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Prof K Santhosh Kumar

Prof. Kumar earned his Ph.D. in Chemistry from The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda in May 2011, where his research focused on environmental detection and analysis of pharmaceutical residues using sophisticated analytical methods. His doctoral work demonstrated a remarkable confluence of scientific theory and real-world applications, especially in the critical domain of water treatment and contamination control.

Prior to his doctoral studies, he completed his Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Chemistry from the prestigious National Institute of Technology, Rourkela in 2001. With a specialization in Environmental Chemistry, he graduated with First Class honours, showcasing his academic excellence. His foundational studies began at Utkal University, Odisha, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree with Distinction in Chemistry in 1999.

Prof. Kumar’s academic journey began at Kendriya Vidyalaya, Talcher, Odisha, where he completed his Senior Secondary education with a strong emphasis on science subjects. From his formative years, Prof. Kumar exhibited a deep-rooted curiosity in scientific inquiry, laying the groundwork for his lifelong dedication to environmental and analytical sciences.

Email: hod.chemicalscience@gsfcuniversity.ac.in

M.Sc., National Institute of Technology, Rourkela & Ph.D., The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara

Email: hod.chemicalscience@gsfcuniversity.ac.in & Dean.DOST-AI@gsfcuniversity.ac.in

Prof. K. Santhosh Kumar is a distinguished academician, visionary leader and pioneering researcher in the field of Chemistry, currently serving as Professor of Chemistry, Dean of Student Activities & Alumni Interaction and Head of the Department of Chemical Sciences & Data Science at GSFC University, Vadodara. With a remarkable academic journey spanning over 23 years, Prof. Kumar has earned a stellar reputation for excellence in Analytical and Environmental Chemistry, impactful teaching and institutional development.

Renowned for his scientific rigor and innovative approach, Prof. Kumar’s contributions include the development of advanced analytical techniques, green chemistry initiatives, zeolite-based water filtration systems and impurity profiling of pharmaceuticals using state-of-the-art instrumentation such as LC-MS/MS, Q-ICP-MS, and UV-Visible Spectroscopy. His pioneering research on pharmaceutical residues in water and their environmental implications has been published in internationally reputed journals and recognized at global scientific platforms, including the Eastern Analytical Symposium, USA.

Prof. Kumar has successfully led several high-value research and consultancy projects funded by MHRD, Government of Gujarat, GSFC Ltd., and IITRAM, focusing on sustainable chemistry, teacher training, and infrastructure development. As mentor and guide, he has shaped the research trajectories of numerous Ph.D. scholars, postgraduate students, and industrial interns—many of whom are professionals from leading companies like IPCA Laboratories, Glenmark, Kashiv Biosciences, Rubamin, and GSFC Ltd.

A strong advocate for industry-academia collaboration, Dr. Kumar played a pivotal role in conceptualizing and launching the industry-sponsored Minor Degree in Industrial and Sustainable Chemistry at GSFC University, a first-of-its-kind initiative in India. His teaching methodology bridges theory and practice by bringing real-time industrial case studies into classrooms and helping students secure internships through his expansive network of industry contacts.

Prof. Kumar’s teaching excellence is reflected in his multiple recognitions, including the "Best Faculty – Student’s Choice" Award (twice) and prestigious Foundation Day Awards at GSFC University for:

  • Distinguished Service to GSFCU (Academics)
  • Best School Award (as Head of the School of Science)
  • Team Excellence Award (as Team Leader)

These honors celebrate not just his subject expertise but also his collaborative leadership, student-centric philosophy, and commitment to institutional excellence.

Beyond academics, Dr. Kumar serves on key decision-making bodies such as the Governing Council of GSFC Science Foundation, the Board of Management and Academic Council of GSFC University and the Governing Council of Gujarat Industrial Research and Development Agency (GIRDA). As a Board of Studies member, he contributes to modernizing curriculum and shaping chemistry education in Gujarat and beyond.

His role in establishing the NABL-accredited Chemistry Instrumentation Laboratory at GSFC University is a landmark contribution to building world-class research infrastructure in higher education.

