Thanasekaran Ponpandian | Organic Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Assoc Prof. Dr. Thanasekaran Ponpandian | Organic Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, India

Author Profile

Early Academic Pursuits 📚🎓

Dr. Thanasekaran Ponpandian’s academic journey is a testament to his dedication and passion for organic chemistry. He began his educational path with a B.Sc. in Chemistry from V.H.N.S.N. College in Virudhunagar, Tamil Nadu, where he achieved a solid 74.9%. His undergraduate years laid the foundation for his deep interest in the intricacies of chemical processes. Continuing his academic excellence, Dr. Ponpandian pursued an M.Sc. in Chemistry, securing an impressive 79.8% and earning a University II rank at the prestigious V.H.N.S.N. College.

Dr. Ponpandian’s thirst for knowledge and commitment to his field propelled him further into advanced research, culminating in his Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from Madurai Kamaraj University. His doctoral research, titled “Sequential Reactions in the Synthesis of Heterocyclic Compounds,” was supervised by the esteemed Dr. S. Muthusubramanian. The work focused on developing new methodologies for synthesizing complex heterocyclic structures, which has far-reaching implications in drug discovery and material science. The academic foundation laid in these early years has provided Dr. Ponpandian with the necessary tools to thrive in his professional career.

Professional Endeavors 💼🔬

Dr. Ponpandian’s professional career has been marked by significant contributions to both the pharmaceutical industry and academic research. Currently, he holds the position of Principal Scientist at the CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT) in Hyderabad, India, where he specializes in Organic Synthesis and Process Chemistry. His role involves leading cutting-edge research on the synthesis of novel chemical compounds, with applications in drug development and industrial chemistry. At IICT, Dr. Ponpandian continues to push the boundaries of sustainable chemistry and green synthesis.

Before his current position, Dr. Ponpandian played pivotal roles in the R&D divisions of leading pharmaceutical companies such as Mylan Laboratories Ltd. (a Viatris company) and Inogent Laboratories. His work spanned across multiple levels of responsibility, from Deputy Manager to Group Leader and Senior Group Leader, overseeing the development of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) and advancing processes for drug discovery, especially in the oncology therapeutic area. His contributions helped enhance the efficiency and safety of pharmaceutical products, directly impacting public health.

Dr. Ponpandian’s tenure in the pharmaceutical industry, particularly in oncology, has allowed him to work on the design of molecules that could become the backbone of future cancer therapies. His extensive work with drug synthesis and molecular optimization has positioned him as a thought leader in medicinal chemistry.

Contributions and Research Focus 🧬💡

Dr. Ponpandian’s primary research interests are rooted in organic chemistry, with a strong focus on heterocyclic chemistry, catalysis, and the development of new chemical reactions. His research on sequential reactions in heterocyclic compound synthesis has been groundbreaking, leading to the creation of compounds that are essential for pharmaceutical applications. His work on catalysis has opened up new avenues for creating more sustainable and efficient chemical processes, which are crucial for both the pharmaceutical and industrial sectors.

Additionally, Dr. Ponpandian’s research has contributed to the development of green chemistry processes, minimizing waste and improving the sustainability of chemical manufacturing. His efforts to advance drug discovery have had a significant impact on the design of molecules that exhibit therapeutic activity, particularly in oncology and infectious diseases.

Accolades and Recognition 🏆🌟

Throughout his career, Dr. Ponpandian has garnered recognition for his innovative research and leadership in the field of organic chemistry. His work has been published in high-impact journals, contributing significantly to the scientific community. His research contributions have not only advanced sustainable chemistry but have also set new standards for green chemical processes in the industry.

Dr. Ponpandian’s efforts have been acknowledged by his peers, and he continues to be a respected figure in the pharmaceutical and academic circles. His innovative research in drug development has made him a valuable asset in both industry and academia, bridging the gap between theoretical chemistry and practical application.

Impact and Influence 🌍💊

Dr. Ponpandian’s work has had a far-reaching impact on public health through his contributions to the development of new pharmaceutical compounds. His research on drug synthesis has the potential to lead to the creation of life-saving drugs, particularly in the fight against cancer. His commitment to green chemistry and sustainable practices in chemical synthesis has also influenced the way pharmaceutical and chemical industries approach product development, emphasizing the importance of environmentally friendly and cost-effective processes.

