Dr. Sosanka Protim Sandilya, FRES, FLS

Academic Qualification

• PhD. from Dibrugarh University
• M.Sc from Dibrugarh University
• B.Sc from Dibrugarh University

Experience

• Post-doc: Worked as a Research Associate-I at Central Muga Eri Research and Training Institute, Central Silk Board, Jorhat, Assam in the project entitled “Advanced Level Institutional Biotech Hub” sponsored by DBT, New Delhi under Dr. Mahananda Chutia, Scientist-D, Pathology Division, CMER&TI, Central Silk Board, Jorhat, Assam form July’ 2018 to May’ 2020.
• Pre-doc: Worked as an SRF at Central Muga Eri Research and Training Institute, Central Silk Board, Jorhat, Assam in the project entitled “Advanced Level Institutional Biotech Hub” sponsored by DBT, New Delhi under Dr. Mahananda Chutia, Scientist-D, Pathology Division, CMER&TI, Central Silk Board, Jorhat, Assam from September’ 2017 to June’ 2018.
• Worked as a Junior Research Fellow at Tocklai Tea Research Institute, Tea Research Association, Jorhat-785008, Assam in the project entitled “Exploration of Plant Growth Promoting Microbes (PGPM) for crop enhancement and disease suppression in tea plantation of Assam and their molecular characterization” sponsored by DBT, New Delhi under Dr. S. R. Sarmah, Scientist-C & In-charge, Mycology & Microbiology Department, TTRI, TRA, Jorhat, Assam from Mar’ 2016 to September’ 2017
• Worked as a Project Fellow at Tocklai Tea Research Institute, Tea Research Association, Jorhat-785008, Assam in the project entitled “Evaluation of TAG BIONIK (VAM Biofertilizer) for their effect on young tea management” sponsored by Tropical Agrosystem India Pvt. Ltd. under H.O.D, Mycology and Microbiology Department, TTRI, TRA, Jorhat, Assam from Nov’ 2015 to Mar’ 2016.
• Worked as a JRF/SRF at Central Muga Eri Research and Training Institute, Central Silk Board, Jorhat, Assam in the project entitled “Screening of microbial flora (potential biofertlizer) of Castor Rhizosphere and Development of INM Package in Ericulture”. (DST- FTYS, New Delhi) under Dr. Dip Kumar Gogoi, Scientist-D, Biotechnology Division, CMER&TI, Central Silk Board, Jorhat, Assam from July 2012 to July 2015.
• Worked as a JRF at Rain Forest Research Institute, Jorhat, Assam in the Project entitled “Studies on the incidence and Management of Pine mortality in Manipur” (ICFRE, Dehradun) under Dr. Rajib Kumar Borah, Scientist-E & H.O.D Forest Protection Division, RFRI, Jorhat, Assam from August 2011 to June 2012.

Career Highlights & Awards:

Prestigious Fellowships 

• Fellow of The Royal Entomological Society, Mansion House, UK (Fellowship Number- RES22949).
• Fellow of The Linnean Society, Burlington House, London, UK (Fellowship Number - 18760). 

Prestigious Professional Memberships

• American Society for Microbiology: Global Outreach-Contributing Member of the American Society for Microbiology, Washington DC, USA. Membership No.: 200386187
• Microbiology Society: Affiliated Member International of the Microbiology Society, London, UK. Membership No.: C046841
• Microbiologist Society, India: Life Member of the Microbiologist Society, Osmanabad, India. Membership No.: MS/LM/1176
• European Biotechnology Network: Member of the European Biotechnology Network, Europe.
• British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy: Member of the British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, UK. Membership No: 107129
• Society for Conservation Biology : Associate Member of the Society for Conservation Biology, USA, Membership ID: 95386.
• Indian Botanical Society : Annual Member of the Indian Botanical Society, Lucknow, India.
• Assam Science Society: General Member, Assam Science Society; Sl. No: 2025-26/277

Professional Awards

1. ‘MBSI Young Scientist Award’ for the year ‘2025’ by Microbiologists Society, India vide Ref. No. MBSI/Awards/25-26/05 dated: 20/11/2025
2. ‘Commitment to Excellence Award’ for the year ‘2022’ by The Assam Kaziranga University, Jorhat-785006, Assam.

