Dr. Jupinder Kaur joined PAU as a Microbiologist on 02.08.2018. She obtained her B.Sc. (Biotechnology Hons.) from G.H.G. Khalsa College, Gurusar Sadhar, affiliated with Panjab University, Chandigarh in 2011, followed by her M.Sc. (Microbiology) and Ph.D. (Microbiology) from PAU, Ludhiana in 2013 and 2018, respectively. Her field of specialization is Soil Microbiology, with key research interests focusing on the development and promotion of biofertilizers for enhancing soil health and crop productivity. She is presently serving as Co-Principal Investigator in the DBT-funded project. Additionally, she has completed one NHM-funded project as Co-PI, one project funded by PAU as Co-PI and three testing projects funded by industry. She has guided ten M.Sc. and one Ph.D. student as a major advisor, published over 25 research articles in national and international peer-reviewed journals and authored nine book chapters with leading academic publishers. In addition to her research and teaching commitments, Dr. Kaur is actively involved in outreach and extension activities. She has delivered more than 40 lectures to farmers, entrepreneurs, and rural youth to disseminate knowledge on biofertilizers, sustainable farming practices, and the application of microbial technology in agriculture. She has been the recipient of several prestigious academic awards and fellowships. Presently, she is the member of the research and extension committee of Department of Microbiology. Through her dedication to research, academic mentorship, and knowledge dissemination, Dr. Jupinder Kaur continues to play a pivotal role in advancing microbial applications in agriculture and promoting sustainable farming practices.

Professional Accomplishments

Research Projects

Ongoing:

1. DBT-BUILDER –Punjab Agricultural University Interdisciplinary Life Science Programme for Advance Research and Education (Co-PI). Completed
2. Rejuvenation of declining citrus orchards in Punjab (2021-24) funded by NHM as Co-PI.
3. Scaling up of biofertilizers containing phosphate-solubilizing bacteria funded by PAU, Ludhiana as Co-Investigator.
4. Testing of Biostimulant “Total-20/ Gromor F-20” for application in maize funded by Criyagen Agri & Biotech Pvt Ltd. in 2022-23 as Co-PI.
5. Testing of Biostimulant “Potassium humate granules/PH-50” (Co-PI) for application in maize funded by Criyagen Agri & Biotech Pvt Ltd. in 2022-23 as Co-PI.
6. Testing the bioefficacy of RALLIGOLD GR ® Mycorrhizal biofertilizer for soil application in paddy funded by Rallis India Pvt. Ltd in 2023 as Co-PI.

Research Publications:

1. Vishnu, Sharma P, Kaur J and Walia SS (2025) Harnessing the potential of sulphur oxidizing Bacillus with agrochemicals for improving soil health and nutrient acquisition in Brassica napus L. Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition. (NAAS Rating: 9.40) https://doi.org/10.1007/s42729-025-02392-1

2. Taman, Kaur J and Walia SS (2025) Co-inoculation of indigenous Pseudomonas sp. and Priestia sp. to improve the soil health, plant growth, yield and fruit quality parameters of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.). Current Microbiology 82:210. (NAAS Rating: 8.30) https://doi.org/10.1007/s00284-025-04191-4

3. Kaur J, Srivignesh S, Vishnu and Walia SS (2025) Imidacloprid- and carbendazim-tolerant nitrogen fixing Azospirillum improved soil health, growth and yield of rice crop in pesticide amended soils. Cereal Research Communications. (NAAS Rating: 7.60) https://doi.org/10.1007/s42976-024-00622-3

4. Vishnu, Sharma P, Kaur J, Gosal SK and Walia SS (2024) Characterization of sulfur oxidizing bacteria and their effect on growth promotion of Brassica napus L. Journal of Basic Microbiology 64(12):e2400239. (NAAS Rating: 9.10) https://doi.org/10.1002/jobm.202400239 
5. Kaur G, Kaur J and Walia SS (2024) Effect of integrated nutrient management on soil health, soil quality, and production of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.). Journal of Basic Microbiology 64:e2400225. (NAAS Rating: 9.10) https://doi.org/10.1002/jobm.202400225

6. Dudeja I, Mankoo RK, Singh A and Kaur J (2023) Development, characterisation and biodegradability of rice straw lignin based sustainable biopolymeric films. International Journal of Food Science and Technology 58:2754–2763. (NAAS Rating: 9.61) https://doi.org/10.1111/ijfs.16105

7. Kapil S, Mankoo RK, Dudeja I, Singh A and Kaur J (2023) Structural, antioxidant, antibacterial and biodegradation properties of rice straw xylan (native and modified) based biofilms. International Journal of Food Science and Technology 58:2772–2781. (NAAS Rating: 9.61) https://doi.org/10.1111/ijfs.16118

Awards and Recognitions:

1. Awarded “Young Scientist Award” by the Royal Science Forum in the 2nd Virtual International Conference on Advances in Food and Agricultural Science and Technology (2nd VICAFAST) held on 27 th and 28 th August, 2022.

2. Awarded S. Jawahar Singh and Srd. Satbachan Kaur Memorial “Young Scientist Award” by Punjab Academy of Sciences, Patiala in 21 st Punjab Science Congress held at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana from February 7-9, 2018.

3. Awarded with Shri Puran Anand Adlakha Medal for obtaining highest OCPA (8.73/10.00) in M.Sc for the year 2013, PAU, Ludhiana.

4. Awarded Maulana Azad National Fellowship (MANF- JRF and SRF) for minority students by University Grants Commission (UGC), India during Ph.D.

5. Award of Honour for securing highest OCPA (8.77) in Ph.D Microbiology by Society for Advancement of Academics, Sports and Cultural Activities (SAASCA), Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana.

6. Qualified ARS-NET, 2014, 2015.
7. Among six students from all over India to qualify ARS-Mains examination-2015.
8. Awarded with merit certificate for obtaining an overall credit point average of 8.73/10.0 in M.Sc Microbiology Programme at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, India.

9. Award of Honour for securing highest OCPA 8.73 in M.Sc Microbiology by Society for Advancement of Academics, Sports and Cultural Activities (SAASCA), Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana.

10. University Merit fellowship holder during M.Sc programme (2011-2013) by Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, India.