DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY

Professor Debashis Chakraborty was awarded Dr.rer.nat. from the University of Göttingen in 2000 under the mentorship of Professor Dr. Dr. h.c.mult. Herbert W. Roesky. He pursued his initial postdoctoral career at the University of Idaho in the area of Fluorine Chemistry. After about a year he moved over as a joint postdoctoral researcher between Colorado State University and the Dow Chemical Company. He returned to India in 2003 and worked as a corporate research Group Leader in two prime pharmaceutical companies before joining as a faculty in the Department of Chemistry at Indian Institute of Technology Madras in 2005.The Organometallics and Polymer Chemistry group is headed by him.  The major research focus of this group lies in the areas of organometallics for polymer synthesis, homogeneous catalysis, CO₂ sequestration, wealth from waste and water activation. 

Professor Debashis Chakraborty is known for his ground-breaking contributions to sustainable catalysts, catalysis, CO₂ derived polymer materials, and environmental remediation. His pioneering catalytic systems to manufacture biodegradable and recyclable polyesters offer viable alternatives to petroleum- based plastics, backing national goals in waste reduction and circular materials. His ingenious work on CO₂ activation and conversion provides scientifically robust pathways for carbon utilization, contributing to longterm climate and sustainability strategies. Other stellar studies include dye degradation and microbial remediation which have reformed practical approaches to water purification and industrial effluent treatment. Innumerable students strewn across the apogee of industry and academia are a prolific testament to his invaluable mentorship. 

Professor Debashis Chakraborty has published over 120 research publications in various reputed refereed international journals and has 16 patents awarded to his credit. He is an Associate Fellow of the Institution of Chemical Engineers UK (AFIChemE), a Fellow of the International Association of Advanced Materials Sweden (FIAAM), a Fellow of Science Frontier Research Council UK (FSFRC), a Life Fellow of Indian Chemical Society (FICS) and has been recognized for his outstanding societal contributions of his research endeavors in the 33rd Edition of Marquis Who’s Who in the world. He is a member of Asia-Pacific Association of Scientific Research Singapore and Asian Polymer Association. He has professional registration with the Science Council (UK) and is a professional member of Institute of Science & Technology (UK) (MIScT) with Chartered Scientist (CSci) status.