Dr. Prashant Dhakephalkar is a distinguished scientist and currently serves as the Director of Agharkar Research Institute (ARI), Pune and Director (Additional Charge), IASST, Guwahati. With a strong educational background and extensive scientific experience, he has made significant contributions to the field of microbiology and environmental research. His scientific journey began with his early academic achievements, culminating in a Ph.D. in Microbiology. In 1998, he joined University of Virginia, Charlottesville, USA as a Postdoctoral researcher. He has over 30 years of experience in the field of microbiology and environmental research. His research focuses on investigating the microbial diversity associated with extreme, pristine, and other unique habitats for taxonomic novelty and biotechnological potential. Furthermore, his expertise in microbial cultures and consortiums has led to the development of cutting-edge technologies in the fields of bioenergy, petroleum biotechnology, bioremediation, and the production of valuable enzymes and biomolecules. He is widely recognized for his expertise in the field and has mentored 15 Ph.D. and several M.Sc. students. With a remarkable track record, he has authored over 98 papers in esteemed journals, solidifying his reputation as a prolific researcher in the field. He has also collaborated with several industrial partners such as ONGC, HTBL, KPIT, etc. to develop innovative technologies that address pressing environmental and energy challenges.
Dr. Prashant Dhakephalkar’s dedication to advancing scientific knowledge, coupled with his practical contributions through industrial collaborations, has established him as a leading figure in the field of microbiology and environmental research. He has been serving as the Director (Additional Charge) of IASST, Guwahati since November 23, 2025.