IISER Kolkata Scientists: Two eminent scientists from the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Kolkata, Professor Swadhin K. Mandal and Professor Rahul Banerjee, have been conferred with the highly prestigious J. C. Bose Fellowship by the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) under the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India. This recognition highlights their outstanding contributions to chemical sciences and positions IISER Kolkata as one of the leading institutions in India’s rapidly evolving research ecosystem.
The J. C. Bose Fellowship is named after Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose, a legendary Indian scientist who made groundbreaking contributions in plant physiology, wireless communication, and solid-state physics. The award honours Indian scientists of exceptional merit who have demonstrated path-breaking research of national and international importance.
More details about the fellowship and its impact can be found on the SERB official website.
IISER Kolkata Scientists: The Significance of the Fellowship
The fellowship is considered one of India’s most respected scientific honours, reserved only for researchers who have demonstrated sustained excellence and produced results with a global impact. Awardees receive not just recognition but also crucial research support, allowing them to continue pursuing high-risk, high-reward scientific questions.
For IISER Kolkata, the double recognition is historic. It places the institution alongside older, established research hubs such as the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), further strengthening its reputation as a breeding ground for world-class scientists.
Profile of Prof. Swadhin K. Mandal: Green Chemistry Innovator
Professor Swadhin K. Mandal is renowned for his contributions to catalysis and the pursuit of sustainable chemistry. His research aims to reduce dependence on rare and toxic transition metals that are often used in industrial catalysts. Instead, his team has developed metal-free catalytic systems that are not only environmentally friendly but also cost-effective.
One of his most notable breakthroughs involves the conversion of carbon dioxide (CO₂) into value-added chemicals at ambient conditions. This discovery offers hope for addressing global climate change challenges by turning a greenhouse gas into useful resources for industries.
He has been widely recognised for his contributions, winning the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize for Chemical Sciences, one of India’s highest scientific awards, as well as the Friedrich Wilhelm Bessel Research Award from Germany’s Alexander von Humboldt Foundation.
For those interested in his research journey and publications, IISER Kolkata provides detailed insights on their faculty page.
Profile of Prof. Rahul Banerjee: Architect of Porous Materials
Professor Rahul Banerjee is an internationally acclaimed scientist in the field of Covalent Organic Frameworks (COFs) and Covalent Organic Nanotubes (CONTs). These materials are known for their porous, sponge-like structures, which allow them to store gases, filter pollutants, and even support clean energy technologies.
His team’s pioneering work on covalently bonded organic nanotubes has opened doors to new possibilities in clean energy storage, electronic applications, and water purification technologies. His contributions align strongly with global sustainability goals, particularly in combating air and water pollution.
Prof. Banerjee has published over 190 research papers and filed 24 patents, showcasing not only academic excellence but also a clear vision for applied science. He also serves as an associate editor of the Journal of the American Chemical Society (JACS), one of the most influential journals in the field of chemistry.
His profile and achievements are also highlighted by the American Chemical Society.
IISER Kolkata’s Rising Legacy
IISER Kolkata, established in 2006, is one of the seven Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research set up by the Government of India to promote advanced scientific research and education. In less than two decades, it has become a globally recognised institution, producing high-quality research in fields ranging from biology and physics to chemistry and mathematics.
The recognition of Professors Mandal and Banerjee with the J. C. Bose Fellowship cements the institute’s role as a hub for cutting-edge, sustainability-driven science. More information about IISER Kolkata’s vision and academic programmes can be found on its official website.
Why Their Research Matters Now
The recognition of Mandal and Banerjee is not just a personal achievement but a timely acknowledgment of science’s role in solving global crises.
- Climate Change Solutions: Prof. Mandal’s work on CO₂ conversion provides a direct response to climate change by reimagining greenhouse gases as valuable raw materials.
- Clean Energy and Filtration: Prof. Banerjee’s porous frameworks could revolutionize how we store renewable energy and purify water, two of the most pressing global challenges of the 21st century.
- Economic Relevance: Both scientists’ research offers scalable, industry-ready innovations that could shape India’s future in clean technology and green chemistry.
Other 2025 Recipients: A Network of Excellence
The 2025 J. C. Bose Fellowship cohort also includes scientists from IISc Bangalore, University of Hyderabad, and International Centre for Theoretical Sciences (ICTS). Among them are Prof. Vijay B. Shenoy, Prof. Siva Umapathy, Dr. Rama Govindarajan, and Prof. B. Senthilkumaran, each making remarkable contributions in their respective fields.
This demonstrates the interdisciplinary nature of Indian science, where research in chemistry, physics, and life sciences converges to address global challenges.
For a full list of SERB-supported fellows and projects, one can visit the SERB directory.
The Legacy of Jagadish Chandra Bose
The fellowship’s namesake, J. C. Bose, is often hailed as one of the fathers of modern Indian science. His pioneering experiments on plant physiology demonstrated that plants respond to external stimuli, while his work on radio waves laid the foundation for wireless communication, predating Marconi’s inventions.
By naming this fellowship after him, the Government of India highlights the continuity of Bose’s spirit of innovation in today’s generation of scientists. His legacy continues to inspire researchers like Mandal and Banerjee to push boundaries.
For more on his life and contributions, readers may explore the Indian National Science Academy archives.
Looking Ahead: The Road for Indian Science
The recognition of two IISER Kolkata scientists is more than just a celebratory moment; it signals the rising role of Indian institutions in shaping the future of global science. With increasing international collaborations, patent filings, and high-impact publications, India is slowly emerging as a scientific powerhouse.
The J. C. Bose Fellowship not only supports individual researchers but also indirectly strengthens India’s innovation ecosystem by encouraging ambitious research that can transform society.
Conclusion
The conferment of the J. C. Bose Fellowship on Prof. Swadhin K. Mandal and Prof. Rahul Banerjee represents a milestone for both IISER Kolkata and Indian science as a whole. Their pioneering research in green catalysis and porous organic materials holds enormous promise for a sustainable future.
This achievement not only honours their personal dedication but also reaffirms the importance of nurturing scientific excellence in India. At a time when the world faces environmental, energy, and health-related crises, the work of scientists like them lights the path toward innovative, eco-conscious solutions.
✅ External Resources for Readers:
- SERB Official Website
- IISER Kolkata Official Website
- American Chemical Society Journals
- Indian National Science Academy Archives
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