A Preferatory Note

Professor Bhatia has been internationally known for his work on the effect of tritium (a radioactive pollutant of nuclear reactors) and its impact assessment, as well as radiation protection of human population through economically cheaper nutraceuticals which could be available to people, even to below poverty line. Having several research papers and review articles to his credit, his work on tritium clearly established the long term deleterious influence of tritium on 2 vital cell systemsc, renewal and non-renewal. His one CD Rom on tritium research has also been released way back in 1995 from Belgium in co-authorship of renowned radioecologist, Prof. Rene Kirchmann, comprising mainly Prof. Bhatia's work.

His work on gene mediated radiation protection with an objective of population protection from high background radiation (man made, as that of nuclear power plant or natural ones, like that of Kerala) using especially Amaranthus, Spinach, melatonin and now on flaxseed and sesame oils is receiving great attention of the media and researchers equally; this can be gazed by net-surfing. He pioneered in the therapeutic aspect of radiation injury through lignan. His work is also well expressed in his presidential address of Indian Science Congress; his majority of publications in the Presidential Address of Animal Veterinary and Fishery Sciences Section, 2007-2008 outlines the significance and application of his research. He has published his work in national and international Journals of repute with good impact factor; it is being cited too. The H-index of his work from 1996-2006 is 9 as indicated by SCOPUS. Of the 47 documents considered for the h-index, 9 have been cited at least 9 times. Highest citation index of his papers have gone more than 25.

His one of the recent interests in propagation and pursuit of ethical issues in science and technology is worth heeding. His sincere endeavours in this direction are reflected by the plenary and special lectures he is delivering, and by his innovative thought-provocating approach in his publications [Adolescents Roles in Science, Technology and Ethics (A.L. Bhatia) Volume 5 Issue 3/4 of International Journal of Ethics 2007; Proc. Symp. on Radiation Education, Nagasaki, Japan, 2003]. As Editor-in-Chief of the Asian Journal of Experimental Sciences (a 23 years old Journal), he also patronizes the moral fibres of his mission on ethics. He also promotes Indian Science and young scientists through his eidted Journal.

Besides this, it is also commendable (now-a-days a prerequisites of any scientist towards a contribution to the nation building), that Prof. Bhatia has been consistently espousing popularization of science among masses. Apart from more than 20 text- and reference books he has also written over 15 small books and many articles on popular science, in Hindi. Many of them have been for general masses, adult education and literacy programmes; as well he is frequently invited for lectures by media/NGO in order to creating the scientific awareness amongst masses.