Growth of Phycology at BHU

Bharadwaja’s School of Phycology continued to thrive through the contributions of distinguished phycologists like J.N. Mishra (Phaeophyceae), Y.S.R.K. Sarma (Cytogenetics), E.R.S. Talpasayi (Cyanobacterial Physiology), H.D. Kumar (Genetics, Environmental Phycology), S.P. Singh (Metal Stress), D.N. Tiwari (Heterocyst Differentiation and Nitrogen Fixation), A.K. Kashyap (Algal Ecology and Physiology), B.R. Chaudhary (Algal Cytogenetics), A.K. Rai (Stress Physiology and Biochemistry), L.C. Rai (Cyanobacterial Proteomics and Metabolomics) and J.P. Gaur (Heavy Metal Stress). Their work broadened the scope of algal research, integrating molecular biology, biotechnology, and environmental phycology into the curriculum and research programs at BHU. Today, the third- and fourth-generation phycologists, comprising one-third of the department’s faculty, continue to build on this rich legacy. The Department of Botany at BHU remains at the forefront of phycological research, focusing on:

Algal and Cyanobacterial Taxonomy, Evolution, and Systematics
Algae and Cyanobacteria in Environmental Sustainability and Climate Change Mitigation
Abiotic stresses and cellular responses in algae and cyanobacteria
Study of algal and cyanobacterial symbioses
Algal and Cyanobacterial Metabolites and Pharmaceutical Potential
Algal biomass and biofuels

Through interdisciplinary collaborations and cutting-edge research, the School of Phycology at BHU continues to shape the future of algal biotechnology, environmental conservation, and sustainable agriculture.