Gunjan Pandey

Dr. Gunjan Pandey serves as a Senior Research Scientist at CSIRO Environment in Canberra, Australia, within the Industry Environment Program. She concurrently holds an Adjunct Fellow position at Macquarie University since 2019 and serves on editorial boards for PLOS One and Insects journals.

Her academic credentials include:

• PhD in Biotechnology from Institute of Microbial Technology, Chandigarh, India (2005)
• MSc in Biochemistry from G. B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, India (1999)
• BSc in Zoology, Botany and Chemistry from Kumaun University, Nainital, India (1996)

Her research integrates three core domains: applied genomics leveraging bioinformatics for accelerated discovery; insect-based engineering for circular economy waste conversion; and novel gene-enzyme systems for biotechnological innovation. This work spans environmental, health, food security, and biosecurity applications through genomic and synthetic biology approaches.

Analysis of her 15+ publications reveals a dominant focus on chromosomal genome assembly of ecologically and agriculturally significant organisms using long-read sequencing technologies. Key thematic clusters include pest management (cotton bollworm, fire ants), circular economy applications (black soldier fly), crop improvement (cowpea, ryegrass), and ecosystem conservation (coral reef starfish).

Her scientific recognition includes:

• Julius Career Award (CSIRO, 2014-2016)
• Senior Research Fellowship (DBT/CSIR India, 2002-2004)
• Junior Research Fellowship (DBT/CSIR India, 1999-2001)

Dr. Pandey directs multiple grant-funded initiatives including bio-inspired plastic digestion (2023-2026), insect-based waste detoxification systems (2023-2026), and organofluorine bioremediation research (2021-2024), while serving on CSIRO's Institutional Biosafety Committee since 2011. Her editorial roles in PLOS One and Insects demonstrate active scholarly engagement.

As lead researcher in CSIRO's Industry Environment Program, she develops genomic solutions for sustainable resource management, with particular emphasis on insect-mediated circular economy systems and translational biotechnology applications.