Dr. SWATI SHARMA | Microbial Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. SWATI SHARMA, University of Birmingham, United Kingdom

Dr. Swati Sharma is a highly accomplished researcher in environmental remediation, currently serving as a Marie Curie Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Birmingham, UK. With deep expertise in microbiology, nanotechnology, and biochemical sciences, her work focuses on sustainable solutions to pollution through advanced bioengineering techniques. Dr. Sharma has consistently demonstrated excellence in both academia and research, with over 1,200 citations and a cumulative impact factor exceeding 80. Her scientific journey began in India, where she earned her Ph.D. from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati. Her dedication to multidisciplinary collaboration has led to innovative advances in biosurfactants, nanomaterials, and microbial bioremediation. Through her impactful publications and international collaborations, Dr. Sharma is building a globally recognized research profile aimed at addressing some of the most critical environmental challenges.

Publication Profile: 

Google Scholar

✅ Strengths for the Award:

1. International Recognition & Funding

   • Marie Curie Fellowship—a highly competitive and prestigious EU-funded postdoctoral program.

2. High-Impact Publications

   • 23 peer-reviewed journal articles across top-tier journals (e.g., Chemical Engineering Journal, Bioresource Technology).

3. Strong Research Metrics

   • Over 1200 citations, indicating significant impact and recognition in the field.

4. Interdisciplinary Excellence

   • Research spans biotechnology, nanoscience, environmental engineering, and materials science.

5. Innovation in Sustainability

   • Developed eco-friendly technologies for oil spill remediation, heavy metal detoxification, and biosurfactant production.

6. Proven Teaching & Mentoring

   • Experience as Teaching Assistant in critical subjects like Biophysics, Biochemical Engineering, and Research Methodology at IIT Guwahati.

🔍 Areas for Improvement:

1. Industry Collaboration & Technology Transfer

   • Could further enhance her profile through patents, start-ups, or partnerships with environmental technology companies.

2. Leadership in Global Research Networks

   • Building roles in international research consortia, editorial boards, or scientific committees would increase visibility and influence.

3. Public Engagement & Outreach

   • Increased involvement in science communication, outreach programs, or policy advocacy would broaden the societal impact of her research.

🎓 Education:

Dr. Swati Sharma’s academic foundation is rooted in premier Indian institutions known for excellence in science and engineering. She earned her Ph.D. in Biosciences and Bioengineering from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati in 2022, where she focused on microbial remediation and biosurfactant applications. Prior to her doctoral studies, she obtained her M.Tech. in Biotechnology from the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Durgapur in 2016, building her technical and analytical skills in applied biological sciences. Her undergraduate journey began with a B.E. in Biotechnology from RV College of Engineering, Bangalore in 2014, where she was introduced to biochemical engineering and environmental biotechnology. This robust educational background has equipped her with interdisciplinary expertise, integrating biological sciences, nanotechnology, and environmental engineering to tackle global pollution problems through innovative, research-driven solutions.

👩‍🔬 Experience:

Dr. Swati Sharma has extensive experience in research and academia, particularly in biotechnology and environmental sciences. She is currently a Marie Curie Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Birmingham, where she is investigating advanced bioremediation and nanotechnology applications for pollution control. From 2017 to 2019, she served as a Teaching Assistant at IIT Guwahati, contributing to undergraduate and postgraduate education in Research Methodology, Biophysics, and Biochemical Engineering. Her hands-on experience in reactor design, biosurfactant production, and wastewater treatment has been complemented by collaborative projects with chemical engineers, microbiologists, and materials scientists. Dr. Sharma has also worked in pilot-scale bioreactors and conducted field studies on oil-spill remediation. Her integrated research and teaching background showcase her versatility, communication skills, and a strong commitment to mentoring future scientists while pushing the boundaries of environmental and biochemical research.

🔬 Research Focus:

Dr. Swati Sharma’s research centers on environmental remediation using biosurfactants, nanomaterials, and microbial consortia. Her primary focus lies in the biodegradation of hydrocarbons, heavy metals, and dyes using engineered microbial systems and green nanotechnology. She has developed and optimized bioprocesses for oil-spill cleanup, wastewater treatment, and pathogen control, including innovative reactor configurations and biosorption mechanisms. Dr. Sharma’s work is interdisciplinary, spanning biotechnology, chemical engineering, and material sciences—with a strong emphasis on sustainability. She explores the synergy between biosorption and biodegradation, enabling cost-effective and scalable remediation systems. Her recent projects involve the use of tungsten-oxide nanomaterials for hydrogen evolution and the disinfection of viral pathogens like SARS-CoV-2 through novel physical methods. Through high-impact research and global collaborations, she aims to bridge the gap between lab-scale discoveries and real-world environmental solutions.

📚 Publications Top Notes: 

1. 🦴 Design of biphasic Fe and Zn doped hydroxyapatite to combat osteomyelitis – Ceramics Int.

2. 🌱 Enhanced biosurfactant production by Bacillus subtilis using molasses – J. Biotech

3. 🛢️ Biodegradation kinetics of Hexadecane & Phenanthrene via microconsortium – Bioresource Tech

4. ⚡ Bulk synthesis of WO₃ nanomaterials for wastewater and hydrogen generation – Chem Eng J

5. 🦠 UV-C & IR disinfection of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein – Int. J. Biol. Macromol

6. 🧽 Hydrophobic biosorption & microbial remediation of oil spills – Ind Eng Chem Res

7. 🛢️ Fed-batch integration of biosorption and biodegradation for oil cleanup – Lett Appl Microbiol

8. 🍳 Waste cooking oil biodegradation & rhamnolipid production – Bioproc Biosyst Eng

9. 🌿 Fungal bioherbicides for water hyacinth control – J. Basic Microbiol

10. 🛢️ Biosurfactant production from sludge-isolated Bacillus subtilis – Bioresource Tech

🧾 Conclusion:

Dr. Swati Sharma is an outstanding early-career researcher whose academic rigor, international fellowship recognition, and impactful research position her as a strong and deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her work addresses urgent global environmental problems using an integrative and innovative scientific approach, bridging fundamental research and applied environmental biotechnology. Given her achievements to date and her potential for continued excellence and leadership, she merits serious consideration for this honor.