability, and Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems. These recognitions reflect his leadership, peer recognition, and contribution to scientific excellence in microbiology and agriculture. 🏆📚🌍
🏁 Conclusion
This candidate is highly suitable for the Excellence in Research Award based on:
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Exceptional scholarly output,
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Substantial editorial and reviewer roles,
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Recognized leadership in microbiology and plant sciences,
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National and global contributions to research dissemination.
The candidate stands out as a research-centric academic with strong potential for further international recognition. Minor enhancements in grant visibility and global outreach could position them as a leader in their field globally.
Publications Top Noted
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Microbial pollution of water with special reference to coliform bacteria and their nexus with environment
Year: 2021 | Citations: 220
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Actinobacteria-enhanced plant growth, nutrient acquisition, and crop protection: Advances in soil, plant, and microbial multifactorial interactions
Year: 2022 | Citations: 185
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Current scenario and future prospects of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria: An economic valuable resource for the agriculture revival under stressful conditions
Year: 2020 | Citations: 166
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Role of mycorrhiza and its associated bacteria on plant growth promotion and nutrient management in sustainable agriculture
Year: 2019 | Citations: 120
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Arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis: Plant growth improvement and induction of resistance under stressful conditions
Year: 2021 | Citations: 109
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Rhizobacteria mediated seed bio-priming triggers the resistance and plant growth for sustainable crop production
Year: 2021 | Citations: 101
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Phosphate-Solubilizing Microbes and Biocontrol Agent for Plant Nutrition and Protection: Current Perspective
Year: 2020 | Citations: 85
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Impacts of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on rice growth, development, and stress management with emphasis on strigolactone effects
Year: 2021 | Citations: 72
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Solid-State Fermentation: Applications and Future Perspectives for Biostimulant and Biopesticides Production
Year: 2023 | Citations: 65
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Involvement of strigolactone hormone in root development and interaction with mycorrhizal fungi: Mini-review
Year: 2021 | Citations: 65
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Potential inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 proteases PLpro and Mpro/3CLpro: Docking and simulation of medicinal plant components
Year: 2021 | Citations: 60
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Decrypting multifunctional biological activators and inducers of defense responses against biotic stresses in plants
Year: 2023 | Citations: 58
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Amelioration of thermal stress in crops by plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria
Year: 2021 | Citations: 54
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Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal association boosted the arsenic resistance in crops with special responsiveness to rice
Year: 2022 | Citations: 49
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Molecular docking and simulation studies of Vitex negundo compounds against SARS-CoV-2 PLpro
Year: 2022 | Citations: 46
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Understanding interaction effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in rice under elevated carbon dioxide conditions
Year: 2019 | Citations: 46
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Rice straw recycling: A sustainable approach for ensuring environmental quality and economic security
Year: 2023 | Citations: 45
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Multifactorial role of nanoparticles in alleviating environmental stresses for sustainable crop production
Year: 2023 | Citations: 43
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Articulating beneficial rhizobacteria mediated plant defenses through induced systemic resistance
Year: 2023 | Citations: 42
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Advances in microbial based bio-inoculum for amelioration of soil health and sustainable crop production
Year: 2024 | Citations: 41