Publication and Books

RESEARCH PUBLICATIONS

• Paritosh Baruah, Pritirekha Saikia, Jumi Gogoi, Pritom Chowdhury, Sosanka Protim Sandilya, Harisadhan Malakar, Hemanta Saikia, Sangeeta Borchetia (2025). Differential impacts of various plant growth-promoting and osmotic tolerant bacterial strains on proline and sugar accumulation to enhance stress adaptations in tea plants. International Microbiology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10123-025-00709-9
• Pranab Bhattacharyya, Sosanka Protim Sandilya, Bhaskar Sarma, Abhay K Pandey, Jintu Dutta, Kaberi Mahanta, Didier Lesueur, Bharat Chandra Nath, Dhrubajit Borah, Dhruba Jyoti Borgohain (2024). Biochar as soil amendment in climate-smart agriculture: Opportunities, Future Prospects and Challenges. Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition. Vol. 24, 135-158.
• S. P. Sandilya,B. Jeevan,G. Subrahmanyam, K. Dutta, N.Vijay, N. Bhattacharyya, M. Chutia. (2022). Co-inoculation of native multi-trait plant growth promoting rhizobacteria promotes plant growth and suppresses Alternaria blight disease in Castor (Ricinus communis L.). Heliyon. doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e11886
• Pinky Moni Bhuyan, Sosanka Protim Sandilya, Pranab Kumar Nath, Sabtharishi Subramanian, Devid Kardong, Dip Kumar Gogoi (2018). Optimization and characterization of extracellular cellulase produced by Bacillus pumilus MGB05 isolated from midgut of muga silkworm (Antheraea assamensis Helfer). Journal of Asia Pacific Entomology. Vol. 21 (4), 1171-1181 
• P. Dutta, S. P. Sandilya, P.N. Bhattacharyya, S.R. Sarmah, A. J. Tanti, M. Madhab and R. Begum. (2017). Keshab Chandra Sarmah-a prominent tea mycologist of North East India. Current Science. Vol. 113 (6), 1189-1190 
• S. P. Sandilya, P. M. Bhuyan, Vijay N., D. K. Gogoi and D. Kardong (2017). Impact of Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain MAJ PIA03 affecting the growth and phytonutrient production of castor, a primary host-plant of Samia ricini. Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition. Vol. 17 (2), 499-515 
• S. P. Sandilya, Palash Dutta, P.M.Bhuyan, Rajal Debnath, Anupam Changmai, Kartik Neog and D.K.Gogoi (2017). Aeromonas caviae CSB04, a causal organism of bacterial flacherie in Muga silkworm (Antheraea assamensis Helfer). Current Science. Vol. 112 (1), 32-34
• Sosanka Protim Sandilya, Pinky Moni Bhuyan, Dip Kumar Gogoi and Devid Kardong (2016). Phosphorus Solubilization and Plant Growth Promotion Ability of Rhizobacteria of R. communis L Growing in Assam, India. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., India, Sect. B Biol. Sci. doi: 10.1007/s40011-016-0833-9
• A. Tanti, P. N. Bhattacharyya, S. P. Sandilya and P. Dutta (2016). Allelopathic potential of caffeine as growth and germination inhibitor to popular tea weed, Borreria hispida L. Current Life Sciences. Vol. 2 (4), 114-117
• P. Dutta, P. N. Bhattacharyya, S. R. Sarmah, M. Madhab, S. P. Sandilya, D. Gogoi, I. Phukan, R. Begum, A. J. Tanti and S.K. Pathak (2016). In vitro studies on the compatibility assessment of certain agrochemicals with microbial biopesticides used in tea [Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze] of Assam, North East India. Two and a Bud. Vol. 63 (1), 13-16
• D.K Gogoi, S.P. Sandilya, P.M. Bhuyan, P. Dutta, K. Neog, L.S.K. Singh and T.C. Bora (2016). Effect of submerged culture parameters on growth and antimicrobial activity of Paenibacillus lautus RRT AY-2, against some pathogens of Antheraea assamensis Helfer. Sericologia. Vol. 56 (2), 103-116
• S.P. Sandilya, A. Gogoi, P.M. Bhuyan and D.K.Gogoi (2014). Phosphatase Activity of Microbial Populations in Different Milk Samples in Relation to Protein and Carbohydrate Content. Notulae Scientia Biologica. Vol. 6(4), 465-469
• P. M. Bhuyan, S. P. Sandilya and D. K. Gogoi (2013) Phyllosphere Microflora of Muga Silkworm Host Plant Persea bombycina Kost (Som) Leaves in Jorhat District of Assam, India. International Research Journal of Biological Sciences. Vol. 2(12), 60-66

