Richard Lojka | Sedimentary Geology | Excellence in Research Award

Mr. Richard Lojka | Sedimentary Geology | Excellence in Research Award

Czech Geological Survey | Czech Republic

Mr. Richard Lojka is a geoscientist specializing in sedimentology and basin analysis, with core expertise in lacustrine and fluvial systems and advanced paleopedological reconstruction. His research explores depositional environments, sequence stratigraphy, climatic cyclicity, and environmental dynamics within Carboniferous basins, particularly across the Pennsylvanian and Mississippian intervals. He has made notable contributions to the interpretation of coal-bearing paralic and fluvial cyclothems, paleosol development, and seasonal climatic signatures preserved in siliciclastic and lacustrine successions. His publications in high-impact venues including the International Journal of Coal Geology, Bulletin of Geosciences, and Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology showcase his work on stratigraphic architecture, peat formation processes, and climate-driven sedimentary patterns across Central European and Eurasian basins. Supported by 210 citations, 13 scholarly documents, and an h-index of 9, he continues to offer influential insights into ancient terrestrial systems and their climatic controls.

Profile: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Lojka, R., Rosenau, N. A., Sidorinová, T., & Strnad, L. (2016). Architecture, paleosols and cyclicity of the Middle–Late Pennsylvanian proximal fluvial system (Nýřany Member, Pilsen Basin, Czech Republic). Bulletin of Geosciences, 91(1), 111–140.

Opluštil, S., Lojka, R., Rosenau, N. A., Strnad, L., & Sýkorová, I. (2015). Middle Moscovian climate of eastern equatorial Pangea recorded in paleosols and fluvial architecture. Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology, 440, 328–352.

Šliaupa, S., Lojka, R., Tasáryova, Z., Kolejka, V., Hladík, V., Kotulová, J., Kucharič, L., Fejdi, V., Wójcicki, A., & Tarkowski, R. (2013). CO₂ storage potential of sedimentary basins of Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Poland, and the Baltic States. Geological Quarterly, 57(4), 717–730.

Hatzignatiou, D. G., Riis, F., Berenblyum, R., Hladik, V., Lojka, R., & Francu, J. (2011). Screening and evaluation of a saline aquifer for CO₂ storage: Central Bohemian Basin, Czech Republic. International Journal of Greenhouse Gas Control, 5(6), 968–979.

Lojka, R., Sýkorová, I., Laurin, J., Matysová, P., & Grygar, T. M. (2010). Lacustrine couplet-lamination: Evidence for Late Pennsylvanian seasonality in central equatorial Pangaea (Stephanian B, Mšec Member, Central and Western Bohemian basins). Bulletin of Geosciences, 85(4), 709–734.

Pramod Kumar Rajak | Fuel Geology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Pramod Kumar Rajak | Fuel Geology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Pramod Kumar Rajak, Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, India

Dr. Pramod Kumar Rajak is a Scientist-B at the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, Dehradun, specializing in organic petrology, geochemistry, and hydrocarbon potential. He has extensive experience in coal geology, lignite characterization, and geochemical analysis, with a strong academic and research background. He has held postdoctoral, teaching, and research roles at institutions like BHU, Vikram University, and BBAU, contributing to cutting-edge geological studies. He has been actively involved in laboratory research, serving as Co-Officer-in-Charge (CO-OIC) of Palynology, Raman, and TOC laboratories. Recognized for his outstanding research contributions, he has received prestigious awards, including the Dr. H. S. Pareek Award. His Google Scholar and ResearchGate profiles showcase impactful research in earth sciences, with numerous publications in high-impact journals. His interdisciplinary expertise and innovative research make him a key contributor to the field of geological sciences.

Publication Profile

Google Scholar

Education 🎓📚🔍

Dr. Rajak completed his Ph.D. in Geology from Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi, focusing on the organic petrology and geochemical characterization of lignite deposits in Rajasthan. His research provided valuable insights into the hydrocarbon potential of lignite. He pursued his M.Sc. in Geology from BHU with first division (73.7%), where he developed expertise in petrology, mineralogy, and geochemical processes. His B.Sc. in Geology from BHU laid the foundation for his research career, equipping him with skills in earth sciences, sedimentology, and field-based studies. His academic excellence is complemented by his UGC-DS Kothari Postdoctoral Fellowship at Vikram University, Ujjain, where he explored the organic petrology and geochemical characterization of Neyveli lignite deposits in Tamil Nadu. His multidisciplinary education has been pivotal in advancing research in coal geology, fossil fuel exploration, and sedimentary basin analysis.

