Prof. Dr. Rohit Mehra | Dr. BR Ambedkar National Institute of Technology | India
Prof. Rohit Mehra is a distinguished academician and researcher in the field of Radiation Physics and Environmental Radioactivity, currently serving as Dean of Research and Consultancy and Professor of Physics at Dr. B. R. Ambedkar NIT Jalandhar. With over 27 years of teaching experience and 18 years of post-Ph.D. research, he has authored 200+ SCI-indexed publications, supervised 25 Ph.D. scholars, and led major R&D projects funded by BRNS, CSIR, and DST. Recognized among the world’s top 2% scientists by Stanford University, his impactful work on natural radiation exposure and health risk assessment, especially in the Malwa region of Punjab, has earned national and international acclaim. Prof. Mehra also holds key administrative positions and fosters global collaborations in radiation dosimetry and environmental safety.
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Early Academic Pursuits
Prof. Rohit Mehra’s academic journey began with a deep-rooted interest in Physics, which he pursued with unwavering dedication. He completed his B.Sc. in Electronics and M.Sc. in Applied Geophysics from Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar. He then undertook a Ph.D. in Nuclear Physics at the same institution, with his doctoral research titled “Environmental Radioactivity Studies in the Malwa Region of Punjab”. His Ph.D. work laid the foundation for his future research in radiation physics, addressing serious environmental concerns in a region known for elevated cancer cases due to uranium contamination.
From the outset, Dr. Mehra demonstrated a strong inclination toward applied research aimed at societal benefit. His early work, conducted with rigorous field studies and nuclear measurement techniques, reflected his passion for combining science with public health and environmental safety.
Professional Endeavors
Prof. Mehra began his teaching career as a Lecturer (Ad-hoc) at Govt. College, Patti, in 1997. He then served at MIMIT, Malout, before joining Dr. B. R. Ambedkar NIT Jalandhar in 2007, where he steadily rose through the ranks to become a Professor in the Department of Physics. Over his 27 years in academia, he has held numerous key administrative positions: Registrar, Dean (Research & Consultancy), Associate Dean (Academic-PG, Faculty Welfare, Student Welfare), Head of the Physics Department, and Professor In-Charge of the Legal Cell, among others. His leadership and vision have significantly contributed to institutional development and academic excellence at NIT Jalandhar.
He currently serves as Dean, Research and Consultancy, playing a pivotal role in steering research policies, funding acquisition, and industry collaborations.
Contributions and Research Focus
Prof. Rohit Mehra’s research endeavors are deeply multidisciplinary, with a strong emphasis on Radiation Physics, Environmental Radioactivity, Dosimetry, Ion Beam Applications, and Health Risk Assessment. His core areas include thermoluminescent and solid-state nuclear track detectors (SSNTDs), heavy metal and uranium contamination in groundwater, and natural radiation exposure in high-risk zones. With over 200 SCI-indexed publications in leading international journals, he has made substantial contributions to both fundamental and applied nuclear science. He has successfully supervised 25 Ph.D. scholars 19 awarded and 6 currently ongoing and guided more than 50 postgraduate dissertations, demonstrating his commitment to nurturing future scientific leaders. His groundbreaking research on radon, thoron, and uranium contamination in the Malwa region of Punjab, commonly referred to as the “cancer belt,” has earned global recognition.
Accolades and Recognition
Prof. Mehra’s distinguished academic and scientific achievements have been acknowledged through numerous national and international honors. In 2021, he was ranked among the World’s Top 2% Scientists by Stanford University, based on citation impact metrics published in PLOS Biology, signifying his global standing in the scientific community. At Dr. B. R. Ambedkar NIT Jalandhar, he received the Best Teacher Award for the academic years 2016–2017 and 2022–2023, as well as the Best Performing Teacher Award for three consecutive years (2017–2020) a testament to his excellence in pedagogy and student mentorship. He was also conferred the ISAG Award – G. R. Udas – K. K. Dwivedy Medal in 2018 by the Indian Society of Applied Geochemists for the best research in radioactive minerals, underscoring the societal relevance of his work.
Further enhancing his professional stature, Prof. Mehra serves as a Principal Member of the Bureau of Indian Standards (CHD 30) for nuclear energy safety, ensuring regulatory excellence in peaceful nuclear applications. He currently leads as the President of the Nuclear Track Society of India at BARC, Mumbai, and is also the Honorary Vice President of the International Accreditation Organization (IAO), USA, reflecting his international leadership and commitment to academic quality assurance.
Impact and Influence
Prof. Mehra’s work has had a far-reaching impact, particularly in environmental health research. His extensive studies on radon, thoron, and uranium concentration in soil and groundwater have informed public health policies, influenced environmental regulation, and provided crucial data to radiological protection agencies. His contributions are especially relevant in regions facing chronic radiation exposure, such as the cancer-afflicted Malwa region.
Furthermore, his international engagements such as with NIRS, Japan, and participation in inter-comparison exercises for radiation dosimetry underscore his role in shaping global best practices in environmental radioactivity monitoring.
Legacy and Future Contributions
Prof. Rohit Mehra has established a lasting legacy as a mentor, educator, and scientist. His commitment to research-led teaching, institutional development, and interdisciplinary collaboration ensures the continual evolution of his field. As a President of the Nuclear Track Society of India and Vice President of the International Accreditation Organization (USA), he plays a critical role in guiding national and international academic standards.
Looking ahead, Prof. Mehra is expected to further pioneer studies in advanced dosimetry, radiation effects on new-age materials, and radiation-mitigating technologies, addressing emerging global challenges in climate-sensitive radiological risk, geothermal studies, and green construction practices.
Notable Publications
A study of uranium, radium, radon exhalation rate and indoor radon in the environs of some areas of the Malwa region, Punjab
- Author: R Mehra, S Singh, K Singh
Journal: Indoor and Built Environment
Year: 2006
Citation: 103
Quantitative assessment of exposure of heavy metals in groundwater and soil on human health in Reasi district, Jammu and Kashmir
- Author: M Kaur, A Kumar, R Mehra, I Kaur
Journal: Environmental geochemistry and health
Year: 2020
Citation: 101
Estimation of radon concentration in soil and groundwater samples of Northern Rajasthan, India
- Author: S Mittal, A Rani, R Mehra
Journal: Radiation Research and Applied Sciences
Year: 2016
Citation: 95
Risk assessment of metals from groundwater in northeast Rajasthan
- Author: V Duggal, A Rani, R Mehra, V Balaram
Journal: The Geological Society of India
Year: 2017
Citation: 88