ISER Kolkata scientists awarded prestigious J C Bose Fellowship for pioneering research

KOLKATA: Professors Swadhin K. Mondal and Rahul Banerjee from the Department of Chemical Sciences at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Kolkata have been honoured with the prestigious J C Bose Fellowship.

The accolade recognises their groundbreaking research and their ability to blend scientific creativity with societal impact.The J C Bose Fellowship was awarded to distinguished Indian scientists across various fields, including professors from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) such as Vijay B. Shenoy and Siva Umapathy, ICTS faculty Rama Govindarajan, and UoH professor B. Senthilkumaran. Other recipients include P. N. Vinayachandran, K.

N. Balaji, Jayant Haritsa, and P. N. Rangarajan.

The fellowship recognises outstanding researchers and is instituted by the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) of the Government of India.Mondal has led the development of sustainable alternatives to traditional catalytic processes. His research addresses the urgent need to replace expensive, rare, and toxic transition metals, which are expected to be depleted within the next century due to industrial demand.

His innovative approach involves creating transition metal-mimicking catalysts, offering cost-effective and environmentally friendly solutions for industrial applications.A significant aspect of his work is the development of metal-free catalysts for CO₂ conversion, a crucial step in combating greenhouse gas emissions. His team’s pioneering methods allow the transformation of CO₂ into valuable chemicals under ambient conditions, making the processes economically viable and paving the way for future green industrial technologies.Mondal’s contributions have earned him numerous accolades, including the Friedrich Wilhelm Bessel Research Award and the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize in Chemical Sciences. His work has been recognised internationally, with visiting professorships at esteemed institutions worldwide.Banerjee’s research focuses on the creation of novel porous materials, including Covalent Organic Frameworks (COFs) and Covalent Organic Nanotubes (CONTs).

These materials act as molecular sponges, capable of trapping and filtering gases and liquids. His team has developed exceptionally stable and versatile materials that can capture carbon dioxide, store clean fuels, and remove toxic pollutants from water.Recently, Banerjee’s group achieved a breakthrough with covalently bonded porous organic nanotubes, combining extraordinary stability with tunable properties.

This advancement holds significant potential for applications in clean energy, electronics, and advanced filtration technologies.Banerjee’s work demonstrates the connection between fundamental chemistry and real-world solutions, addressing challenges in clean energy and environmental protection. His research has resulted in over 190 publications and 24 patent applications. He also serves as an editorial board member and associate editor of the Journal of the American Chemical Society.