Vikram GUPTA | Planetary Sciences | Outstanding Scientist Award

Prof. Vikram GUPTA | Planetary Sciences | Outstanding Scientist Award

Professor from Sikkim University, India

Dr. Vikram Gupta is a distinguished geoscientist with extensive experience in the fields of Engineering Geology, Applied Geology, Geomorphology, Natural Hazards, and Disaster Management. With over three decades of academic, research, and professional engagement, he has made significant contributions to understanding and mitigating natural hazards, particularly in the Himalayan region. Dr. Gupta’s academic excellence is complemented by international exposure through advanced training and postdoctoral fellowships in Switzerland, Macedonia, South Africa, and Turkey. His work integrates both theoretical and applied aspects of geoscience, contributing to policy and practice in disaster risk reduction. He has authored over 95 research papers, prepared more than 40 technical reports, and has delivered more than 75 invited lectures globally. He has also guided numerous doctoral students and served in various leadership roles, including as Scientist ‘G’ and Technical Secretary to the Director at Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology. Currently, he is a Professor in the Department of Geology at Sikkim University. Recognized as one of the Top 2% Scientists by Stanford University and recipient of multiple national awards, Dr. Gupta exemplifies research excellence, academic leadership, and scientific service. His work continues to inspire new generations of geologists and disaster management professionals.

Professional Profile

Education

Dr. Vikram Gupta holds a strong and diverse educational background in geology and related disciplines. He began his academic journey with a B.Sc. (Hons School) in Geology from Panjab University, Chandigarh in 1987, followed by an M.Sc. (Hons School) in Geology from the same university in 1988. Demonstrating early academic excellence, he earned his M.Phil. in Geology in 1989 with distinction. He further pursued a Ph.D. in Geology from HNB Garhwal University in 1998 while working full-time at the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, Dehradun. In addition to his core academic qualifications, Dr. Gupta expanded his expertise through international certifications. He completed a Certificate Course in French at the University of Fribourg, Switzerland in 1996. He also earned a PG Diploma in Aseismic Design and Construction from the University of St. Cyril and Methodius, Macedonia in 2004, and a PG Diploma in Disaster Management and Risk Analysis from the University of Geneva, Switzerland in 2005. These diverse qualifications reflect his interdisciplinary knowledge and global perspective, equipping him with the necessary skills to address complex geological and environmental challenges in both academic and applied contexts.

Professional Experience

Dr. Vikram Gupta’s professional journey spans various prestigious institutions across the globe, reflecting his expertise and leadership in geosciences. His early career began as a Geologist at the Nathpa Jakhri Joint Venture in Himachal Pradesh in 1995. He then transitioned to international academia and research, undertaking a postdoctoral fellowship at Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Switzerland from 1996 to 1998. He continued his postdoctoral work at the University of the Western Cape, South Africa, until 2000. From 2000 to 2003, he served as Assistant Professor at Fatih University in Istanbul, Turkey, where he contributed to academic development in geology. Returning to India, Dr. Gupta joined the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology in 2003, where he steadily rose through the ranks from Scientist ‘C’ to Scientist ‘G’, also serving as the Technical Secretary to the Director. In July 2023, he transitioned to academia full-time and is currently serving as Professor at the Department of Geology, Sikkim University, Gangtok. His career demonstrates a rich blend of research, teaching, and leadership, marked by national and international collaboration and service in key scientific and administrative roles.

Research Interests

Dr. Vikram Gupta’s research interests span a broad spectrum of earth sciences with a particular focus on Engineering Geology, Geomorphology, Applied Geology, and Natural Hazards. His primary area of expertise lies in understanding the geological and geomorphic processes that contribute to natural disasters such as landslides and seismic hazards, particularly in the Himalayan region. He has a strong interest in disaster risk reduction, with an emphasis on integrating geological research with community-based resilience strategies. His interdisciplinary background, reinforced through advanced international training, allows him to bridge geological sciences with engineering practices and policy development in disaster management. Dr. Gupta has actively participated in and led externally funded research projects related to hazard mapping, slope stability analysis, and geoenvironmental risk assessment. He has also collaborated with global institutions to explore geohazard risk in varied terrains, extending his research impact beyond national boundaries. His contributions have supported national planning for infrastructure in hazard-prone regions and have guided local governments in implementing effective mitigation strategies. Through his work, he aims to make scientific knowledge accessible and actionable, thereby playing a critical role in shaping resilient communities and sustainable development initiatives in vulnerable mountainous regions.

