Dr N. Vigneshwaran Named ICAC Researcher Of The Year 2026
The International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC) has named Dr N. Vigneshwaran, Principal Scientist and Head of the Chemical and Biochemical Processing Division at ICAR–Central Institute for Research on Cotton Technology (ICAR-CIRCOT), Mumbai, as the recipient of the prestigious ICAC Researcher of the Year Award 2026.
A renowned cotton scientist, Dr Vigneshwaran has made significant contributions to cotton science through his pioneering work in nanotechnology, biomass utilisation and value-added cotton applications. His research spans nanocellulose production from cotton linters and stalks, nanofinishing of cotton textiles, nanofertilisers, biohydrogen generation from cotton biomass and sustainable utilisation of cotton residues.
Over the past two decades, he has developed several breakthrough technologies with both scientific and commercial impact. Among them are nano-silver and nano-zinc oxide finishing technologies for cotton fabrics that provide over 99 per cent antibacterial protection and UPF 50+ ultraviolet protection with durability of up to 20 washes. These technologies have been successfully licensed for commercial production.
Dr Vigneshwaran also led the development of energy-efficient nanocellulose manufacturing processes from cotton linters and comber noil, reducing energy consumption by more than 50 per cent. Under his leadership, India’s first pilot-scale nanocellulose production facility from cotton biomass has been operational since 2015. His innovations further include specialty paper production using cotton comber noil blended with banana fibre and antimicrobial technologies adopted by the Bank Note Paper Mill in Mysuru.
His research excellence is reflected in more than 35 cotton-related scientific papers published in leading international journals, several of which have received hundreds of citations globally. He has also authored and co-authored 11 books and book chapters published by prominent international publishers, including Elsevier, Springer, CRC Press, Wiley-VCH and Woodhead Publishing.
An accomplished innovator, Dr Vigneshwaran holds four granted Indian patents covering nanomaterials, nanocellulose production and advanced nanoparticle technologies.
His contributions have earned widespread recognition both nationally and internationally. He is a Fellow of the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS) and the Textile Association (India), and has received several prestigious awards for scientific excellence and technology commercialisation. He has also been featured among Stanford University and Elsevier’s list of the World’s Top 2% Scientists from 2020 to 2025.
The ICAC Researcher of the Year Award is among the highest international honours in cotton research, recognising scientists whose work has delivered lasting contributions to cotton science, technology, sustainability and value addition. The award acknowledges Dr Vigneshwaran’s outstanding efforts in advancing innovative technologies that enhance the competitiveness, sustainability and future potential of the global cotton industry.
