Who Am I?

I am Dr. Biswajit Debnath, a dedicated researcher and academic with a robust background in sustainability with focus on e-waste (WEEE) management, supply chain dynamics and environmental chemical engineering. Currently, I serve as a technical advisor and environmental consultant, with experience spanning across academia and industry. My journey into sustainability research was marked by my Ph.D. (Engg.) from Jadavpur University. During my Ph.D tenure, I was awarded the prestigious Commonwealth Split-Site Scholarship supported by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) in the UK. This scholarship enabled me to conduct a significant portion of my research at Aston University, UK, focusing on sustainable supply chain management. My Ph.D work has explored avenues of green processes for resource recovery from e-waste, driving forward the sustainable development agenda.

Before earning my Ph.D., I completed a Master’s in Chemical Engineering from Jadavpur University and a B.Tech. in Chemical Engineering from the Heritage Institute of Technology, Kolkata. My research in sustainable solutions led to a deep dive into various interdisciplinary projects, including circular economy approaches, waste-to-energy initiatives, and life cycle assessments. This work has resulted in numerous peer-reviewed publications and invitations to speak at international conferences and workshops.

Throughout my academic and professional journey, I have been recognized for my contributions to sustainability and environmental research. Notably, I was awarded the prestigious Commonwealth ‘Split-Site’ Scholarship (2019–2020), which enabled me to carry out part of my doctoral research at Aston University, UK. I also received the West Bengal State Fellowship (2016–2021) during my Ph.D. studies. In addition, my work has been honoured with several Best Paper Awards, including at the 8th IconSWM (2018) and the Indian Chemical Engineering Congress (Chemcon) in 2017, as well as an Editor’s Choice Paper in Waste Management & Research (August 2016). These accolades have highlighted my commitment to advancing sustainable practices in engineering and environmental research.

I have also built a strong teaching portfolio, currently serving as a Visiting Lecturer at the University of Calcutta (2023–2024 and 2024–2025), where I design and deliver lectures on "Fluid Mechanics" as part of the Chemical Engineering program. Additionally, I serve as a Course Instructor at Sustainable Advancements (since June 2023), teaching key subjects such as Supply Chain Sustainability, Compliance with International Treaties in Waste Movement, and Marketplaces for Recycled Products. In these roles, I have developed comprehensive course materials focused on practical sustainability and guided students in both academic and professional development.

In the industry and consultancy space, I have played a vital role as a Technical Advisor at Green Waves Environmental Solutions (2023–present), where I formulated strategies for e-waste refurbishment and mentored interns on sustainability projects. I am also the Sustainability Advisor and Co-founder of La Sustaina (since March 2022), Kolkata’s first upcycled café-cum-store, where I developed sustainability policies and collaborated with local eco-friendly brands. Additionally, I worked as a Sustainability Consultant at Henkaus Oy., Finland (2021–2022), where I contributed to waste reduction strategies and circular economy frameworks, and as an Environmental Consultant at Siddhi Vinayak Private Limited (2019–2021), where I helped green their supply chain operations and reduce raw material costs through innovative waste management solutions.

Over the years, I have worked on and led a variety of projects that focus on practical sustainability applications. Notably, I have contributed to research collaborations on global environmental challenges through initiatives like the Erasmus+ and UKIERI projects on Waste to Energy Supply Chains. As an academic, consultant, and advisor, my focus remains on fostering practical, impactful solutions for a sustainable future, continuously bridging the gap between research and industry to drive innovation in sustainability practices.