Research Skills

Dr. Vikram Gupta possesses a robust suite of research skills that align with his interdisciplinary interests in geosciences and disaster management. He is adept at field-based geological investigations, remote sensing, and GIS-based hazard mapping, which are essential for understanding and managing geological risks. His technical capabilities include slope stability analysis, site characterization for infrastructure planning, and seismic microzonation. With extensive experience in preparing technical reports and research proposals, Dr. Gupta also excels in scientific writing and project management. His involvement in over 40 technical reports and nearly 100 research publications attests to his command over data analysis, modeling, and interpretation of complex geological phenomena. In addition, he has guided 10 awarded Ph.D. students and currently supervises four others, demonstrating his mentoring skills and dedication to research training. His international education and collaboration experience further enhance his research capabilities in cross-cultural and interdisciplinary settings. Dr. Gupta’s ability to translate scientific insights into policy and practical guidelines makes him a valuable contributor to national and international disaster management frameworks. His skills not only lie in generating new knowledge but also in applying it meaningfully to reduce vulnerabilities and enhance resilience in hazard-prone areas.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Vikram Gupta has received several prestigious awards and recognitions that underscore his excellence and contributions in geosciences. He has been recognized among the Top 2% Scientists in the world by Stanford University, a testament to the global impact of his research. In 2022, he was honored with the National Geoscience Award, one of the highest recognitions for geoscientists in India, awarded by the Ministry of Mines, Government of India. In the same year, he also received the GSI Sesquicentennial Commemorative Award, which celebrates significant contributions to the Geological Survey of India’s mission and objectives. These accolades reflect his standing in the scientific community and validate the depth and relevance of his research work. In addition to these awards, Dr. Gupta has been actively involved in important national and international committees, further contributing to policy-making and scientific governance. His invited lectures—over 75 in number—have been delivered at prestigious forums, reflecting his role as a thought leader and expert in his field. These honors not only acknowledge his past achievements but also affirm his continuing influence on geoscientific research and disaster management practices both nationally and globally.

Conclusion

Dr. Vikram Gupta exemplifies the qualities of a dedicated, accomplished, and impactful geoscientist whose career is marked by academic excellence, professional leadership, and meaningful contributions to societal challenges. His extensive background in geology, enriched by international education and interdisciplinary training, positions him uniquely to address complex environmental and geohazard issues. Through his research, he has advanced the understanding of landslides, seismic risks, and geomorphic processes, particularly in the vulnerable Himalayan region. His leadership roles at premier research institutions and current position as a professor underscore his commitment to education and mentoring. Recognized globally, including by Stanford University and national science bodies, Dr. Gupta continues to influence scientific discourse, policy frameworks, and community resilience strategies. His record of publications, technical reports, lectures, and project leadership illustrates a sustained and impactful career. While further expansion of global research collaborations and authorship of major academic texts could enhance his profile, his existing accomplishments already place him among the top-tier scientists in his field. In conclusion, Dr. Vikram Gupta is a highly deserving candidate for the Outstanding Scientist Award in Research, demonstrating a rare blend of scientific acumen, practical relevance, and institutional service.