BOOK CHAPTERS

• Goswami K., Bora P., Das V., Bhagowati D., Kumar A., Sandilya S. P*. (2025) Carbon sequestration through Cyanobacteria. In: Climate change-Agriculture-Environmental Nexus. Taylor and Francis, CRC Press.
• Das V., Goswami K., Biswas S., Sandilya P., Gogoi P. (2025)  An Overview and Impact of Emerging Pollutants on Human Health and Environment. In: Biotechnological Interventions in Removal of Emergent Pollutants. Vol. 1, pp. 1-18, Springer Nature, Singapore.
• Goswami K., Das V., Biswas S., Sandilya P. (2025) Cellulase Enzymes: Transforming Lignocellulosic Waste into Sustainable Solutions. In: Biotechnological Interventions in Removal of Emergent Pollutants. Vol. 1, pp. 385-402. Springer Nature, Singapore.
• Biswas S., Gogoi P., Wilkinson M., Deka P., Das V., Goswami K., Sandilya S. P. (2025) Evaluating Regulatory Approaches to Emerging Pollutants. In: Biotechnological Interventions in Removal of Emergent Pollutants. Vol. 1, pp. 19-36. Springer Nature, Singapore.
• Subrahmanyam G., Kumar A., Sandilya S.P., Chutia M., Yadav A.N. (2020) Diversity, Plant Growth Promoting Attributes, and Agricultural Applications of Rhizospheric Microbes. In: Yadav A., Singh J., Rastegari A., Yadav N. (eds) Plant Microbiomes for Sustainable Agriculture. Sustainable Development and Biodiversity, Vol. 25, pp.1-52. Springer, Cham 
• Bhuyan, P.M., Momin, C., Sandilya, S.P and Gogoi, D. K (2014-15). “Exploration of gut microbial diversity of Muga Silkworm (Antheraea assamensis, Helfer) and their characterization”. In: Biodiversity: Conservation, crisis & sustainable use. Vol. 1, pp. 352-358 (ISBN: 978-81-930653-2-7)

POPULAR ARTICLE

• Satya Ranjan Sarmah and Sosanka Protim Sandilya (2016). “Sustainable Disease Management Practices in Tea: Need of the Hours”. North East Bioline (Newsletter of Guwahati Biotech Park). Vol.1 (2), pp. 62-64.

