Nagaland University Honours Five Chemists with Lifetime Awards

Nagaland University conferred Lifetime Achievement Awards on five eminent academicians during the inaugural session of the International Conference on Chemistry in Multidisciplinary Research (ICCMR–2026). The three-day conference was held from February 18 to 20 at I Ihoshe Kinimi Hall, Lumami, bringing together leading scholars from across India and abroad.

The awards recognised exceptional contributions to chemical sciences and allied disciplines, underscoring the university’s commitment to advancing research and academic excellence in the Northeast.

Awardees and Their Contributions

The honours were presented to Prof A K Mallik, Prof V S Raja, Prof M A Quraishi, Prof M Indira Devi and Prof Nitin Chattopadhyay.

Prof Mallik of Punjabi University, Patiala, has made pioneering contributions to materials chemistry, nanotechnology and surface science. His work on nanomaterials and electrochemical sensors has applications in energy storage and environmental monitoring.

Prof Raja of IIT Bombay is internationally recognised for his research in corrosion science and engineering. His studies have enhanced understanding of corrosion mechanisms and protection strategies across industrial sectors.

Global Impact in Corrosion and Green Chemistry

Prof M A Quraishi, formerly of IIT-BHU Varanasi, is regarded as a global authority in corrosion science and green chemistry. He has developed eco-friendly corrosion inhibitors and authored over 380 research publications, receiving more than 15,000 citations.

Prof M Indira Devi, senior professor at Nagaland University, specialises in physical chemistry, particularly lanthanide complexation and nanomaterials. She has also served as Dean of the School of Sciences, contributing significantly to institutional growth.

Advances in Photochemistry and Research Collaboration

Prof Nitin Chattopadhyay, former professor and dean at Jadavpur University, Kolkata, is renowned for his research in photophysics, photochemistry and fluorescence sensing. He continues his academic engagement as a CSIR emeritus scientist.

The ICCMR–2026 conference explored chemistry’s expanding role in multidisciplinary research, highlighting intersections with materials science, environmental sustainability and industrial applications. The event reinforced Nagaland University’s efforts to foster collaboration and strengthen scientific inquiry in emerging research domains.

Important Facts for Exams

• ICCMR–2026 focused on chemistry in multidisciplinary research.
• Corrosion science plays a key role in industrial safety and infrastructure protection.
• Green chemistry promotes environmentally sustainable chemical processes.
• Lanthanides are rare earth elements widely used in advanced materials and electronics.

Academic Excellence in the Northeast

By honouring distinguished chemists, Nagaland University reaffirmed its dedication to research excellence and academic leadership. The awards highlighted the growing prominence of scientific institutions in the Northeast as hubs of innovation and higher learning.