Dr. PRANABA Nayak | Analytical Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Dr. PRANABA Nayak , Analytical Chemistry , Scientific Officer at Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, India

Dr. Pranaba K. Nayak is a Scientific Officer at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Mumbai, with over two decades of experience in nuclear and analytical chemistry, and astroparticle physics. He earned his Ph.D. from Utkal University in 2003, later serving at Kalasalingam University before joining TIFR in 2005 as a Senior Postdoctoral Fellow in the GRAPES-3 cosmic-ray experiment. His interdisciplinary research has led to over 75 peer-reviewed publications and significant discoveries, including gamma-ray flux shifts during solar eclipses and thunderstorm-related phenomena. He collaborates with 30+ national and international institutes and serves on editorial and scientific committees globally. An active mentor and scholar, Dr. Nayak has contributed to more than 50 book chapters and reviewed over 75 manuscripts. His work has been recognized for its impact on solar physics, atmospheric science, and nuclear astrophysics.

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Summary of Suitability for Award:

Dr. Pranaba K. Nayak is a highly accomplished researcher whose career spans over two decades of impactful work in astro particle physics, nuclear chemistry, and analytical techniques. His contributions to the internationally recognized GRAPES-3 cosmic-ray experiment at TIFR have led to several groundbreaking discoveries, such as the variation in cosmic gamma-ray flux during solar eclipses and record-setting atmospheric potential measurements. With 75+ peer-reviewed publications, 50+ book chapters, and extensive international collaborations with over 30 institutes worldwide, he has consistently demonstrated research excellence, innovation, and leadership. His h-index of 20 and i10-index of 28 reflect the scientific community’s recognition of his work. In addition, Dr. Nayak has actively mentored young scientists and contributed as a reviewer and editorial board member, strengthening scientific discourse in his field. Dr. Pranaba K. Nayak is eminently suitable for the “Best Researcher Award”. His sustained research output, pioneering discoveries, interdisciplinary reach, and international collaborations make him a deserving candidate whose contributions have significantly advanced both theoretical and applied aspects of high-energy physics and analytical sciences.

🎓Education:

Dr. Nayak holds a Ph.D. in Experimental Nuclear and Analytical Chemistry from Utkal University (2003). His doctoral research, guided by mentors from Anna University, Chennai, spanned nuclear, analytical, and solid-state chemistry. This strong academic foundation laid the groundwork for his transition into astroparticle physics and cosmic-ray studies. Prior to his Ph.D., he pursued postgraduate and undergraduate studies in chemistry, with a focus on nuclear instrumentation and environmental radiochemistry. His educational path blended theoretical insight with hands-on experimentation, equipping him with the tools necessary for high-impact interdisciplinary research. His continuing engagement with educational institutions, including mentoring young researchers and Ph.D. scholars, exemplifies his commitment to fostering scientific excellence. He frequently delivers lectures and training modules in cosmic ray physics and analytical techniques, contributing to capacity-building in India and abroad.

🏢Work Experience:

Dr. Pranaba K. Nayak began his professional journey as a faculty member at Kalasalingam University, focusing on nuclear and analytical chemistry. In 2005, he joined TIFR’s High Energy Physics Department as a Senior Postdoctoral Fellow and has since become a Scientific Officer, contributing extensively to the GRAPES-3 cosmic-ray experiment at Ooty. His work spans gamma-ray burst detection, cosmic-ray modulation, environmental radioactivity, and atmospheric physics. He has developed novel spectral analysis techniques and coordinated large-scale collaborations with over 30 institutions globally, including IITs, SINP, and partners in Japan, Europe, and Saudi Arabia. His interdisciplinary projects have addressed thunderstorm-related high-energy events and geomagnetic field studies. He also mentors students, reviews scientific manuscripts, and contributes to international committees. His role in advancing experimental techniques and fostering global scientific partnerships has made him a respected figure in high-energy astrophysics and nuclear research communities.

🏅Awards:

Dr. Nayak has received widespread recognition for his pioneering work in cosmic-ray physics and analytical chemistry. His discovery of gamma-ray flux shifts during the 2009 total solar eclipse gained international acclaim and highlighted his ability to integrate astrophysics with atmospheric science. He has been an invited reviewer for over 75 manuscripts, primarily for the journal Talanta, showcasing his expertise in analytical chemistry. His scientific excellence earned him a position on the Scientific Committee of the Annual International Congress on Nanoscience & Nanotechnology (2025, Oxford, UK). He is also a life member of prestigious scientific organizations, including the Indian Society for Atomic & Molecular Physics, Indian Physics Association, Indian Association for Nuclear Chemist & Allied Sciences, and Indian Society for Technical Education. These accolades affirm his leadership and innovation in research, education, and scientific outreach.

🔬Research Focus:

Dr. Pranaba K. Nayak’s research centers on the intersection of experimental nuclear chemistry, analytical techniques, and astroparticle physics. At the heart of his work lies the GRAPES-3 cosmic-ray experiment, where he investigates high-energy phenomena such as cosmic-ray modulation, gamma-ray flux variations, and muon bursts during thunderstorms and solar eclipses. His contributions have led to significant insights into solar-terrestrial interactions, atmospheric electricity, and transient geomagnetic events. He has also developed novel analytical methods for monitoring environmental radioactivity, integrating advanced spectrometry with field-based cosmic-ray detection systems. His research uniquely bridges space physics with earth-based observations, advancing our understanding of cosmic particle behavior under extreme atmospheric conditions. Through collaborations with over 30 national and international institutions, Dr. Nayak continues to lead interdisciplinary studies that link nuclear processes with astrophysical and atmospheric phenomena, thereby contributing to global efforts in understanding high-energy cosmic environments and their terrestrial effects.

Publication Top Notes:

Title: Synthesis and characterization of cadmium ferrite
Citations: 76

Title: Forbush decreases and turbulence levels at coronal mass ejection fronts
Citations: 65

Title: Measurement of the Electrical Properties of a Thundercloud Through Muon Imaging by the GRAPES-3 Experiment
Citations: 51

Title: Energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence analysis of gallstones
Citations: 46

Title: Measurement of some EAS properties using new scintillator detectors developed for the GRAPES-3 experiment
Citations: 42

Title: PIXE & XRD analysis of nanocrystals of Fe, Ni and Fe₂O₃
Citations: 35

Title: External particle-induced X-ray emission
Citations: 35

Title: Elemental analysis of anti-diabetic medicinal plants using energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence technique
Citations: 34

Title: 57Fe Mössbauer and EDXRF studies on three representative banded iron formations (BIFs) of Orissa, India
Citations: 32

Title: A study of the γ-ray flux during the total solar eclipse of 1 August 2008 at Novosibirsk, Russia
Citations: 28

Title: Fast Fourier transform to measure pressure coefficient of muons in the GRAPES-3 experiment
Citations: 27