Professor Pinaki Talukdar from the Department of Chemistry at IISER Pune has been awarded the Silver Star Medal by the Chirantan Rasayan Sanstha (CRS). The award celebrates researchers whose work in the chemical sciences demonstrates both groundbreaking innovation and practical societal impact.
Celebrating Scientific Excellence
The Chirantan Rasayan Sanstha, headquartered at Vidyasagar University Campus in Midnapore, West Bengal, actively advances chemical science education and research as a national body. Each year, CRS honours outstanding chemists from across India and brings them together for its annual symposium, fostering cross-disciplinary exchange and scientific dialogue.
Professor Talukdar will also deliver an award lecture at the upcoming CRS symposium titled “Science Beyond Boundary: Invention, Discovery, Innovation, and Society – Rasayan 21,” following an invitation from the organizers. He will formally receive the award at the event, which will take place at the Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) in Karnataka on August 1–2, 2025.
Pioneering Work in Functional Molecule Design
At IISER Pune, Professor Talukdar leads a dynamic research group focused on designing functional molecules with wide-ranging applications in both chemistry and biology. His lab synthetically modifies molecules to enable chemical sensing, biological recognition, and therapeutic innovation.
His work has contributed significantly to the development of molecular tools with potential
real-world use, from detecting toxic chemicals to understanding biological processes at the molecular level.
A Proud Moment for IISER Pune
The recognition from Chirantan Rasayan Sanstha adds to the growing list of national and international honours earned by IISER Pune’s faculty members. Professor Talukdar’s achievement reinforces the institute’s reputation as a hub for cutting-edge research in the chemical sciences.
As reported by indiatoday.in, as the professor prepares to share his insights at the CRS symposium, the award highlights not just his individual contribution but also the strength of India’s research landscape in pushing scientific boundaries for societal benefit.