Experience 🏢🔬📊

Dr. Rajak is currently a Scientist-B at Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, where he leads research in organic petrology and geochemistry. His career includes a UGC-DS Kothari Postdoctoral Fellowship at Vikram University, focusing on hydrocarbon potential in lignite deposits. He has served as a Guest Faculty at BBAU, Lucknow, and contributed to teaching and research at BHU, Varanasi. His multifaceted experience extends to laboratory research, where he is Co-Officer-in-Charge (CO-OIC) of Palynology, Raman, and TOC Laboratories. His expertise in geochemical characterization, coal petrology, and energy resource assessment has made significant contributions to the advancement of geological research. His work at various institutions and research centers has strengthened his analytical skills, field research capabilities, and technical proficiency in geology.

Awards and Honors 🏆📖🔍

Dr. Rajak has received prestigious awards for his contributions to geology and petrology research. He was honored with the Dr. H. S. Pareek Award (2021) for best paper publication in the Journal of Geological Society of India in coal geology. He was awarded the UGC-DS Kothari Postdoctoral Fellowship (2019-2022) for his postdoctoral research on organic petrology and hydrocarbon potential. His academic excellence was recognized with the CSIR-UGC JRF/SRF Fellowship (2010-2015), supporting his Ph.D. research in organic petrology and lignite characterization. These prestigious fellowships and awards highlight his dedication, expertise, and innovation in geological sciences. His recognized research contributions in earth sciences, energy resources, and geochemical analysis demonstrate his impact and leadership in the field.

Research Focus 🔬⛏️🛢️

Dr. Rajak’s research focuses on organic petrology, geochemistry, and hydrocarbon potential. His work on coal and lignite characterization has advanced fossil fuel exploration and sedimentary basin analysis. His Ph.D. and postdoctoral research explored the geochemical properties of lignite deposits in Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu, assessing their economic viability for hydrocarbon production. His expertise extends to palynology, Raman spectroscopy, and total organic carbon (TOC) analysis, providing key insights into sedimentary deposits. His publications in high-impact journals highlight the geological processes influencing coal formation and hydrocarbon generation. His current research at Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology focuses on earth system sciences, mineral characterization, and energy resource development. His interdisciplinary approach integrates petrology, geochemistry, and environmental geology, contributing to sustainable energy solutions and resource management

Publication Top Notes

1️⃣ Petrological and geochemical investigations of Rajpardi lignite deposit, Gujarat, India | 📖 Energy Exploration & Exploitation | 🔢 Cited by: 57 | 📅 2012
2️⃣ Studies on thermal maturity and hydrocarbon potential of lignites of Bikaner–Nagaur basin, Rajasthan | 📖 Energy Exploration & Exploitation | 🔢 Cited by: 54 | 📅 2016
3️⃣ Eocene lignites from Cambay basin, Western India: an excellent source of Hydrocarbon | 📖 Geoscience Frontiers | 🔢 Cited by: 52 | 📅 2016
4️⃣ Peat swamps at Giral lignite field of Barmer basin, Rajasthan, Western India: understanding the evolution through petrological modelling | 📖 International Journal of Coal Science & Technology | 🔢 Cited by: 45 | 📅 2016
5️⃣ Geochemistry of Kasnau-Matasukh lignites, Nagaur basin, Rajasthan (India) | 📖 International Journal of Coal Science & Technology | 🔢 Cited by: 37 | 📅 2016
6️⃣ Environmental Geochemistry of selected elements in lignite from Barsingsar and Gurha Mines of Rajasthan, Western India | 📖 Journal of the Geological Society of India | 🔢 Cited by: 33 | 📅 2015
7️⃣ Petrographic characteristics and paleoenvironmental history of Eocene lignites of Cambay basin, Western India | 📖 International Journal of Coal Science & Technology | 🔢 Cited by: 28 | 📅 2017
8️⃣ Understanding the paleomires of Eocene lignites of Kachchh basin, Gujarat (Western India): Petrological implications | 📖 International Journal of Coal Science & Technology | 🔢 Cited by: 28 | 📅 2017
9️⃣ Distribution and geochemistry of selected trace elements in the lignites of Cambay basin, Gujarat, Western India | 📖 Journal of the Geological Society of India | 🔢 Cited by: 27 | 📅 2016
🔟 A study on assessment of hydrocarbon potential of the lignite deposits of Saurashtra basin, Gujarat (Western India) | 📖 International Journal of Coal Science & Technology | 🔢 Cited by: 24 | 📅 2017