Research should go hand in hand with the goal of driving innovations that create positive societal impact through evidence-based recommendations.
Anjali Singh, our next pathbreaker, Senior Fellow at ICRIER, aims to bridge the gap between rigorous academic research and policy implementation with a focus on key issues such as battery recycling, critical raw materials and sustainable practices.
Anjali talks to Shyam Krishnamurthy from The Interview Portal about her work at the Center for Study of Science, Technology and Policy (CSTEP) where she was involved in developing a statistical approach to evaluate the criticality of future raw materials for energy technologies (solar, wind, EV and hydrogen) in the context of Indian net-zero energy transition.
For students, many of the challenges we face are global in nature, which could be addressed through broader understanding of sustainability issues among policymakers, academics, and the public.
Anjali, Your background?
I was born in a small village of Uttar Pradesh and brought up in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India. I attended my school and college in the same city. I come from a family of farmers where the concept of female education was never taken very seriously. My mother’s dedication and constant push motivated me to go for higher education. My father is a medical practitioner and my mother is a homemaker. During my schooling, I was always fascinated by nature and was a curious kid who asked questions. I enjoyed doing science experiments and used to get super excited to see the outcomes of the experiments. Though I was never a top performer in my school or college, I must add that I was always curious to learn. I had a simple philosophy that whatever I found interesting, I should understand the concept completely. I was very much scared of mathematics in my early years of education but constant practice and motivation by my uncle (bade papa) made me like this subject so much that I wanted to become a mathematician in my later part of career.
What did you do for graduation/post-graduation?
For my undergraduate studies, I pursued a Bachelor’s degree, BSc (Hons) Physics from Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India. During this period, I developed the initial understanding of concepts of physics, chemistry and mathematics. My coursework included experiments of physics and chemistry and complex mathematical problem solving which provided me with a robust analytical and scientific toolkit.
In addition to my academic activities, I was actively involved in extracurricular activities such as diploma in Russian language, sports and music.
Post-Graduation:
“Building on this foundation, I completed my postgraduate studies with a Master’s MSc Physics specialization in Condensed Matter Physics from Banaras Hindu University, Uttar Pradesh, India.
During my postgraduate studies, I had the opportunity to work with leading academicians and practitioners on several research projects. I did my masters project which was part of the curriculum with Professor O. N. Srivastav who was a well- known Physicist. This experience was instrumental in shaping my research skills and broadening my perspective on global scientific challenges. I have been awarded a scholarship during my masters for being the highest scorer among the female students of my batch. This event motivated me to work even harder. I got an internship in Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bangalore but could not continue it due to poor health.
What were some of the key influences that led you to such an offbeat, unconventional career in Scientific Research?
My journey to become a Senior Fellow at ICRIER has been shaped by a confluence of key drivers, each playing a pivotal role in directing my path.
Key Influencers: Early in my career, I was profoundly influenced by the groundbreaking work of Physicists like Professor CNR Rao, Jawaharlal Nehru Center for Advanced Scientific Research, Bangalore and Professor A. K. Sood, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore (Principal Scientific Advisor to Government of India). Their contributions to physics and material science have illuminated the complexities of development and have also ignited a spark within me for understanding and addressing the scientific challenges faced by the community.
Mentors: Along the way, I was fortunate to be mentored by eminent scholars and practitioners who provided invaluable guidance and support. Prof. Umesh V Waghmare, in particular, played a crucial role in shaping my career. His insights into material science and physics inspired me to delve deeper into the intersection of computer science and material science. His mentorship helped me refine my research focus and adopt a more nuanced approach to materials science.
Events: I was doing well in my scientific career, making an impact through different outreach activities in the field. I have been asked a question, “how is your research helping society or the common man” which forced me to think critically and make this transition from scientific to policy research. I am applying my scientific and technical knowledge to carve out policies which can be beneficial for mankind.
Turning Points: A key turning point in my career was my involvement in a major research project analyzing the impact of external perturbation on physical and chemical properties of the materials. The project taken during my PhD not only solidified my expertise in material science but also revealed the profound impact that helped to understand the physics/science behind the experimental findings studied for different materials. Opportunity to present my work at international platforms, recognition of the research by the pioneers of the fields and opportunity to collaborate with the fine leaders of the field nationally and internationally were some key turning points.
