Narpinder Singh

Narpinder Singh FNA, FNASc, FRS, FNAAS, FAFSTI
Born	(1962-09-19) 19 September 1962 (age 62) Amritsar, Punjab, India
Alma mater	Punjab Agricultural University (B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D.)
Known for	Starch and protein chemistry, gluten-free product development
Awards	J.C. Bose National Fellowship (2011–present) Rafi Ahmed Kidwai Award (2010) Professor Krishna Sahai Bilgrami Memorial Medal (2021) Professor Priyadaranjan Ray Memorial Award (2023) INSA Young Scientist Medal (1993)
Scientific career
Fields	Food science and technology
Institutions	Graphic Era University Guru Nanak Dev University Punjab Agricultural University
Website	Official site

Narpinder Singh (born 19 September 1962) ^[1] is an Indian food scientist, academic, and researcher. He is known for his contributions to food science and technology, particularly in the areas of starch and protein chemistry. ^[2] He currently serves as the Vice Chancellor of Graphic Era University, a position he has held since transitioning from a distinguished career at Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU) in Amritsar, Punjab. ^{[3] [4]} Singh is recognised for his research, which has garnered over 34,000 citations and is the most cited researcher from India in food science. ^[5] Singh is recipient of several international awards, including the Rafi Ahmed Kidwai Award. ^[6]

Early life and education

Singh was born in Amritsar, Punjab, India. He pursued his higher education at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU). Ludhiana, earning BSc in Agriculture with a specialisation in Food Science, Technology, and Nutrition in 1982, then MSc in Food Technology in 1984. He completed his Ph.D. in Food Technology at Punjab Agricultural University in 1989, supported by a University Grants Commission (UGC) research fellowship in Engineering & Technology. ^{[1] [7]}

Academic and research career

Singh began his academic career as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Food Science and Technology at Punjab Agricultural University in 1988. In 1993, he joined Guru Nanak Dev University as a Reader, where he played a role in establishing the M.Sc. program in Food Technology. He was promoted to Professor in 2000 and held the same until December, 2022. Also served as Head of the Department of Food Science and Technology from 1997–2000, 2001–2004, and 2018-2021. During his tenure at Guru Nanak Dev University, he also held other administrative roles, including Director of Research, Dean Faculty of Applied sciences, Coordinator University-Industry linkage program, and Coordinator of the UGC-Special Assistance Program. ^[1]

Singh has held visiting professorships internationally, including at the Institute of Food Research, Norwich, UK (1995–1996), Osaka City University, Japan (2004–2005), Kansas State University, USA (2006), and South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China (2019). He was also The Royal Society of Chemistry Visiting Fellow, School of Chemical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK (2007-2008).

His research primarily focuses on starch and protein chemistry, extruded products, modified starches, baked goods, cereal and legume quality, and gluten-free product development. He has conducted studies on the structure-function relationships of starches from various crops, including potato, corn, rice, wheat, and pulses, using advanced analytical techniques. ^[8] His recent works include metabolomics applications in food science and the emerging field of foodomics.

Publications

In Singh’s academic career, with over 425 publications, including 326 research papers, 48 review articles, 25 book chapters, 3 editorials, 8 books reviews, 11 newspaper articles in Punjabi language Punjabi Jagran and two books - one published by the Royal Society of Chemistry ^[9] and another by Springer Publishing. ^[10] He has an h-index of more than 98 and over 35,000 citations, making him the most cited scientist in agricultural and food sciences from India. ^{[11] [12] [13]}

Editorships

• Editor-in-Chief, Journal of Food Science and Technology (Springer) February 2016 – May 2019 ^[14]
• Guest Editor, Food Bioscience (Elsevier) Special Issue: “Microplastics, Food Bioscience, and Health”, 2025 ^[15]
• Guest Editor, Food Chemistry: X (Elsevier) Special Issue: “Innovative Strategies for Sustainable Food Processing: Enhancing Quality, Reducing Waste, and Promoting Circular Economy”, 2025 ^[16]
• Guest Editor, International Journal of Food Science and Technology (Wiley) Special Section: “Metabolomics Applications in Food Science, Technology, and Nutrition”, 2024 ^[17]
• Guest Editor, International Journal of Food Science and Technology (Wiley) Special Issue: “Protein Isolates and Hydrolysates: Structure–Function Relationship, Production, Bioactivities, and Applications for Traditional and Modern High Nutritional Value-Added Food Products”, 2022 ^[18]
• Book Series Editor, Cereals, Pulses and Oilseeds (Springer Nature), 2025 ^[19]

