Dr. Dayal received his M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Geology from Pune University. He researches the exploration of hydrocarbon in Indian sedimentary basins using surface geochemical prospecting techniques. During his tenure he worked with various oil companies in India and abroad in their exploration block. Dr. Dayal has published more than 100 research papers in top research journals, written more than 22 technical reports for various oil companies, and has contributed chapters to five books. He retired as principal scientist in January 2012 and CSIR awarded him the position of an Emeritus Scientist post for a period of three years to continue his work on shale gas.