SEMINAR/CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS (NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL)

• S P Sandilya, D Kardong and D K Gogoi (2022). Effect of native plant growth promoting nitrate reducers in Castor plant.
  Paper presented in the National Conference entitled North East Sustainable and Inclusive Development (NESID-2022) organized by The Assam Kaziranga University, Jorhat-785006, Assam on 17^th and 18^th November, 2022.
• S P Sandilya, P M Bhuyan, D Kardong, D K Gogoi, M. Chutia and K Neog (2018). Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management package on the growth and phytochemical properties of R. communis L. 
  Paper presented in the National Seminar entitled “Vanya Sericulture and Seri[1]Biodiversity for Economic Upliftment- ‘SeriBioEcon’, 2018” organized by CMER&TI, Central Silk Board, Lahdoigarh, Jorhat-785700, Assam on 12th and 13th March, 2018.
• S P Sandilya, P M Bhuyan, R Debnath, M Chutia, D Kardong and D K Gogoi (2018). Impact of nitrate reducing Achromobacter strains on plant growth promotion and phytochemical constituents of Ricinus communis grown in Assam, India. 
  Paper presented in the International Seminar entitled ‘Biodiverse 2018’organized by IIT, Guwahati in coordination with ADNAT, Hyderabad on 27th -29th Jan’ 2018.
• S P Sandilya, P M Bhuyan, D Kardong and D K Gogoi (2017). “Assessment of a promising Achromobacter sp. towards plant growth promotion and subsequent development of an INM package in sustainable Ericulture”.
  Paper presented in the National Seminar on “Economic Insects of NE India: Thrust on recent advances in Vanya Silks” organized by Central Miga Eri Research & Training Institute & Directorate of Sericulture, Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC), Kokrajhar on 21st-22nd Feb’ 2017.
• S P Sandilya, P M Bhuyan, D Kardong and D K Gogoi (2016). “Isolation and characterization of promising Azospirillum sp., towards the development of an INM package in sustainable Ericulture”. 
  Paper presented in the National workshop on “Emerging needs and critical gaps in Muga & Eri seed sector” organized by Muga Silkworm Seed Organization, Central Silk Board, ASAMB, Ulubari, Guwahati, Assam on 10th and 11th March, 2016.
• S P Sandilya, P M Bhuyan, D Kardong, K Neog and D K Gogoi (2016). “Bacillus firmus MAJ PSB12, a P solubilizing rhizobacteria and its plant growth promotion ability in eri silkworm host plant Castor (Ricinus communis L)”.
  Paper presented in the National seminar on “Problems & prospects of Muga and Eri silk sector” organized by CMER&TI, Central Silk Board, Lahdoigarh, Jorhat-785700, Assam at IIE, Guwahati on 25th and 26th Feb, 2016.
• D K Gogoi, S Subramanian, P M Bhuyan and S P Sandilya (2016). “Gut microbiome of Muga silkworm Antheraea assamensis Helfer with reference to their role on silkworm health and productivity. 
  Paper presented in the National workshop on “Emerging needs and critical gaps in Muga & Eri seed sector” organized by Muga Silkworm Seed Organization, Central Silk Board, ASAMB, Ulubari, Guwahati, Assam on 10th and 11th March, 2016.
• P M Bhuyan, S P Sandilya, D Kardong and D K Gogoi (2015). “Isolation and characterization of cellulolytic gut-bacteria of muga silkworm (Antheraea assamensis, Helfer) reared in different localities of Assam”. 
  Paper presented in the National symposium on “Bioresources and sustainable development & 2nd National Bioresourcesand sustainable development summit” organized by Department of Botany, NEHU and IBSD, Imphal on 28th and 29th October, 2015.