Awards and fellowships

Singh has received numerous accolades for his contributions to science and education. Notable awards include: ^{[20] [21] [12]}

• J.C. Bose National Fellowship (2011–present), awarded by the Department of Science and Technology (India) ^{[8] [11]}

• The Rafi Ahmed Kidwai Award (2010), from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research for outstanding contributions to natural resource management and agricultural engineering. ^{[8] [11]}

• Professor Krishna Sahai Bilgrami Memorial Medal (2021), by the Indian National Science Academy. ^[20]

• Professor Priyadaranjan Ray Memorial Award (2023), ^[22] by the Indian Chemical Society.
• Recognition Award by National Academy of Agricultural Sciences for significant contribution in Agricultural Engineering & Technology for the Biennium-2007-08
• Pran Vohra Award by Indian Science Congress Association 1997-98.
• INSA Young Scientist Medal (1993), recognising his early career achievements. ^[20]

• Excellence in Carbohydrate Research Award (2016), from the Association of Carbohydrate Chemists & Technologists, India. ^[20]

• Indian Research Excellence–Citations Award in Agricultural Sciences (2019), by Web of Science.
• Appreciation Certificate from Punjab State Council for Science and Technology (1990-93)

Fellowships

Singh is a fellow of several prestigious academies, including;

• Indian National Science Academy (2010) ^[23]
• National Academy of Sciences, India (2011) ^[24]
• National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (2005)
• Royal Society of Chemistry (2022)
• Association of Food Scientists and Technologist, India (AFST) (2011) ^[6]
• Indian Chemical Society (2024)
• Punjab Academy of Science (2022)
• The Cereals & Grains Association (formerly American Association of Cereals Chemists) (2019). ^{[20] [25]}
• Elected President-2016, Association of Food Scientists and Technologist, India

Selected publications

• Singh, N; Singh, J; Kaur, L; Singh S, N; S Gill, B (2003). "Morphological, thermal and rheological properties of starches from different botanical sources" . Food Chemistry. 81 (2): 219–231. doi:10.1016/S0308-8146(02)00416-8. ISSN   0308-8146.
• Sandhu, K S; Singh, N (2007). "Some properties of corn starches II: Physicochemical, gelatinization, retrogradation, pasting and gel textural properties" . Food Chemistry. 101 (4): 1499–1507. doi:10.1016/j.foodchem.2006.01.060. ISSN   0308-8146.
• Shevkani, K; Singh, N; Kaur, A; Rana, J C (2015). "Structural and functional characterization of kidney bean and field pea protein isolates: A comparative study" . Food Hydrocolloids. 43: 679–689. doi:10.1016/j.foodhyd.2014.07.024. ISSN   0268-005X.
• Singh, B; Singh, J P; Kaur, A; Singh, N (2016). "Bioactive compounds in banana and their associated health benefits – A review" . Food Chemistry. 206: 1–11. doi:10.1016/j.foodchem.2016.03.033. ISSN   0308-8146.
• Singh, B; Singh, J P; Kaur, A; Singh, N (2020). "Phenolic composition, antioxidant potential and health benefits of citrus peel" . Food Research International. 132: 109114. doi:10.1016/j.foodres.2020.109114. ISSN   0963-9969.
• Kaur, M; Singh, N (2005). "Studies on functional, thermal and pasting properties of flours from different chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) cultivars" . Food Chemistry. 91 (3): 403–411. doi:10.1016/j.foodchem.2004.06.015. ISSN   0308-8146.

