Mr. Neeraj Kumar Upadhayay | Geology | Best Researcher Award
University Grants Commission (UGC) – Senior Research Fellow (SRF), Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, India
Mr. Neeraj Kumar Upadhayay is a dedicated geologist and Senior Research Fellow (UGC) at the MP Singh Lab of Coal and Organic Petrology, Department of Geology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, with expertise in coal petrography, geochemical analysis and energy resource assessment. He submitted his Ph.D. in Science in 2025 from Banaras Hindu University, focusing on “Organic Petrological and Geochemical Studies of Coal Bearing Sequences Exposed in Tatapani–Ramkola Coalfield, Chhattisgarh, India,” following an M.Sc. (Tech.) in Geology (2017) and a B.Sc. (Hons.) in Geology (2012) from the same institution. Professionally, he has contributed to major research projects, including the DST-SERB-funded coal characterization and source rock potential study in Chhattisgarh and the CSIR-CIMFR and OPGC coal quality study for effective power generation, gaining extensive hands-on experience in field mapping, stratigraphic correlation, lithological studies, coal blending and environmental impact assessment. His research interests span coal, shale and sandstone petrography, geochemical characterization, rare earth element analysis and major oxide studies within coal-bearing sequences, emphasizing sustainable energy utilization. Mr. Neeraj Kumar Upadhayay possesses advanced research skills, including proficiency in ArcGIS, Minex, AutoCAD, CorelDRAW, SigmaPlot and Origin, along with laboratory expertise in XRD, SEM, XRF, FT-IR, Raman spectroscopy, ICP-MS and vitrinite reflectance analysis, complemented by sample preparation for GC-MS and ICP-MS studies. He has published research in reputed journals and conferences, reflecting a strong scholarly impact and actively participates in mentoring, professional societies and geological field training programs. His awards and honors include recognition as a Senior Research Fellow (UGC) and contributions to high-impact DST-SERB and CSIR-CIMFR projects. In conclusion, Mr. Neeraj Kumar Upadhayay exemplifies a promising geoscientist whose comprehensive education, rigorous research experience, technical expertise and leadership potential position him to make significant contributions to coal geology, energy research and sustainable resource management, ensuring continued advancement in both national and international geoscience communities.
Featured Publications
1. Upadhayay, N. K., Naik, A. S., Rai, S., Singh, P. K., Kumar, A., Rahim, A., Hakimi, M. H., Kumar, G., & Rajak, P. K. (2025). Geochemical and petrological characteristics coupled with stable isotope of the Permian Gondwana coals from Tatapani–Ramkola Coalfield, Son–Mahanadi Basin, India: Insights for paleodepositional and paleoclimate conditions. International Journal of Coal Geology, 104882.
2. Upadhayay, N. K., Naik, A. S., Kumar, A., & Kumar, G. (2025). Application of Raman spectroscopy in coal research: A case study on Tatapani-Ramkola coal. Journal of Geological Society of India. (Accepted 30 August 2025).
3. Kumar, O. P., Gopinathan, P., Naik, A. S., Rajak, P. K., Kumar, G., Upadhayay, N. K., Karmakar, A., & Subramani, T. (2025). Structural and maturity evolution of lignite using Raman spectroscopy and organic petrology of the Barmer basin, Rajasthan, India. Environmental Geochemistry and Health, 47(8), 317.
4. Naik, A. S., Kumar, G., Singh, V., Singh, P. K., Kumari, M., Mohanty, D., Majhi, R. K., & Upadhayay, N. K. (2024). Maturity parameter of carbonaceous and coaly matter revealed through Raman spectroscopy. Journal of the Geological Society of India, 100(1), 26–34.
5. Naik, A. S., Singh, V., Mohanty, D., Majhi, R. K., Kumar, G., Upadhayay, N. K., Kumari, M., & Rai, S. (2023). Organic petrological facets and the evolution of paleomire, Matasukh lignite. Environmental Geochemistry and Health. Springer.