Area IV focuses its teaching and research on the biological components of the environment and the complex processes that govern their interactions in natural systems. The research framework is structured around two key axes: one at the cellular and molecular level, and the other at the ecosystem and landscape scale.
At the cellular and molecular level, research concentrates on environmental biology, investigating how cells respond to toxic elements and emerging pollutants such as heavy metals, microplastics, nanomaterials, hormones, pathogens, radiation, and carcinogens etc. This includes studying cellular and molecular mechanisms of stress response, damage, repair, antimicrobial resistance among highly prioritized pathogens and the potential application of natural and novel designed therapeutics. The applied dimensions of environmental microbiology, biotechnology, and nanotechnology are integral to this domain, providing practical solutions to environmental challenges through microbial innovations and nano-biotechnological interventions.
At the broader ecological scale, research explores the interactions among biotic components, microbiota, flora, and fauna—and their environment across multiple levels: organismal, population, community, ecosystem, and landscape. This forms the foundation of Ecological Sciences, emphasizing the interdependence of life forms and the need for environmental stability and sustainability. Agroforestry and ecosystem services are integral to this research, supporting biodiversity, soil health, carbon sequestration, and broader ecological and socio-economic sustainability.
Area IV is firmly rooted in the principles of sustainability and conservation, ensuring that its research promotes long-term ecological resilience. This multidisciplinary approach also extends to socio-economic and policy dimensions, including the study of ecosystems within forests, agricultural landscapes, and urban environments. Research themes include biofertilizers, bioremediation, ecological restoration, and biodiversity conservation, each contributing meaningfully to the broader goal of sustainable development.
Academic and research initiatives in Area IV are aligned with global environmental priorities, including climate change mitigation, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) movement initiated by the Government of India. Through active collaboration with young scholars, seasoned faculty, and various governmental and non-governmental organizations, Area IV cultivates impactful partnerships that connect local research efforts with national and international platforms.
Area IV Faculty