Each of these factors—ranging from influential figures and mentors to pivotal events and turning points—has been instrumental in shaping my career trajectory. They have collectively driven my passion for sustainability and policy research, guiding me toward my current role as a Senior Fellow at ICRIER, where I continue to strive for impactful and innovative solutions to pressing sustainability challenges.
How did you plan the steps to get into the career you wanted? Or how did you make a transition to a
My journey to becoming a Senior Fellow at ICRIER was marked by a series of strategic steps and thoughtful decisions, each building upon the previous one to shape my career in climate change, urbanization and sustainability research. Before enrolling for PhD, I was not sure that I am mentally ready to give such a long commitment for doing a PhD. Hence to understand my dedication for research, I started working as a research assistant at IIT Delhi with Prof. V.D. Vankar at the Department of Physics. The project at IIT Delhi was on “Synthesis of aligned nanotubes of carbon and related materials and study of their electron emission properties”. During this project, I also got an opportunity do model the field emission properties using MATLAB which helped me a lot during my PhD interviews.
This helped me to understand the level of commitment needed for pursuing a PhD. To get admission at JNCASR, I qualified CSIR NET, a national exam. I always wanted to do my research in Material Science. JNCASR is a unique institute founded by Professor CNR Rao which does some outstanding work in this field. I did my PhD from Jawaharlal Nehru Center for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), Bangalore in Computational Materials Science.
My PhD thesis was on “Two Dimensional and layered functional materials: first-principles theoretical study”. During my doctoral thesis and post-doctoral experience at JNCASR, I used first-principles density functional theory to understand how structural, electronic and vibrational properties of two- and three-dimensional materials are influenced by crystal imperfections (defects) and external field. The materials studied in my work are not only technologically important but are also fundamentally interesting and exhibit unusual phenomena involving the physics of coupled electrons and phonons. In addition to this, I used self-energy corrected calculations of electronic structure to estimate excited state properties i.e., bandgap and exciton binding energy.
I focused on (1) structure-property relations in the presence of defects, (2) effects of carrier doping on electron-phonon coupling, which are relevant to characterization of the concentration of carriers in devices, and (3) pressure-dependent phase transitions associated with changes in an electronic structure such as semiconductor to metal transition, topological and Lifshitz transitions. My theoretical work has resulted in a proper understanding of experiments involving electronic and Raman spectroscopies.
I continued as postdoctoral fellow in the materials theory group, when I got a job opportunity from Center for Study of Science, Technology and Policy (CSTEP), Bangalore for the role of Research Scientist. The first research project was aligned with my PhD work. CSTEP is a “not for profit” think tank and does a lot of research in the policy domain. CSTEP gave me the opportunity to make a transition from scientific research to policy research as well as allowed me to continue my journey of conducting scientific research.
The work at CSTEP was mainly focused on development of a framework for technology assessment, which can assess the technology on various criteria such as technical, economic, resource availability, environment, social and policy & regulatory. TAF can be used to examine the usefulness and sustainability of various technologies (existing and emerging). This framework will provide crucial insights to relevant stakeholders and help them in making informed decisions pertaining to investments in any technology. On another project, I was involved in forecasting critical raw materials (CRM) needs to meet net-zero goals. Also, to maintain the sustainable supply chain of CRMs, we mapped the countries with availability to CRMs. The DST project focuses on exploring novel electrode materials for Na-ion batteries using first-principle based density functional theory. Also, I have used tools of machine learning and statistical analysis of the data generated from the first-principles study to identify descriptors of electrochemical properties of these electrode materials. Currently, I am also working on the recycling aspect of Li-ion batteries and the challenges faced by the Indian government in implementing this in the country. Here, I am also involved in policy-making for the government of India, with the ministry of new and renewable energy (MNRE).