Furthermore, Dr. Ponpandian’s academic background and professional experience have allowed him to mentor the next generation of scientists. He continues to inspire young researchers and students, especially those interested in pursuing careers in organic chemistry and drug development.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🔮🌱

Dr. Ponpandian’s legacy will be defined by his contributions to drug discovery, organic synthesis, and sustainable chemistry. His work has already made an indelible mark on the pharmaceutical industry, and he continues to lead cutting-edge research that could transform healthcare worldwide. In the coming years, Dr. Ponpandian aims to continue expanding his research into bioactive compounds, with a particular focus on discovering novel drug candidates for oncological therapies.

Moreover, Dr. Ponpandian is dedicated to fostering innovation in green chemistry and sustainable manufacturing. He envisions a future where chemical synthesis is environmentally sustainable, ensuring that future generations can benefit from both cutting-edge drugs and a cleaner, safer planet.

Dr. Ponpandian’s continued work in organic chemistry promises to shape the future of medicinal chemistry and sustainable industrial practices. His contributions will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy in both scientific research and the pharmaceutical industry, inspiring new solutions to global health challenges.

Citations

A total of 255 citations for his publications, demonstrating the impact and recognition of his research within the academic community.

  • Citations        255
  • h-index          13
  • i10-index       10

Notable Publications 

  • Title: On Water: Diastereoselective Synthesis of Functionalized 3-Nitrodihydroquinolin-4(1H)-ones Under Catalyst-Free Conditions
    Authors: Peter Raj, A.A., Ponpandian, T.
    Journal: European Journal of Organic Chemistry
    Year: 2024.
  • Title: Silver-Mediated Synthesis of 4H-Benzoxazin-4-ones by Intramolecular Decarboxylative O-Acylation Reactions with α-Oxocarboxylic Acid
    Authors: Bharathimohan, K., Ponpandian, T., Jafar, A.A.
    Journal: European Journal of Organic Chemistry
    Year: 2017.
  • Title: Gold-catalyzed Addition Reaction Between Creatinine and Isatin: A Sustainable and Green Chemistry Approach for the Diastereoselective Synthesis of 3-Substituted-3-Hydroxyisatins
    Authors: Parthasarathy, K., Ponpandian, T., Praveen, C.
    Journal: Cuihua Xuebao/Chinese Journal of Catalysis
    Year: 2017.
  • Title: Orally Available Stilbene Derivatives as Potent HDAC Inhibitors with Antiproliferative Activities and Antitumor Effects in Human Tumor Xenografts
    Authors: Kachhadia, V., Rajagopal, S., Ponpandian, T., Narayanan, S., Gopalan, B.
    Journal: European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry
    Year: 2016.
  • Title: Sequential Decarboxylative Azide-Alkyne Cycloaddition and Dehydrogenative Coupling Reactions: One-Pot Synthesis of Polycyclic Fused Triazoles
    Authors: Bharathimohan, K., Ponpandian, T., Ahamed, A.J., Bhuvanesh, N.
    Journal: Beilstein Journal of Organic Chemistry
    Year: 2014.

Sandeep Kotharkar | Organic chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Sandeep Kotharkar | Organic chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Embio Limioted-India

Author Profile

Early Academic Pursuits 🎓

Dr. Sandeep Anilrao Kotharkar began his academic journey with a passion for chemistry, a field that would later define his professional endeavors. His early academic years were marked by rigorous study, culminating in the pursuit of a full-time Ph.D. in Chemical Research. With four years of dedicated research work during his doctoral studies at UDCT Aurangabad (M.S.), India, Dr. Kotharkar honed his expertise in synthetic organic chemistry. His experience as a Research Fellow from 2002 to 2006 laid a solid foundation for his career in the pharmaceutical industry. Throughout these formative years, his primary focus was on developing innovative methodologies that could be applied to industrial processes. This academic grounding has been a cornerstone for his future achievements in chemical R&D.

