SPPU Professor Honored with Prestigious Climate Research Fellowship
Dr. Rajani Panchang, an assistant professor in the Department of Environmental Science at Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU), has been selected for the prestigious Fulbright-Kalam Climate Fellowship for Academic and Professional Excellence 2025. This recognition makes her one of only four researchers nationwide and the sole earth scientist in India to receive this honor during the current award cycle.
Nine-Month Research Program in Florida
Beginning in mid-November 2025, Dr. Panchang will embark on a nine-month research program at Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, Florida. During her fellowship, she will collaborate with distinguished scientist Professor Pamela Hallock and be hosted by Dr. Michael Martinez-Colon at their research facility.
Her groundbreaking research will focus on quantifying how marine bio-calcifiers, specifically coral reef foraminifera, respond to ocean acidification. The study methodology incorporates both field research in the Florida Reef Tract and controlled laboratory experiments to gather comprehensive data.
Comprehensive Approach to Climate Research
Dr. Panchang's research adopts a multi-faceted approach that includes analyzing atmospheric data and examining bio-calcifying specimens collected since the 1980s. By studying how shelled organisms either resist or succumb to ocean acidification caused by increasing anthropogenic carbon dioxide emissions, her work aims to provide realistic biological impact scenarios.
"The ultimate goal of this research is to inform financial and policy decisions for sustainable ocean management," explained Dr. Panchang, emphasizing the practical applications of her scientific investigation.
She strongly believes that life itself serves as the most accurate indicator of environmental change. Her approach includes training local youth to identify biological responses to ocean acidification, which could significantly reduce the time, cost, and carbon footprint associated with advanced analytical ocean monitoring methods.
Prestigious Fellowship Program Background
The Fulbright-Kalam Climate Fellowship for Academic and Professional Excellence represents a significant bilateral initiative between India and the United States. Launched in September 2014, this program enables Indian faculty members and researchers to conduct climate-related research in the US for periods ranging from eight to twelve months.
Administered by the United States-India Educational Foundation (USIEF) on behalf of both governments, the fellowship program aims to build long-term capacity to address climate change challenges in both nations.
Distinguished Academic Career
Dr. Panchang brings an impressive academic background to this fellowship. She earned her PhD from the CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography in Panaji, Goa, in 2008 and has since built a remarkable career in environmental science.
Her professional experience includes serving as a scientist at the Agharkar Research Institute in Pune and working as a SERB fast-track scientist at IISER, Pune, under various research programs sponsored by the Government of India's Department of Science & Technology.
The recognition from Fulbright adds to her already distinguished list of honors, which includes:
- The Mani Shankar Shukla Gold Medal (2015) from the Palaeontological Society of India
- Research fellowships from German Academic Exchange (DAAD)
- CSIR fellowship (2006)
- Lila Poonawalla Foundation fellowship (2000)
- Hindustan Unilever fellowship (2004)
In 2005, Dr. Panchang received special recognition when she was felicitated by the then President of India, Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam, for her outstanding contributions as a Lila fellow in oceanography.
This latest achievement not only highlights Dr. Panchang's individual excellence but also underscores SPPU's growing reputation as a center for cutting-edge environmental research and international academic collaboration.