Publications Top Notes

  1. Title: Spatial distribution of landslides in response to the geomorphometric constraints in Darma Valley, Kumaun Himalaya
    Authors: M. Shawez, Vikram V. Gupta, Anand Kumar A.K. Gupta, Gautam S. G.S. Rawat
    Year: 2025

  2. Title: Spatial Inter-relationship Between Geomorphic Indices and Climatic Proxies with Landslides in the Bhagirathi Valley, NW Himalaya
    Authors: Meenakshi M. Devi, Vikram V. Gupta, B. K. B.K. Ram
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 2

  3. Title: Landslide susceptibility zonation using integrated supervised and unsupervised machine learning techniques in the Bhagirathi Eco-Sensitive Zone (BESZ), Uttarakhand, Himalaya, India
    Authors: Meenakshi M. Devi, Vikram V. Gupta, Kripamoy K. Sarkar
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 2

  4. Title: Landslide susceptibility mapping and sensitivity analysis using various machine learning models: a case study of Beas valley, Indian Himalaya
    Authors: Ramandeep R. Kaur, Vikram V. Gupta, Bhagwan Singh B.S. Chaudhary
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 6

  5. Title: Geotechnical Characterization and PS-InSAR for Risk Analysis of Solang Landslide in Beas Valley, NW Himalaya: A Wake-Up Call!
    Authors: Ramandeep R. Kaur, Vikram V. Gupta, Kapil Kumar K.K. Malik, Bhagwan Singh B.S. Chaudhary
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 2

  6. Title: Physico-mechanical characterization of Higher Himalayan granite under the thermal treatments of different heating–cooling conditions
    Authors: B. K. B.K. Ram, Vikram V. Gupta
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 8

  7. Title: Evaluating failure regime of an active landslide using instability and rockfall simulation, NW Himalaya
    Authors: Imlirenla I. Jamir, Vipin V. Kumar, Arun Kumar A.K. Ojha, Tapas Ranjan T.R. Martha, D. V. D.V. Griffiths
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 2

Tommaso Moramarco | Planetary Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Tommaso Moramarco | Planetary Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Direttore at Research Institute for Geo-Hydrological Protection CNR, Italy

Dr. Tommaso Moramarco is a highly esteemed researcher in the field of hydrology and hydraulic engineering, with over three decades of experience. Currently serving as the President of the CNR Research Area of Turin, he has significantly contributed to hydrological research, particularly in flood forecasting, hydraulic risk mitigation, and climate change adaptation. With over 350 scientific publications, including 182 articles in high-impact ISI journals, he has achieved a remarkable h-index of 51 on Google Scholar. Dr. Moramarco has successfully secured more than €23 million in research funding, establishing and leading the Hydrology Group at the Research Institute for Geo-Hydrological Protection (IRPI). His research is recognized internationally, evidenced by his roles as a visiting scientist at leading institutions like MIT and Louisiana State University and his leadership positions in global hydrological organizations.

Professional Profile

Education

Dr. Moramarco earned his M.Sc. in Civil Engineering with a specialization in Hydraulic and Territorial Defense from the University of Bari in 1989, graduating with top honors (110/110). He pursued advanced training and scholarships in hydrology and hydraulic risk assessment at institutions like the University of Basilicata and the National Research Council (CNR). His educational background laid a strong foundation for his expertise in hydrology, environmental impact assessments, and hydraulic engineering.

Professional Experience

Dr. Moramarco’s professional journey spans diverse roles at the CNR. He has served as the Director of the Research Institute for Geo-Hydrological Protection (2010–2019), Director of Research (2019–2021), and is currently the Scientific Responsible for the Tech4You PNRR project. His leadership includes coordinating flood forecasting initiatives and advising Italian authorities on hydraulic risk management. He also represents CNR in Umbria’s regional institutional relationships and has mentored numerous Ph.D. and M.Sc. candidates.

Research Interests

Dr. Moramarco’s research encompasses hydrological processes, flood forecasting, hydraulic risk mitigation, and climate change adaptation. His work focuses on hydro-meteorological monitoring (ground-based and satellite), rainfall spatial analysis, entropy theory applications, watershed surface water modeling, and the use of artificial intelligence in hydrology. He has advanced flood and landslide prediction models, improved hydraulic risk assessments, and developed methodologies for dam safety and drought analysis.