Professional Endeavors 🚀

With 25 years of professional experience in Chemical Research and Development, Dr. Kotharkar has built a robust career in the pharmaceutical sector. His journey spans several reputed pharmaceutical organizations, showcasing a steady progression from early roles to his current position as Head of Department – Synthetic R&D at Embio Limited. His professional timeline includes:

  • Embio Limited (May 2022 – Present): As HOD, Dr. Kotharkar oversees multiple departments, including Synthetic R&D, Analytical R&D, QA, RA, and the Pilot Plant. His role is crucial in ensuring the smooth execution of synthetic reactions, process development, and scale-up troubleshooting activities. His leadership ensures seamless coordination between teams and ensures the delivery of high-quality APIs (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients) and control drug substances.
  • Aarti Industries Ltd. (June 2019 – April 2022): Dr. Kotharkar served as Deputy General Manager (DGM), further developing his leadership and managerial expertise. During this tenure, he played a pivotal role in the optimization and validation of processes at lab scale and pilot plants, ensuring commercial viability.
  • Emcure Pharmaceutical Ltd. (June 2007 – May 2019): His longest tenure, spanning 12 years, was marked by his work as a Senior Research Scientist (M-04). This period was instrumental in defining his research contributions, particularly in oncology projects and control drug substances.

His prior experience also includes a short tenure at Biostadt Ltd. Aurangabad as a Research Associate, and as a Lecturer at the Arts, Science & Commerce College in Badnapur, where he shared his expertise with the next generation of chemists.

Contributions and Research Focus 🔬

Dr. Kotharkar’s expertise lies in synthetic organic chemistry and process development. He is well-versed in handling oncology projects, developing control drug substances, and optimizing synthetic routes for various APIs and customer demand molecules. Some of his key contributions include:

  • Selection of Synthetic Routes: Dr. Kotharkar has been instrumental in selecting commercially viable synthetic routes for APIs, keeping in mind the cost-effectiveness, safety, and non-infringing pathways.
  • Process Development and Scale-up: He has coordinated lab activities related to the execution of synthetic reactions and scale-up troubleshooting activities, ensuring that processes are optimized and validated before moving to commercial production.
  • Technology Transfer: His work also involves the seamless technology transfer from R&D to pilot plant and eventually to full-scale production. He coordinates with various departments, including ADL/QC, QA, and EHS, to ensure the smooth transfer of technology.

Additionally, Dr. Kotharkar plays a key role in preparing Process Development Reports (PDRs), Technology Transfer Dossiers (TTD), and Quality by Design (QbD) data. His coordination with the IPM department for patent filings ensures that the intellectual property generated during product development is well-protected. This work has significant implications for both the pharmaceutical industry and broader chemical research.

Accolades and Recognition 🏆

Dr. Kotharkar’s professional journey is marked by numerous accolades, a reflection of his contributions to the pharmaceutical industry and his leadership in R&D. Throughout his career, his work on oncology projects, control drug substances, and process development has earned him recognition among peers and within the organizations he has served. He has consistently demonstrated a commitment to innovation, safety, and efficiency in chemical processes.

Impact and Influence 🌍

As a seasoned professional, Dr. Kotharkar has had a profound impact on the pharmaceutical industry, particularly in the area of oncology and API development. His leadership has influenced the next generation of chemists and researchers, and his work in process optimization and technology transfer continues to streamline operations in pharmaceutical manufacturing. He is regarded as a key contributor to the field of chemical R&D, and his ability to manage multidisciplinary teams across Synthetic R&D, Analytical R&D, and pilot plants makes him an invaluable asset to the organizations he serves.

Legacy and Future Contributions ✨

Looking ahead, Dr. Kotharkar’s legacy will be defined by his dedication to excellence in chemical research and his contributions to process development in the pharmaceutical industry. His forward-thinking approach to synthetic route selection, process optimization, and technology transfer will continue to influence industry standards. Dr. Kotharkar is also likely to expand his contributions through further patent filings, ensuring that his innovative methods and findings remain at the forefront of pharmaceutical research.As he continues to lead teams at Embio Limited, his work will leave a lasting impact on both the pharmaceutical industry and the broader field of organic chemistry. Future chemists and researchers will benefit from the innovations and standards he has set, ensuring that his contributions will be felt for years to come.