• S P Sandilya, P M Bhuyan and D K Gogoi (2014).“Isolation and characterization of promising Azotobacter sp. for the development of an INM package in sustainable Ericulture”.
  Paper presented in the National seminar on “Biodiversity Conservation, Crisis and Sustainable Use” sponsored by UGC and organized by N. N. Saikia College, Titabor, Assam on 29th and 30th September, 2014.
• P M Bhuyan, S P Sandilya and D K Gogoi (2014). “Exploration of gut microbial diversity of Muga Silkworm (Antheraea assamensis, Helfer) and their characterization”.
  Paper presented in the National seminar on “Biodiversity Conservation, Crisis and Sustainable Use” sponsored by UGC and organized by N. N. Saikia College, Titabor, Assam on 29th and 30th September, 2014.
• S P Sandilya, P M Bhuyan and D K Gogoi (2014).“Isolation and phosphate solubilization assay of castor rhizosphere microorganisms from different localities of Assam”.
  Paper presented in the National seminar on “‘Recent Trends of Research in Science and Technology’ in the 29th Annual Technical Session of Assam Science Society organized by Cotton College, Guwahati, Assam on 29th March, 2014.
• P M Bhuyan, S P Sandilya and D K Gogoi (2014). Antimicrobial activity of lactic acid producing bacteria cultured in defatted rice bran.
  Paper presented in the National seminar on “‘Recent Trends of Research in Science and Technology’ in the 29th Annual Technical Session of Assam Science Society organized by Cotton College, Guwahati, Assam on 29th March, 2014.
• D.K. Gogoi, P.M. Bhuyan, S. P. Sandilya, S. Subramanian (2013) Isolation and characterization of gut-bacteria of muga silkworm (Antheraea assamensis Helfer) collected from different localities of Assam. 
  Paper presented in the National Conference on Recent Advances in Modern Biology & Sericulture for Women Empowerment and Rural Development (RAMBSWERD) organized by Karnataka State Sericulture Research and Development Institute in association with Deptt. of Sericuture, Govt. of Karnataka and MSET- International Consortium of Contemporary Biologists, Jharkhand; w.e.f. 24th to 26th Oct, 2013
• S.P. Sandilya, P.M. Bhuyan and D.K. Gogoi (2013). “Isolation and characterization of biofertilizer potential microflora for sustainable castor cultivation in Ericulture”.
  Paper presented in the National seminar on “Recent Trends in Bioresource Management and Biodiversity Conservation” organized by CPEB, Rajib Gandhi University, Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh, w.e.f 17th to 19th October’ 2013.
• S.P. Sandilya, P.M. Bhuyan, P. Dutta, K. Neog and D.K. Gogoi (2013). “Analysis of soil biological properties in Castor (Ricinus communis L.) cultivated soils: A possible index towards soil fertility”. 
  Paper presented in the National seminar on “Research in Biological Sciences for sustainable development by the application of Mathematics and allied branches” organized by Bahona College, Jorhat, Assam in Collaboration with Assam Science Society and UGC, New Delhi,w.e.f. 10th to 11th May, 2013.
• P.M. Bhuyan, S.P. Sandilya, P. Dutta, K. Neog and D.K. Gogoi (2013). “Study of phyllosphere microflora of Muga silkworm host plant Persea bombycina Kost (Som) leaves in four farms of Jorhat District, Assam”
  Paper presented in the National seminar on “Research in Biological Sciences for sustainable development by the application of Mathematics and allied branches” organized by Bahona College, Jorhat, Assam in Collaboration with Assam Science Society and UGC, New Delhi from 10th to 11th May, 2013.
  
