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- Professor Zora Singh Khangura, Foundation Professor of Post-harvest Horticulture at Curtin University, Perth, has been elected as a Fellow of The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) — a recognition reserved for researchers who have made exceptional contributions to advancing sustainable development, particularly across the developing world.
- With this latest accolade, Professor Zora Singh continues to embody the spirit of scientific excellence and global collaboration that Punjab Agricultural University instills in its alumni — reaffirming the crucial role of agricultural science in shaping a sustainable future.
- TWAS, founded in 1983 by Nobel Laureate Professor Abdus Salam, is a global network of more than 1,400 scientists committed to tackling challenges such as hunger, climate change, and sustainable agriculture in developing nations.
An alumnus of Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, has brought immense pride to India by earning one of the world’s highest scientific distinctions. Professor Zora Singh Khangura, Foundation Professor of Post-harvest Horticulture at Curtin University, Perth, has been elected as a Fellow of The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) — a recognition reserved for researchers who have made exceptional contributions to advancing sustainable development, particularly across the developing world.
The fellowship celebrates Dr. Singh’s pioneering research in reducing post-harvest losses of fruits and vegetables, a breakthrough that has far-reaching implications for global food security. Over the past decades, his work has focused on curbing food waste caused by ethylene, the natural ripening hormone that leads to spoilage in nearly one-third of fresh produce worldwide.
During a recent visit to Faridkot, Dr. Singh explained, “By developing a cost-effective and practical technique to block the ethylene receptor at the cellular level, we can significantly slow the ripening process.” This innovation, he added, helps maintain freshness across the entire supply chain—from farms to retail shelves—before produce reaches consumers.
The honour from TWAS comes on the heels of another major recognition: a $75,000 research prize awarded earlier this year for his groundbreaking scientific achievements. TWAS, founded in 1983 by Nobel Laureate Professor Abdus Salam, is a global network of more than 1,400 scientists committed to tackling challenges such as hunger, climate change, and sustainable agriculture in developing nations.
Expressing gratitude for the recognition, Dr. Singh said, “It is a profound privilege to join a global community of scientists dedicated to advancing science for humanity’s betterment.”
Though based in Australia for over three decades, Professor Singh has maintained close academic ties with India. Throughout his illustrious career, he has supervised more than 40 PhD and 14 MPhil/MSc scholars and developed several innovative ethylene antagonists and post-harvest management technologies that enhance produce quality and reduce both nutritional and economic losses.
With this latest accolade, Professor Zora Singh continues to embody the spirit of scientific excellence and global collaboration that Punjab Agricultural University instills in its alumni — reaffirming the crucial role of agricultural science in shaping a sustainable future.