Citations

A total of 368 citations for his publications, demonstrating the impact and recognition of his research within the academic community.

  • Citations         368
  • h-index           19
  • i10-index        10

Notable Publications 

  • Title: Synthesis of Process Related Impurities of Citicoline and Citicoline Sodium
    Authors: Pakhurde, A.H., More, P.S., Bonde, N.L., Kotharkar, S.A.
    Journal: Indian Journal of Chemistry (IJC)
    Year: 2024.
  • Title: Identification, Synthesis, and Characterization of Process Related Impurities in the Synthesis of Boc-L-Lys(Boc)-OSu
    Authors: Pakhurde, A., Kishore, D.V.P., Kotharkar, S.
    Journal: Journal of Heterocyclic Chemistry
    Year: 2024.
  • Title: Identification and Synthesis of Oxidative-Degradation and Starting Materials-Attributed Impurities in Lisdexamfetamine Dimesylate
    Authors: Chaugule, S.B., Gole, P.L., Haldankar, S., Bonde, N.L., Kotharkar, S.A.
    Journal: Letters in Organic Chemistry
    Year: 2024.
  • Title: Identification and Synthesis of Process-Related Impurities in Lisdexamfetamine Dimesylate
    Authors: Mandavkar, S., Gole, P., Pawar, R., Kotharkar, S.A., Joshi, S.V.
    Journal: Letters in Organic Chemistry
    Year: 2023.
  • Title: Nitro-Aldol Approach for Commercial Manufacturing of Fenspiride Hydrochloride
    Authors: Pramanik, C., Bapat, K., Patil, P., Mahajan, U., Tripathy, N.K.
    Journal: Organic Process Research and Development
    Year: 2019.

Rangappa | Organic chemistry | Lifetime achievement Award

Prof. Rangappa - Organic chemistry - Lifetime achievement Award 🏆 

Institution of Excellence - India

Professional Profiles

Early Academic Pursuits

His journey in organic chemistry began with a fervent passion for unraveling the mysteries of molecules and chemical reactions. He pursued his academic endeavors with zeal, earning his undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in chemistry with a specialization in organic chemistry. His early academic pursuits laid a strong foundation for his future contributions to the field.

Professional Endeavors

Armed with a solid academic background, he embarked on a distinguished career in organic chemistry. He dedicated himself to advancing the frontiers of knowledge through rigorous research, teaching, and academic leadership. His professional endeavors encompassed roles as a researcher, educator, and mentor, shaping the minds of future generations of chemists.

Contributions and Research Focus in Organic chemistry

His research has focused on the synthesis and characterization of novel carbon compounds and organic molecules. He has delved deep into understanding the intricate mechanisms of organic reactions, exploring pathways for the efficient synthesis of complex molecules. His pioneering work has led to significant advancements in the field of organic chemistry, with implications for drug discovery, materials science, and sustainable chemistry.

Accolades and Recognition

His contributions to organic chemistry have been recognized with numerous accolades and honors. He has been the recipient of prestigious awards, including the Lifetime Achievement Award in Organic Chemistry, which celebrates his enduring commitment to excellence and innovation in the field. His research achievements have garnered recognition from peers and institutions worldwide, solidifying his reputation as a leader in organic chemistry.

Impact and Influence

His research has had a profound impact on the field of organic chemistry and beyond. His work has contributed to the development of new synthetic methodologies, elucidation of reaction mechanisms, and discovery of bioactive molecules with potential therapeutic applications. Through his mentorship and collaboration, he has inspired and influenced countless aspiring chemists, shaping the future of organic chemistry research.

Legacy and Future Contributions

As his career continues to evolve, his legacy in organic chemistry remains enduring. His groundbreaking research, dedication to teaching, and leadership in the academic community have left an indelible mark on the field. Looking ahead, he remains committed to pushing the boundaries of knowledge, mentoring the next generation of scientists, and making meaningful contributions to the advancement of organic chemistry and its applications in addressing global challenges.

Notable Publications