Sugar Research Institute Board of Director, Naidu, awarded in London

DProfessor Naidu is the founding director of the University of Newcastle’s Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER).

istinguished scientist Laureate Professor and Sugar Research Institute of Fiji’s Board of Director Ravi Naidu was awarded the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award (PBSA).

It is the highest honour conferred to a non-Indian resident or person of Indian Origin who has made significant contributions in their respective field. The award was presented at the House of Commons in London. Professor Naidu is Fijian of Indian descent, and is the founding director of the University of Newcastle’s Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER). He was recognised for his outstanding achievements and global leadership in the field of environmental research at an exclusive event at Parliament House in London, England on Friday, 30 September.

Chair of Sugar Research Institute of Fiji (SRIF) Board Prakash Chand together with Board of Directors and staff extended their hearty congratulations and appreciation on his prodigious achievement.

As a global leader in contamination studies, Professor Naidu’s work focuses on the remediation of contaminated soil, water and air, and the potential impacts of contaminants upon environmental and human health at a local, national and global level.

His research has led to the implementation of policy directives for governments and new technology to manage and remediate wastewater, polluted groundwater and soil, both in Australia and abroad.

Professor Naidu is thrilled with his work being acknowledged across the globe and being recognised by his home country.

“It’s quite a prestigious award for non-residency Indians. It was completely unexpected to receive such an honour and feels humbling to be recognised in such a way. My hope is that the award will help attract more attention to the issue of soil pollution,” Professor Naidu said.

“Soil pollution is at the centre of food security and climate change. At the GCER, we want to see how countries like Australia can help developing countries address the global issue of environmental health together.”

Mr Prakash Chand says: “This award is a well-deserved recognition to the excellent research work of Prof. Ravi globally. We are very proud of Prof. Ravi and wish him many more laurels”.