Raman Chair

The Raman Chair is a prestigious academic position instituted in honour of Sir Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman (1888–1970), one of India’s most eminent physicists and Nobel Laureate in Physics (1930). The chair recognises and perpetuates his monumental contributions to the advancement of science, particularly in the field of optics and molecular physics, and serves as a means to promote high-quality research and innovation in the country.
Named to commemorate C. V. Raman’s pioneering work on the scattering of light, which led to the discovery of the Raman Effect, the chair was established to attract distinguished scientists and scholars to Indian institutions and foster research excellence in the physical sciences. It symbolises India’s commitment to nurturing scientific talent and continuing the legacy of one of its greatest scientific minds.

Background and Establishment

The Raman Chair was instituted by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Government of India, as part of its ongoing effort to promote advanced scientific research. CSIR, established in 1942, is India’s premier research and development organisation that coordinates national efforts in diverse scientific and industrial fields.
The chair was created in the memory of C. V. Raman, who served as the Director of the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, and founded the Indian Academy of Sciences. His discovery of the Raman Effect in 1928 revolutionised modern physics by explaining how light interacts with matter, for which he became the first Asian and first non-white individual to win the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930.
The CSIR instituted the chair to honour his scientific legacy and to promote leadership in research areas aligning with Raman’s vision of scientific self-reliance and experimental inquiry.

Objectives of the Raman Chair

The primary objectives of the Raman Chair are to:

• Promote high-level research in frontier areas of physical and applied sciences.
• Encourage collaboration among Indian scientists and international researchers.
• Attract eminent scientists of global repute to work in Indian research institutions.
• Foster innovation and develop new methodologies in scientific investigation.
• Inspire young researchers to pursue careers in scientific research and uphold the spirit of inquiry exemplified by Sir C. V. Raman.

The Raman Chair is meant to serve as a platform for academic excellence, intellectual exchange, and mentorship in Indian science.

Administration and Selection

The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) administers the Raman Chair through its Human Resource Development Group (HRDG). The position is usually offered to distinguished Indian or foreign scientists of outstanding calibre who have made significant contributions in their respective fields.
Appointments to the Raman Chair are made for a fixed tenure, generally for one year, though it may vary based on institutional requirements. The selected scholar is placed in a leading CSIR laboratory or university, where they conduct research, mentor scientists, deliver lectures, and advise on national research strategies.

Activities and Scope

The Raman Chair is not limited to commemorative recognition but actively supports:

• Independent and collaborative research projects in core scientific disciplines such as physics, chemistry, materials science, and photonics.
• Seminars, symposia, and workshops aimed at promoting scientific knowledge dissemination.
• Research mentorship for doctoral and post-doctoral scholars.
• Policy guidance for strengthening India’s science and technology infrastructure.

The Chair encourages interdisciplinary research, consistent with Raman’s belief that the pursuit of science must be guided by curiosity and experimentation rather than rigid disciplinary boundaries.

Contribution to Indian Science

The Raman Chair continues to play a vital role in revitalising scientific research in India. By inviting globally recognised scientists to work with Indian institutions, it fosters international collaboration, enhances research output, and contributes to the development of human capital.
Through its initiatives, the Chair helps in:

• Strengthening research ecosystems across universities and laboratories.
• Integrating theoretical and experimental approaches in physical sciences.
• Encouraging original research leading to publications, patents, and innovations.
• Inspiring younger generations to uphold Raman’s ideals of intellectual curiosity and national service through science.

Legacy of C. V. Raman

Sir C. V. Raman’s legacy extends far beyond his Nobel-winning discovery. He was a visionary who believed in the power of indigenous science and education. As a professor and mentor, he trained generations of Indian physicists, many of whom went on to make significant contributions in spectroscopy, acoustics, and crystallography.
The Raman Effect, which describes the change in the wavelength of light when it is scattered by molecules, has had profound applications in modern technology, including Raman spectroscopy, a key analytical tool in chemistry, materials science, and medicine.
Instituting the Raman Chair reflects India’s tribute to his philosophy that “the essence of science lies in independent thinking and hard work.”

Related Initiatives

In addition to the CSIR Raman Chair, various institutions and universities across India have established similar honorary positions and scholarships in memory of C. V. Raman, such as:

• C. V. Raman Research Fellowships for scientists from developing countries.
• Raman Chairs at select universities and institutes of higher education.
• Raman Fellowships for Post-Doctoral Research, encouraging young researchers to gain international exposure.

These initiatives collectively aim to sustain the spirit of scientific inquiry and innovation that Sir C. V. Raman embodied.