Renowned Biodiversity Expert Prof. Kamaljit S. Bawa Interacts with Panjab University Faculty on Biodiversity and Climate Change

Chandigarh, January 9, 2026: Internationally renowned biodiversity and climate change expert Kamaljit S. Bawa interacted with faculty members of Panjab University, focusing on biodiversity conservation, climate resilience and policy-linked research.
 
The interaction was facilitated by the PU-IIT Ropar Regional Accelerator for Holistic Innovations Foundation, the Northern Region Science and Technology Cluster supported by the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser, Govt. of India.
 
Prof. Bawa, a globally respected ecologist with over four decades of work in tropical biology, biodiversity conservation and sustainable development, is the Founder and former President of the Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment. He is Professor Emeritus at the University of Massachusetts Boston and a Fellow of leading scientific bodies including the American Association for the Advancement of Science. He has been conferred the Padma Shri for his contribution to science and society and is currently associated with the Principal Scientific Adviser’s Office, contributing to national biodiversity and sustainability initiatives.
 
The meeting was presided over by PU Vice-Chancellor and PI-RAHI Chairperson Prof. Renu Vig. Former PU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Arun Grover, Chairperson of the Department of Botany Prof. Malkiat Chand Sidhu, Assistant Professor Santosh Kumar Upadhyay, and PI-RAHI Director Prof. Rajat Sandhir were also present.
 
Discussions centred on strengthening institutional collaboration, advancing research on biodiversity and climate resilience, and aligning academic work with national priorities. Prof. Bawa highlighted the close links between biodiversity, climate change and human health, stressing the need for interdisciplinary research and policy-driven solutions.
 
Prof. Bawa’s engagement with the Department of Botany underlined the role of universities in evidence-based policymaking and innovation to address climate challenges. The visit marked a step towards deeper collaboration between academic institutions and policy bodies to advance India’s biodiversity and sustainability agenda.