R. Nagarajan is a Professor in the Department of Applied Geology, Dean of R&D and Director of Curtin Malaysia Research Institute. He graduated with a B.Sc. (Geology) from the VOC College, Tuticorin, M.Sc. (Geology) from the University of Madras, and a Ph.D. (Geochemistry) from Anna University, Chennai. His research interests include applications of geochemistry to various areas, i.e., the evolution of sedimentary systems, the evaluation of the earth, petroleum geology, environmental geosciences, urban and regional geochemical mapping, and biogeochemistry. He has published over 133 indexed publications (Journal papers, conference proceedings, and book chapters) and edited a book. His current research focuses on Oligocene to Neogene sedimentary / meta-sedimentary rocks and Recent sediments of Borneo, as well as the rivers and coastal systems of Malaysia, India, and Mexico. He has been awarded the most prestigious “John Curtin Distinguished Professor” award from Curtin University, Australia, for his significant and sustained contribution to the University in national and international reputation, exceptional research skills and distinguished record of service to professional and public life. He is also one of the Vice Presidents of the International Association for Gondwana Research, China. He has more than 12 years of leadership experience as HOD, Associate Dean (R&D), Dean (R&D), and Director of the Research Institute at Curtin University, and has achieved great milestones under his leadership. He is one of the top 2% of scientists for the last 2 years (2024 & 2025) in Stanford/Elsevier’s Top 2% Scientist ranking list. He serves as Co-Editor-in-Chief for the Earth Systems, Resources and Sustainability Journal and Associate Editor of Geoscience Frontiers, Sustainable Water Resources Management, and Habitable Planet.