An alumnus of The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda (Ph.D.), NIT Rourkela (M.Sc.), and Utkal University (B.Sc. with Distinction), Prof. Kumar's academic foundation was shaped at Kendriya Vidyalaya, Talcher, where his passion for the sciences took root. He is also a recipient of the UGC Research Fellowship under the Science for Meritorious Students Scheme and was nominated for the prestigious Dr. Vikram Sarabhai Award by the Department of Science & Technology, Government of Gujarat.

Through his tireless efforts in research, teaching, mentorship, academic governance and outreach, Prof. K. Santhosh Kumar stands as a beacon of excellence in India's academic and scientific community—empowering students, elevating institutions and shaping a sustainable, knowledge-driven future.

  1. Ph.D. in Chemistry, The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, 2011. Shodhganga.Inflibnet
  2. M.Sc. in Chemistry (Environmental Chemistry), National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, 2001
  3. B.Sc. with Distinction, Utkal University, 1999
  4. Senior Secondary & High School, Kendriya Vidyalaya, Talcher, 1996 and 1994 respectively.

Analytical and Environmental Chemistry.

Developing and validating advanced analytical techniques.

Academic Projects & Curriculum Development

Book Chapters

  1. R. Patel, D. Samantaray., A. Hansda, K. S. Kumar, S. Mohapatra (2025). Impact of Rising Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide on Soil Health and Plant Nutrition. Soil Health and Nutrition Management, pp. 129-139. https://www.cabidigitallibrary.org/doi/10.1079/9781800624597.0007
  2. R. Agrahari, S. Mohapatra, K. S. Kumar, D. Mohanty, R. Kumar, R. Merugu, (2024). Immuno-Metabolic Interplay in Health and Disease. In: A. Das Mohapatra, P. S. Sahu, (eds) Advances in Immunology and Immuno-techniques. Interdisciplinary Biotechnological Advances. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-97-5508-0_11

Journals

  1. Sheth Jateen, Kumar K Poonam, Suthar Vaishali, Lee Jae-won, Baek Il-Hyun, K. S. Kumar, Indra Neel Pulidindi & Pankaj Sharma (2023). Determination of Toxic Heavy Metals in Theobromine Using Quadrupole Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (Q-ICP-MS). Developments Clin Med Pathol. 2(3). DCMP. 000536. https://crimsonpublishers.com/dcmp/pdf/DCMP.000536.pdf
  2. Zinal Soni, Santosh Patil, K. S. Kumar, K. Poonam (2021). Ultrasound-assisted efficient synthesis of 3-[4-(2-methoxyethyl) phenoxy] propane -1,2 -diol (Metoprolol EP impurity D). Org. Commun. 14:1, 92 – 96. 8. https://acgpubs.org/doc/20210326210410A7-98-OC-2010-1844.pdf
  3. Santosh Patil, Ketan Patel, Rajeev Chadar, Subbiah Ramar, Ashok Prasad, K. Poonam, K. S. Kumar (2021). Evaluation, Method Development, and Validation for Content Determination of Potential Genotoxic Impurities (PGIs) at the TTC Level in Telmisartan API. Org. Process Res. Dev. 2021, 25, 6, 1391–1401. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.oprd.1c00086
  4. Santosh Patil, Gajanan Kantikar, K. S. Kumar, K. Poonam (2021). Identification and Characterization of a New Process Related Impurity in Terbutaline Sulfate by Accurate‑Mass Q‑TOF LC/MS/MS and NMR. Chromatographia, Volume 84, 381–391. 10. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10337-021-04021-2
  5. Dipak Mahajan, Santosh Patil, S. Ramar, K. Poonam, Ashok Prasad & K. S. Kumar (2021). Spectral data analyses, mechanism of formation and control of KSM related impurity of Telmisartan API. IJGHC, February. Sec. A; Vol.10, No.1, 060 – 069.