  

WORKSHOP/TRAINING

• Participated in the webinar entitled ‘Improving the Peer Review Experience for Reviewers and Authors’ on 16^th September, 2024 organized by Cell Press, United States.
• Participated in the one week Faculty Development Program on Research Methodology w.e.f., 23^rd to 28^th January, 2023 organized by The Assam Kaziranga University, Jorhat, Assam.
• Participated in the one week Faculty Development Program on ‘Digital Transformation Strategy’ w.e.f., 10^th Aug, 2022 to 16^th Aug, 2022 organized by the Assam Kaziranga University, Jorhat, Assam.
• Participated in the training programme entitled “Soft skills and training methods for trainers” w.e.f., 24th July 2018 to 28th July, 2018 conducted by Extension Education Institute (NE Region), Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat, Assam
• Participated in the DBT sponsored Training-cum-workshop on "Techniques and technologies of Seri-biotechnology" w.e.f. 27th Mar-02nd April, 2018 at Central Muga Eri Research & Training Institute, Central Silk Board, Lahdoigarh, Jorhat-785700, Assam.
• Participated in the DBT sponsored Training-cum-workshop on "Biological Data Analysis using R-package" w.e.f. 05th Jan-06th Jan, 2017 at CSIR-North East Institute of Science & Technology (NEIST), Jorhat-785006, Assam.
• Participated in the DBT sponsored Training programme on “Advanced diagnostic techniques of infectious diseases in insects” w.e.f. 21st March- 23rd March, 2016 at Central Muga Eri Research &Training Institute, Lahdoigarh, Jorhat-785700, Assam.
• Participated in the DBT sponsored Training-cum-workshop on "Basic Molecular Techniques for Microbial Genotyping" w.e.f. 24th Feb-25th Feb, 2016 at CSIR-North East Institute of Science & Technology (NEIST), Jorhat-785006, Assam.
• Participated in the DBT sponsored Training-cum-workshop on "Biological Data Analysis through Computational Approach" w.e.f. 8th Dec-10th Dec, 2015 at CSIR-North East Institute of Science & Technology (NEIST), Jorhat-785006, Assam.
• Participated in the DBT sponsored National Workshop cum hands on Training Programme on “Basic diagnostic techniques of microbes and insects in muga eco-system” w.e.f 16th Mar- 18th Mar, 2015 at Central Muga Eri Research &Training Institute, Lahdoigarh, Jorhat[1]785700, Assam.
• Participated in a Training Programme on “Priority setting, monitoring evaluation & Technology management” organized by ICAR-National Academy of Agricultural Research Management w.e.f. 9th March-13th March, 2015 held at Central Muga Eri Research &Training Institute, Lahdoigarh, Jorhat-785700, Assam.
• Participated in the DBT sponsored National Workshop and Training Programme on “Diversity, Exploration, Taxonomy and Management: Advanced tools and techniques” at Central Muga Eri Research &Training Institute (2014), Lahdoigarh, Jorhat-785700, Assam.
• Participated in the UGC sponsored National Workshop on “Research Methodology for Life Sciences and Allied Branches” at J.B. College, Jorhat-785001, Assam w.e.f 1st Dec- 7th Dec, 2013.
• Participated in the DBT sponsored National Workshop and Training Programme on “Advanced Techniques and Technologies in Sericulture” at Central Muga Eri Research &Training Institute (2013), Lahdoigarh, Jorhat-785700, Assam.
• Participated in the DBT sponsored National Workshop and Training Programme on “Emerging Areas of Seri Biotechnology” at Central Muga Eri Research &Training Institute (2012), Lahdoigarh, Jorhat-785700, Assam.
• Participated in the Training Programme on “GPS Technology and its application in Forestry” organized by Geo-informatics Laboratory, Rain Forest Research institute, Jorhat, Assam.(2011)

Google scholar citations: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=cr5wld4AAAAJ

Expertise Area

• Soil Microbiology
• Biofertilizer, INM, PGPM etc.
• Microbial bio-prospecting
• Seri Biotechnology
• Silkworm pathology and disease management

Institutional Membership in Different Core Committees

• Member, Academic Council: The Assam Kaziranga University
• Member, University Doctoral Research Committee: The Assam Kaziranga University
• Member, IQAC Committee: The Assam Kaziranga University
• Member, NDLI Committee: The Assam Kaziranga University
• Member, Library Committee: The Assam Kaziranga University

Certificate Courses

• Certificate of Excellence for the ‘Certified Peer Reviewer Course’ by Research Academy, Elsevier

Peer Review

• Peer reviewer for Journals of Nature Portfolio, Elsevier, Springer, MDPI, Taylor and Francis and Hindawi viz., Nature Scientific Reports, Biology, Agriculture, AgriEngineering, Cogent Food & Agriculture, Heliyon, Symbiosis, Archaea etc.