Dr. Digvijay Singh Yadav is an algal biologist and currently a Postdoctoral Researcher at the CSIR-Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute (CSIR-CSMCRI). His work spans transport stress mitigation using seaweed-derived extracts, yield and regeneration enhancement through bio-effector pulse treatments in high-value agarophytes and carrageenophytes, and genomics and forecasting combining DNA barcoding with autoregressive time-series models to analyze three decades of global aquaculture trends. He works at the intersection of applied phycology and marine biotechnology to translate laboratory insights into eco-friendly, commercially viable solutions for coastal communities and sustainable bio-industries.

Dr. Khushbu Bhayani is a microbiologist specializing in algal biotechnology and marine bioresources. Her doctoral research focused on the bioprospecting, extraction, characterization, and application of pigments derived from microalgae. Her current research interests include seaweed-based biomaterials, algal biopolymers, metabolomics, nano-biotechnology, seaweed-derived functional products, and sustainable valorisation of marine biomass with emphasis on innovative and environmentally sustainable approaches for the development of value-added marine bioresources.

Bhavik Kantilal Bhagiya is a PhD scholar at the Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), India, and a Project Associate at CSIR–CSMCRI, Bhavnagar. His research explores seaweed biology, sustainable aquaculture, and systems-level biology, integrating physiological, biochemical, and multi-omics approaches to investigate growth regulation, life-history phase transitions, and metabolic adaptation in economically important seaweeds. He is also involved in a national-scale project identifying potential seaweed cultivation locations across the Indian coastline and advancing seaweed valorization technologies.

Bhagirath Rakhasiya is a Project Associate-I at CSIR-CSMCRI, Bhavnagar, with over two years of research experience in seaweed biotechnology and marine bioresources. His research focuses on seaweed cultivation, bioprocessing, biochemical characterization, and development of value-added products from seaweed biomass. He has hands-on experience with molecular biology and advanced analytical techniques including ICP-MS, NMR, HPLC, FTIR, PXRD, SEM, E-nose, and E-tongue. He is currently pursuing an Integrated Dual Degree (M.Tech.–Ph.D.) in Biotechnology at AcSIR under the guidance of Dr. Vaibhav A. Mantri.

Isaimozhi V. completed her Master’s degree in Marine Science from Bharathidasan University, Tamil Nadu. She is currently pursuing her Ph.D. through AcSIR at CSIR-CSMCRI, Marine Algal Research Station, Mandapam Camp, under the guidance of Dr. Vaibhav A. Mantri. She has experience in microalgal cultivation, biomass processing, and CO₂ sequestration. Her current research focuses on enhancing the protein quality and digestibility of potentially edible seaweeds through biological treatments, aimed at improving their nutritional value for potential use in functional food applications.

Abantika Majumder completed her M.Sc. in Marine Science from Bharathidasan University, India. She is currently a CSIR-Senior Research Fellow (Direct) at CSIR-CSMCRI, Marine Algal Research Station, Mandapam Camp, pursuing her Ph.D. through AcSIR under the guidance of Dr. Vaibhav A. Mantri. Her doctoral research focuses on the process development of tank-based cultivation technology for the edible green seaweed Ulva.

Arti Bhojani is a Ph.D. Research Scholar at CSIR-CSMCRI, Bhavnagar, working under the guidance of Dr. Vaibhav A. Mantri. Her research evaluates the impact of biostimulants on the red seaweed Gracilaria corticata var. cylindrica, with implications for commercial seaweed farming.

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