Initially trained in Chemistry, Biswanath generated an interest in disaster studies and pursues an interdisciplinary research agenda that falls at the intersection of Science Technology Studies (STS) and Disaster Management. He obtained his Ph.D. from the Centre for Studies in Science Policy (CSSP), JNU and has worked at several leading institutes: Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA), Mussoorie (Research Officer 2005-2006), National Institute of Disaster Management, Government of India (Assistant Professor, 2006-2012), Jamsetji Tata Centre for Disaster Management (JTCDM), Tata Institute of Social Science (TISS), Mumbai (Assistant Professor, 2012-15).
He has contributed to several policy documents and development of National level guidelines such as Cyclone, Flood, Early Warning System etc. Biswanath has conducted more than forty training programs on disaster management for senior government officers in different parts of India and has offered several university courses, and online courses. Some of his notable contributions include- Development of an indicators-based mechanism to measure community preparedness for multi-hazards; Adaptation of Incident Command System (ICS) from the USA context to IRS for Indian conditions; Establishment of a Multi-Hazard Early Warning System (MHEWS) in Tamil Nadu following the 2004 Tsunami; preparation of a EWS Plan for the highly vulnerable Andaman and Nicobar Islands. These engagements have helped him bridge the gap between theories and practice in a range of research topics such as, multi-hazard early warning system, climate change adaptation, disaster and development, disaster management plans, incident response system etc.
Member, Department Research Committee: 2016-18
Convener, Department Research Committee: 2018-19
Head of the Department: 2019- 2022
Member, Department Committee for Academic: 2022-
Member, Academic Counselling Cell, 2025-