https://www.ijghc.com/faq.php?category=Green%20Chemistry&volume=10&issue=1

  1. K. S. Kumar, P. B. Samnani (2018).  Pre-concentration and quantitative determination of Fenofibrate present in water. Res. J. Chem. Environ., Vol. 22 (2), 43-48. DOI:10.13140/RG.2.2.12916.65925
  2. K. S. Kumar, P. B. Samnani (2017).  Pre-concentration and Quantitative Determination of Venlafaxine HCl Present in Treated Sewage Water. Int. J. Sc. R. Inov., Volume IV, Issue VIIS, 19-22.
  3. K. S. Kumar, P. B. Samnani (2014).  Development and Validation of a New HPLC Method for Simultaneous determination of Esomeprazole, Venlafaxine HCl and Fenofibrate. Vol.6, No.1, 838 – 844.
  4. K. S. Kumar, P. B. Samnani (2010). Pre – concentration and Quantitative Determination of Esomeprazole Magnesium Present in Water. Anal. Lett., 43: 1427 – 1433. DOI:10.1080/00032710903502058
  5. Ruchika Pal, K. S. Kumar, P. B. Samnani (2007). A New Method for Spectrophotometric Determination of Paracetamol. Anal. Chem. In. J., 6 (2) December.
  6. K. S. Kumar, P.B. Samnani, S. P. Sahoo, N. R. Patel (2007). A Simple Method for Simultaneous Determination of Aspirin and Paracetamol in Treated Municipal Sewage Water in Vadodara. Env. Sc. In. J., 2(3) September.

Prof. K. Santhosh Kumar brings with him a distinguished teaching career spanning over 23 years, marked by academic excellence, passionate mentorship and unwavering dedication to student success. He began his journey as a faculty member at the prestigious Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda (2002–2009), followed by a significant tenure at Navrachana University (2009–2018), where he was honored with the "Best Faculty – Student’s Choice" Award for his inspiring teaching style and impactful engagement with students. Since 2018, Prof. Kumar has been an integral pillar of GSFC University, serving as Professor of Chemistry and shaping future scientists through his leadership and pedagogy.

He teaches both undergraduate and postgraduate students, offering courses in Basic Chemistry and Analytical Chemistry, and is particularly passionate about nurturing scientific temperament and foundational understanding among learners. Beyond traditional teaching, he seamlessly integrates research into education, guiding numerous undergraduate and postgraduate students through research projects and dissertations.

Prof. Kumar actively encourages students to understand the dynamics of the industry and helps them develop practical skills by facilitating industrial internships through his strong network of industry connections. He brings industry into the classroom by incorporating live case studies, real-time industrial challenges, and practical examples—bridging the gap between academic learning and industrial application.

His influence extends well beyond the classroom. Several working professionals from leading industries such as IPCA Laboratories, Glenmark, Kashiv Biosciences, Rubamin and GSFC Ltd. are currently pursuing their doctoral research under his mentorship—testament to his credibility and academic stature in the research community. Known for his ability to connect theory with practical applications, Prof. Kumar has played a pivotal role in curriculum design, academic planning and fostering an enriched learning environment that encourages inquiry, innovation, and excellence.

Prof. K. Santhosh Kumar has spearheaded and successfully delivered a diverse portfolio of prestigious research and consultancy projects, establishing himself as a dynamic contributor to applied scientific research. His work has earned funding from prominent institutions such as the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD), Government of Gujarat, GSFC Ltd. and the Institute of Infrastructure, Technology, Research and Management (IITRAM).

His research expertise spans several high-impact domains including analytical method development, green chemistry, pharmaceutical impurity profiling and sustainable environmental solutions. Among his noteworthy projects are the development of novel zeolite-based biofiltration systems for industrial effluent treatment, comprehensive assessments for teacher training and recruitment in tribal regions, and the design of chemistry laboratory infrastructure for emerging institutes. He also served as Co-Principal Investigator in a national project funded under the NMEICT scheme by MHRD, Government of India, which focused on the creation of digital learning resources for undergraduate biochemistry education.

Dr. Kumar has mentored a vibrant group of research scholars and students, guiding Ph.D. candidates, M.Sc. dissertation students and undergraduate research projects. His mentorship has played a critical role in nurturing young minds and bridging the gap between academic research and industrial application.

