National Science Day 2024: Research and Insights from Thought Leaders in India

Will you share a brief overview of your current research and its potential impact on addressing real-world challenges, especially in the context of National Science Day?

Our group is actively pursuing for sustainable solutions for decarbonization and green hydrogen production. A significant share of the global energy requirement is satisfied by fossil fuels, leading to the generation of copious amounts of CO₂ and subsequent climate change effects. Hence, we need to either shift to a carbon-neutral energy landscape or decarbonize our existing energy infrastructure. To address these issues, our group is developing synthetic catalysts that can (i) support renewable energy-driven hydrogen generation from water and (ii) capture CO₂ from industrial exhausts and convert it to commercially viable products to create a circular economy.

Can you recount a particularly significant discovery or breakthrough in your field that you believe is worth highlighting on National Science Day?

Natural enzyme architecture always remains a source of inspiration for synthetic chemists to design catalysts for driving energy-relevant chemical conversions. Despite the immaculate replication of the natural active sites by the synthetic models, they have rarely matched the impeccable enzymatic performance. The research groups led by Daniel DuBois and Wendy Shaw identified the absence of the protein scaffold as one of the prime reasons for the difference. They rationally incorporated artificial outer coordination sphere features to improve the catalytic performance of synthetic models and expanded the horizon of biomimetic catalyst design strategy.

How has government support and funding impacted your research initiatives, and how crucial is this support for the overall growth of scientific research in India?

Currently, the government has formulated a multi-step funding strategy that supports research initiatives in various stages, including idea inception, proof-of-concept, devise development and translational research. The leading and exciting outputs are also encouraged for rapid movement through the technology readiness level (TRL) ladder with appropriate industrial collaboration. The high-risk high-gain investigations are also supported, where the scientific community can leap forward to uncharted research territories. India is rapidly becoming the hotbed for emerging technologies and associated start-up activities. This paradigm shift in research direction is endorsed by multiple government bodies with generous support while creating an ideal environment for such growth.

What advice would you give to aspiring researchers and scientists, especially on National Science Day, to inspire encourage them to pursue their passion for scientific inquiry?

The intellect of the researchers can be best realized when they follow their curiosity and natural instinct. Thus, the researchers should actively pursue their unconventional ideas with zeal no matter how crazy it sounds. I am sure the new generation of young minds will evolve and enjoy while they embark their journey to the unknown.

Will you share a brief overview of your current research and its potential impact on addressing real-world challenges, especially in the context of National Science Day?

I thank the American Chemical Society for providing me with this opportunity on occasion of the National Science Day. I am a researcher working in the field of Green Energy and Net-Zero working to develop develop highly efficient catalysts for green hydrogen generation as well as CO₂ reduction to hydrocarbons. My work aims to address the challenge global warming and its adverse effects on human health and the environment.

Can you recount a particularly significant discovery or breakthrough in your field that you believe is worth highlighting on National Science Day?

In my belief, the seminal work done by Fujishima and Honda in the area of water splitting into hydrogen and oxygen in 1972 is a particularly impressive breakthrough which led to the rise of an innovative approach towards zero carbon footprint. Researchers are still working on the development of low-cost and novel catalysts for efficient hydrogen generation through water electrolysis.

(ACS Energy Letters Editor-in-Chief Prof. Prashant Kamat shared his conversation with Prof. Akira Fujishima during the 21st Topical Meeting of the International Society for Electrochemistry, Szeged, Hungary in a paper—read it here.)

How has government support and funding impacted your research initiatives, and how crucial is this support for the overall growth of scientific research in India?

I would like to acknowledge the support and funding provided by the Indian Government as it has played a pivotal role in shaping my research initiatives. Specifically, the financial assistance provided by the government has enabled me to access necessary resources, equipment, and research materials. Additionally, it has facilitated collaborations with other institutions and researchers, fostering a vibrant scientific community. The government support has been crucial for the overall growth of scientific research in India, as it has fueled innovation, attracted talent, and advanced discoveries in various fields, contributing to the nation's scientific progress and development.

What advice would you give to aspiring researchers and scientists, especially on National Science Day, to inspire encourage them to pursue their passion for scientific inquiry?

National Science Day is celebrated in memory of Sir C. V. Raman for his remarkable discovery of Raman effect. On National Science Day, I would advise aspiring researchers and scientists to persistently follow their curiosity, seek mentorship, embrace collaboration, and contribute to society. In this endeavour, let us all stay updated, foster a love for learning, and embrace interdisciplinary approaches. With enthusiasm, resilience, and a commitment to making a positive impact, we can embark on a fulfilling journey of scientific inquiry that pushes the boundaries of knowledge and benefits humanity.

Please share a brief overview of your current research and its potential impact on addressing real-world challenges, especially in the context of National Science Day?

My ongoing research delves into the materials science of natural silk proteins, exploring their potential applications in ground-breaking tissue regeneration technology. Tissue regeneration involves the strategic implantation of biomaterial scaffolds at the site of injury or disease within a patient's body. These scaffolds recruit cells from nearby healthy tissues and provide them with the necessary chemical, structural, and biological signals to generate new, healthy tissue. Consequently, the scaffold assumes a pivotal role in the restoration and renewal of damaged tissues or organs. This endeavor is currently being developed for commercialization by Serigen Mediproducts, a spin-off company of the CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory and an incubatee of Venture Center, Pune.

Can you recount a particularly significant discovery or breakthrough in your field that you believe is worth highlighting on National Science Day?

Throughout my scientific journey, numerous breakthroughs have fuelled my inspiration, such as advancements in electric vehicles, hydrogen fuel cell technology powering buses, and India's remarkable achievements in space exploration. Yet, the recent milestone in the development and widespread adoption of an indigenous vaccine amidst the COVID-19 pandemic stands out as particularly noteworthy. It symbolizes the triumph of visionary leadership by Indian scientists, underscored by years of focused effort. This achievement not only showcases the profound impact of scientific discovery on societal, economic, and political dimensions but also serves as a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of the scientific community in times of crisis.

How has government support and funding impacted your research initiatives, and how crucial is this support for the overall growth of scientific research in India?

I've been fortunate to receive significant funding support for my research at CSIR-NCL through various government grants from DST-SERB, CSIR, and DBT. This funding has empowered me to acquire and establish state-of-the-art equipment in my laboratory, attract and train deserving students through fellowships, and sustain daily operational expenses. Additionally, translational funding from DBT-BIRAC in the form of BIG, SBIRI, and BIPP grants has played a crucial role in bridging the gap between laboratory discoveries and market implementation. Consequently, government funding for both fundamental and translational research is essential for fostering the comprehensive advancement of scientific research in India.

What advice would you give to aspiring researchers and scientists, especially on National Science Day, to inspire encourage them to pursue their passion for scientific inquiry?

My advice to aspiring researchers and scientists is to discover your passion for scientific inquiry. It's crucial to discern what ignites your curiosity and motivates you, and then align your research endeavors accordingly. When defining significant scientific questions, it's insufficient to solely rely on literature review; engaging with key stakeholders in the field is paramount. This includes discussions with researchers from diverse disciplines, industry professionals, policymakers, customers, and others. From my own experience, I've found that translating technology to enhance the quality of life for patients and surgeons has been immensely gratifying. Collaborating with biologists, engineers, regulatory experts, surgeons, and patients has been instrumental in the development of impactful technologies.