Solan: In a moment of immense pride for the Sirmaur district and the entire Himachal Pradesh, Dr. Pankaj Attri of Machhadi village near Nainatikkar in Pachhad tehsil is set to be honored with the Young Researcher Award in Japan on November 13th.
Dr. Attri’s exemplary contributions to the field of science have garnered international recognition. He has earned a spot in the esteemed list of the top two percent scientists worldwide for three consecutive years, from 2017 to 2023. The accolade, bestowed by the Asia Pacific Physical Society (AAPPS)-Division of Plasma Physics (DPP), celebrates his remarkable achievements in the Division of Applied Plasma Physics.
The announcement of this prestigious award has been met with joy and admiration from his family, including his father Jagdish Sharma, younger brother Ankit Attri, and sister Nitasha Attri. Dr. Pankaj Attri’s dedication and hard work have been instrumental in this significant milestone.
Dr. Attri’s academic journey commenced in Kalka, Haryana, where he was born on March 9th, 1983, to Jagdish Sharma. He received his primary education at DAV School, Nahan, and went on to complete his PhD at Delhi University in 2013.
Following the completion of his PhD, Dr. Attri was appointed as an assistant professor at Kangun University, South Korea. His remarkable contributions led to his selection for Japan’s esteemed JSPS fellowship in 2016. He furthered his research endeavors at Kyushu University, a prominent institution ranked 6th in Japan and 120 to 130 globally.
In 2017, Dr. Attri was awarded the prestigious Marie Curie Fellowship for the European University of Belgium, marking another significant milestone in his academic journey. His research in applied plasma has shown promise in combatting incurable diseases, particularly in the context of cancer.
After a fruitful two-year fellowship in Belgium, Dr. Attri resumed his role as an associate professor at Kyushu University, Japan, where he continues to make strides in the field of plasma physics.
Dr. Attri’s innovative approach extends to multiple patents, including a groundbreaking fertilizer developed without the use of chemicals. This discovery has piqued the interest of European companies and holds potential implications for natural farming practices endorsed by the Himachal Pradesh government.
Unlike conventional urea-based fertilizers, Dr. Attri’s formulation enhances nitrogen levels in fields by an impressive 40 to 50 percent. The technology behind this fertilizer holds promise not only for India but also for global agricultural practices.
As Dr. Attri’s pioneering research continues to evolve, discussions are underway with a prominent European company regarding a patent agreement. His contributions stand as a testament to the power of dedication and hard work in advancing scientific knowledge for the betterment of society.