An additional approach I adopted was actively engaging in conferences, workshops, and seminars. This not only expanded my knowledge but also allowed me to share my research findings and engage with other experts in the field. Continuous learning and active participation in the academics and policy-making community have been integral to my career development.
Where do you work now?
Currently, I am working with the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations as Senior Fellow.
What problems do you solve?
At ICRIER, I am dedicated to solving some of the most pressing and complex challenges facing our world today. My work revolves around crafting innovative solutions to critical issues such as battery recycling, critical raw materials, and sustainable practices to make earth a better place to live.
The core of my mission is to bridge the gap between rigorous academic research and policy implementation. I strive to transform complex theories into actionable strategies that drive positive change, empower communities, and create resilient living.
Through my work, I am committed to making a meaningful impact on the world by guiding policymakers, influencing strategic decisions, and advocating for innovative approaches that lead to lasting and transformative solutions.
What skills are required for your role? How did you acquire the skills?
For a Senior Fellow at a prestigious research institute like ICRIER, a range of advanced skills is essential such as research skills, analytical and critical thinking, project development, subject knowledge, problem solving, and visionary perspective. These skills cannot be developed overnight, I have developed these skills with constant practice, training, different work environments and curiosity to learn new things.
What’s a typical day like?
A typical day of a researcher is full of questions and finding its answers.
What is it you love about this job?
As a Senior Fellow at ICRIER, what I love most about this job is the opportunity to turn complex sustainability challenges into actionable insights that drive real-world impact. The dynamic blend of rigorous research, policy influence, and collaboration with diverse stakeholders keeps me intellectually engaged and motivated. Seeing our research shape effective policies and contribute to sustainable economic development is incredibly rewarding and fuels my passion for making a difference.
How does your work benefit society?
As a Senior Fellow at ICRIER, my work is deeply intertwined with the goal of advancing policies that drive positive societal impact. The primary ways in which my work benefits society are as follows:
1. Influencing Policy for Sustainable Development: My research focuses on developing evidence-based recommendations that inform and shape policies. By analyzing data and trends, I provide insights that help policymakers craft strategies for sustainable development. This includes promoting sustainable living, which ultimately leads to a better society.
2. Supporting Evidence-Based Decision Making: One of my core objectives is to ensure that policy decisions are grounded in robust research and evidence. Through rigorous analysis and well-reasoned recommendations, I help bridge the gap between academic research and practical policy application. This evidence-based approach ensures that policies are more effective and responsive to the needs of society.
3. Advancing Knowledge and Education: My role involves disseminating research findings through publications, conferences, and public engagements. By sharing knowledge and insights, I contribute to the broader understanding of sustainability issues among policymakers, academics, and the public. This educational aspect fosters informed discussions and empowers individuals and institutions to make better decisions.
4. Fostering International Collaboration: Many of the challenges we face are global in nature. I work to build partnerships and collaborate with international organizations and research institutions. These collaborations facilitate the exchange of ideas and best practices, contributing to more comprehensive and globally coordinated solutions to economic challenges.
In summary, my work at ICRIER is dedicated to producing high-quality research that informs and improves existing policies for sustainable society. By focusing on sustainable development, economic resilience, evidence-based decision-making, innovation, and international collaboration, I strive to contribute to a more informed, equitable, and prosperous society. The ultimate goal of my efforts is to enhance the well-being of individuals and communities through thoughtful and impactful solutions.
Tell us an example of a specific memorable work you did that is very close to you!
The current project which I am pursuing on battery recycling, is a blend of scientific, geospatial, and policy research. This project is practical as well as interdisciplinary in nature, it involves interaction with a lot of stakeholders. This project is unique and complex hence exciting.
Your advice to students based on your experience?
Based on my experiences, I suggest that the career decision should be taken after deep discussion with mentors. You should always follow your interest irrespective of the challenges faced. Any profession you choose is not free of challenges, hence develop an attitude of constant learning, positive thinking and believe in your own ideas even when others don’t.
Future Plans?
I want to become an entrepreneur who has the capability of generating employment for at least 50 individuals through organic farming or afforestation. I aim to spread awareness and follow sustainable living so that I can give a livable society to my future generations.