Research Skills

Dr. Moramarco excels in hydro-meteorological monitoring, flood forecasting, hydraulic modeling, and the application of artificial neural networks and genetic algorithms to hydrology. His expertise spans satellite data analysis, rainfall spatial distribution modeling, and the assessment of hydraulic risks. He is adept at managing multidisciplinary teams and securing substantial research funding, demonstrating exceptional project leadership and coordination skills.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Moramarco’s accolades include the Presidency of the Italian Hydrological Society (2017–2022), Best Associate Editor for the Journal of Hydrologic Engineering (2019), and several best paper and poster awards from prestigious scientific forums. His contributions have earned him recognition as an outstanding reviewer and member of national and international hydrological committees. Notably, his work on satellite soil moisture data was highlighted by Nature as a research highlight.

Conclusion

Tommaso Moramarco’s extensive expertise in hydrology, leadership in research innovation, and outstanding publication record make him a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His contributions have significantly advanced flood forecasting, hydraulic risk mitigation, and climate adaptation, with substantial global impact. By focusing on interdisciplinary collaboration, public engagement, and emerging technologies, his already impressive career could achieve even greater heights.

Publication Top Notes

  • “Soil moisture estimation through ASCAT and AMSR-E sensors: An intercomparison and validation study across Europe”
    • Authors: L. Brocca, S. Hasenauer, T. Lacava, F. Melone, T. Moramarco, W. Wagner, …
    • Journal: Remote Sensing of Environment
    • Year: 2011
    • Citations: 665
  • “Soil moisture spatial variability in experimental areas of central Italy”
    • Authors: L. Brocca, R. Morbidelli, F. Melone, T. Moramarco
    • Journal: Journal of Hydrology
    • Year: 2007
    • Citations: 517
  • “Spatial‐temporal variability of soil moisture and its estimation across scales”
    • Authors: L. Brocca, F. Melone, T. Moramarco, R. Morbidelli
    • Journal: Water Resources Research
    • Year: 2010
    • Citations: 483
  • “Improving runoff prediction through the assimilation of the ASCAT soil moisture product”
    • Authors: L. Brocca, F. Melone, T. Moramarco, W. Wagner, V. Naeimi, Z. Bartalis, …
    • Journal: Hydrology and Earth System Sciences
    • Year: 2010
    • Citations: 463
  • “Soil as a natural rain gauge: Estimating global rainfall from satellite soil moisture data”
    • Authors: L. Brocca, L. Ciabatta, C. Massari, T. Moramarco, S. Hahn, S. Hasenauer, …
    • Journal: Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres
    • Year: 2014
    • Citations: 403
  • “Soil moisture temporal stability over experimental areas in Central Italy”
    • Authors: L. Brocca, F. Melone, T. Moramarco, R. Morbidelli
    • Journal: Geoderma
    • Year: 2009
    • Citations: 330
  • “On the estimation of antecedent wetness conditions in rainfall–runoff modelling”
    • Authors: L. Brocca, F. Melone, T. Moramarco
    • Journal: Hydrological Processes: An International Journal
    • Year: 2008
    • Citations: 324
  • “Catchment scale soil moisture spatial–temporal variability”
    • Authors: L. Brocca, T. Tullo, F. Melone, T. Moramarco, R. Morbidelli
    • Journal: Journal of Hydrology
    • Year: 2012
    • Citations: 313
  • “Assimilation of surface-and root-zone ASCAT soil moisture products into rainfall–runoff modeling”
    • Authors: L. Brocca, T. Moramarco, F. Melone, W. Wagner, S. Hasenauer, S. Hahn
    • Journal: IEEE Transactions on Geoscience and Remote Sensing
    • Year: 2011
    • Citations: 313
  • “A new method for rainfall estimation through soil moisture observations”
    • Authors: L. Brocca, T. Moramarco, F. Melone, W. Wagner
    • Journal: Geophysical Research Letters
    • Year: 2013
    • Citations: 248