A prolific author, Prof. Kumar has published numerous research papers in high-impact, peer-reviewed national and international journals. His work demonstrates scientific rigor and relevance, particularly in pharmaceutical residue analysis, environmental chemistry, and impurity profiling in active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs).

Most Three Notable Publications:

  1. Evaluation, Method Development, and Validation for Content Determination of Potential Genotoxic Impurities (PGIs) at the TTC Level in Telmisartan API, Organic Process Research & Development, 2021 – a significant contribution to pharmaceutical safety and impurity control.
  2. Identification and Characterization of a New Process-Related Impurity in Terbutaline Sulfate by Accurate‑Mass Q‑TOF LC/MS/MS and NMR, Chromatographia, 2021 – a paper widely cited for its advanced analytical techniques.
  3. Pre-concentration and Quantitative Determination of Esomeprazole Magnesium Present in Water, Analytical Letters, 2010 – a landmark study in environmental pharmaceutical analysis published in a journal of international repute.

Among his many achievements, Prof. Kumar’s research titled “Pre-concentration and Quantitative Determination of Venlafaxine HCl Present in Water” received wide appreciation when presented at the 2013 Eastern Analytical Symposium & Exposition in New Jersey, USA, underscoring his global research presence.

Beyond his individual research contributions, Prof. Kumar remains deeply engaged with the scientific community as an active member of the Indian Society of Analytical Scientists, Baroda Chapter, and serves on the Governing Council of GSFC Science Foundation. His commitment to translational research, industry collaboration, and scientific integrity continues to influence policy, education, and innovation in the fields of chemistry and environmental science.

Prof. Kumar remains actively engaged in high-impact academic, scientific and institutional roles, significantly contributing to the advancement of chemistry education and research infrastructure in India. He is a distinguished member of several key academic and governance bodies, including the Governing Council of GSFC Science Foundation,  Governing Council of Gujarat Industrial Research and Development Agency (GIRDA) and the Board of Management of GSFC University, where his expertise informs policy-making, curriculum innovation and strategic institutional planning. As a subject expert, he also serves on the Board of Studies for Chemical Sciences, where he plays a pivotal role in shaping modern chemistry education.

Dr. Kumar’s commitment to continuous professional development is evident through his frequent participation in national workshops, symposia, and faculty development programs across domains such as spectroscopy, chromatography, environmental monitoring and educational pedagogy. His leadership was instrumental in the conceptualization and establishment of a world-class Chemistry and Life Science Laboratories at GSFC University and from which Chemistry Instrumentation Laboratory has now earned the prestigious NABL accreditation, a benchmark of technical competence and quality assurance in laboratory testing.

Dr. Kumar’s exemplary academic journey and dedication to scientific excellence have been widely recognized through numerous prestigious accolades. He is a proud recipient of the UGC Research Fellowship under the “Science for Meritorious Students” scheme, a national honor bestowed upon high-performing researchers in the sciences. In recognition of his outstanding contributions to environmental science, he was nominated for the renowned Dr. Vikram Sarabhai Award in 2010 by the Department of Science & Technology, Government of Gujarat—a rare distinction in the field.

His deep commitment to student engagement and impactful teaching has earned him the “Best Faculty – Student’s Choice” Award twice during his tenure at Navrachana University, reflecting his student-centric approach and dedication to nurturing young scientific minds.

At GSFC University, Dr. Kumar has continued this legacy of excellence, being conferred with multiple Foundation Day Awards that acknowledge his holistic contributions to institutional growth. These include:

  • Distinguished Service to GSFCU (Academics) – recognizing his visionary academic leadership and innovation.
  • Best School Award – received on behalf of his school as Head of Department, for sustained academic excellence and professional growth.
  • Team Excellence Award – received as team leader, honoring his collaborative leadership and ability to mobilize teams toward achieving institutional goals.

These accolades not only celebrate his individual brilliance but also his ability to inspire and uplift those around him, making him an invaluable asset to GSFC University and the broader academic community.