External links

• Publications indexed by Google Scholar

References

1. "National Academy of Agricultural Sciences | Dr. Narpinder Singh - FELLOW, ELECTED 2005". naas.org.in. Retrieved 18 March 2025.
2. World, Chemistry. "The pivotal role of chemistry in India's sustainable development". Chemistry World. Retrieved 18 March 2025.
3. "GNDU scientist gets fellowship". The Tribune. Retrieved 18 March 2025.
4. Singh, Kanwar Inder (2 January 2023). "Renowned food scientist Dr. Narpinder Singh appointed as Vice Chancellor of Graphic Era". Royal Patiala. Retrieved 18 March 2025.
5. "Narpinder Singh". scholar.google.co.in. Retrieved 18 March 2025.
6. "GNDU food scientist gets AFST award". Hindustan Times. 18 November 2012. Retrieved 27 July 2025.
7. Sevadar (18 May 2023). "DR. Narpinder Singh". Home. Retrieved 18 March 2025.
8. Singh, Kanwar Inder (23 July 2019). "GNDU's Dr. Narpinder Singh will be awarded by American Association of Cereal Chemists (AACC)". Royal Patiala. Retrieved 18 March 2025.
9. Tiwari, Brijesh; Singh, Narpinder (30 August 2012). Pulse Chemistry and Technology. The Royal Society of Chemistry. ISBN   978-1-84973-331-1.
10. "Cereals, Pulses and Oilseeds | Editorial board". Springer. Retrieved 18 March 2025.
11. "Former GNDU food scientist ranked among top global scholars". The Tribune. Retrieved 18 March 2025.
12. Bharatvarsh, TV9 (10 December 2023). "कौन हैं डॉ नरपिंदर, जिन्हें दुनिया के टॉप रिसर्चर में किया गया शामिल, जानें क्या है काम". TV9 Bharatvarsh (in Hindi). Retrieved 18 March 2025.
13. "VC of Graphic Era University is country's No. 1 researcher as per ScholarGPS https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=Bjdvh8gAAAAJ&hl=en". Northern Gazette. 18 January 2025. Retrieved 18 March 2025.{{cite web}}: External link in |title= (help)
14. Singh, Narpinder; Babu, S. Ananda, eds. (2024). "Climate Crisis and Sustainable Solutions" . SpringerLink. doi:10.1007/978-981-97-7110-3.
15. "Food Bioscience | ScienceDirect.com by Elsevier - Food Bioscience | ScienceDirect.com by Elsevier". www.sciencedirect.com. Retrieved 23 July 2025.
16. "Food Chemistry: X | Innovative Strategies for Sustainable Food Processing: Enhancing Quality, Reducing Waste, and Promoting Circular Economy (IFPFS 2024) | ScienceDirect.com by Elsevier". www.sciencedirect.com. Retrieved 23 July 2025.
17. Singh, Narpinder; Joshi, Robin (1 June 2024). "Metabolomics applications in food science, technology and nutrition" . International Journal of Food Science and Technology. 59 (6): 4166–4168. doi:10.1111/ijfs.17191. ISSN   0950-5423.
18. Singh, Narpinder (1 September 2022). "Proteins isolates and hydrolysates: structure-function relation, production, bioactivities and applications for traditional and modern high nutritional value-added food products" . International Journal of Food Science and Technology. 57 (9): 5567–5570. doi:10.1111/ijfs.15565. ISSN   0950-5423.
19. "Cereals, Pulses and Oilseeds | Editorial board". SpringerLink. Retrieved 23 July 2025.
20. "The Vice-Chancellor - Graphic Era Institute of Medical Sciences | Profile of Prof. (Dr.) Narpinder Singh". 21 December 2023. Retrieved 18 March 2025.
21. "Dr. Narpinder Singh, Prof. & Head, Dept. of Food Science and Technology" (PDF). Gndu.ac.in. Retrieved 18 March 2025.
22. "Prof Narpinder to be conferred Priyadaranjan Ray Award". The Tribune. Retrieved 18 March 2025.
23. "Professor Narpinder Singh - INSA :: Fellow Detail". insajournal.in. Retrieved 18 March 2025.
24. "SINGH, Narpinder – The National Academy of Sciences, India". nasi.org.in. Retrieved 18 March 2025.
25. "Cereals & Grains Association". www.cerealsgrains.org. Retrieved 23 July 2025.