Director
|
Prof. Dr. Asit Baran Mandal Director |
|
|
| back | |
|
|
| Some Diverse Features of Professional Experience | |
During the long professional carrier, has served the research community and the society at large in various roles, which includes those of a physical chemist, an applied chemist, a well- wisher to leather technologists and leather research, a teacher, an interface scientist, a project coordinator, a trainer, a planner, a leader (manager) and an image builder in R & D environment. Role as a Physical Chemist Gained about 33 years experience as a Physical Chemist. Had initial training at Jadavpur University under Prof. S.P. Moulik for Ph.D programme entitled “Physico-chemical studies on micellar and some mixed micellar systems”. Worked at the University of Saskatchewan, Canada (Molecular dynamics, NMR and electrochemical studies on micellar systems), Institute of Physical and Electrochemistry, Technical University of Dresden, Germany (photochemistry in micellar systems). Carried out intensive research in the field of micelles, reverse micelles and some biocolloid systems. Has made some important contributions to the understanding of the following: Development of methodologies and physicochemical techniques for the characterization of micellar and reverse micellar systems involving collagen, peptides, polymers, synthetic and vegetable tanning materials and polymeric surfactants. Demonstrated self-assembly processes and formation of liquid crystalline phases in a number of micellar systems. The establishment of Huggins-Thomas-Mandal equation by the inclusion of a modified parameter based on both experimental and theoretical investigations. Contribution on micellar systems with respect to electrochemistry, thermodynamics, relaxation kinetics, molecular dynamics, location, solubilization, solvation behaviour, nano materials, micellar catalysis, monolayer aspects and diffusional phenomena are extensive. Through his scientific contributions earned peer group recognition as a physical/biophysical chemist and as a result Dr Mandal has received several prizes and academic honour and was also nominated for Bhatnagar Prize in Chemical Sciences in 1994. Role of an Applied Chemist Led the identification of technological gaps in the area of chemical needs for the Indian leather sector, contributed to the development of chemical products viz., syntans, vegetable tannins modified by surfactant micelles, nitrocellulose lacquer emulsions as leather topcoat, low molecular weight hide/skin trimmings trans amidified polypeptides, polymeric grafted casein binders, collagen-surfactant complexes for collagen based shampoo formulation etc. Role as a Well-wisher to Leather Technologists and Leather Research Dr AB Mandal is Chairman of M.Tech Leather programme of Anna University. He teaches both B.Tech and M.Tech Leather Technology students of Anna University. Has gained acceptance in the group and other Indian industries as an expert in product development. Has made catalyzing role to strengthen the Leather Technologists and students in their professional endevors. Gained industrial experience during early stages in professional career, which helped in understanding the nature of team spirit. Teaching Has been intimately involved in educational programmes during the professional career in India and abroad for the last 25 years. Honorary Professor in the Dept.of Leather Technology, Anna University. Has guided a number of students for Ph. D., M.Phil, M.Tech and M.Sc. studies. Has been involved in revising the syllabus of B.Tech (Leather) and M.Tech (Leather) courses in Anna University and M.Sc., M.Phil., and Ph. D. courses in chemistry at the University of Madras. Has supervised the Doctoral Research of 12 students of whom 10 have obtained their degrees. Guided 10 M.Phil., 3 M.Tech. and 80 M.Sc. students (Chemistry). Has taught courses in Advanced Physical Chemistry, Colloids and Surface Sciences, Molecular Dynamics, Spectroscopy, Analytical Chemistry, Instrumental Methods, Inorganic and Physical Chemisty. Role of an Interface Scientist One of the special functions delivered in CLRI has been the role of an Interface Scientist. Wider exposure base to developments in science and technology has been useful for playing the role of an interface scientist. This has helped in enhancing inter-communication among basic scientists and technologists. The basic technical education in school and higher level training in advanced chemistry have facilitated in developing role of an interface scientist. This has aided in the choice of basic fundamental issues with technological relevance and providing a scientific basis to technological applications. Role as a Project Coordinator Has been leading the Chemical laboratory, which comprises of the Physical, Inorganic Chemistry and leather science groups of the institute for the last ten years, during which time several awards, publications and patents have been realized. Gained more than 10 years of experience as a coordinator of major time bound projects in CLRI. Major projects coordinated include: Micelles and Leather Auxiliaries, Molecular mechanism of tanning, metal induced structural changes in macromolecules, self-organized systems and composite materials, development of new mineral tanning agents, self-assembling characteristics of polymeric amphiphiles, application of metal nanoparticles in electrocatalysis and organic synthesis, etc. The methodologies adopted for coordination have aimed at the facilitation of effective interpersonal communication and healthy cross -fertilization of ideas. Coordinated effectively the establishments of Macromolecular XRD facilities, NMR and Computer Simulation and Modeling centers under Modernization programmes. Helped CLRI to establish a Centre for Research in Bioinorganic and Biophysical Chemistry. Role as a Trainer Conducted regular course lectures in Physical Chemistry, Spectroscopy, Colloids and Surface Sciences, Electrochemistry, Thermodynamics and related topics in Chemistry for staff and students in the institute for 3 hours a week as an in-house training program. This has helped in rendering long duration research training programmes economically viable through networking of various research activities. Has developed suitable selections and appraisal systems for research students and project trainees. The role in system development for group training has been a valuable support in quadrupling the strength of research trainees in CLRI during last 15 years. Planner of Major R & D and Industrial Projects Planned several in-house CSIR Projects, DST Projects. Dr Mandal has reviewed many project proposals funded by DST, DBT, DAE, UGC, CSIR, Indo-French, Promotion under advanced scientific research and gave suggestions and comments to CSIR and Indian Scientists. Some of the major projects where Dr Mandal was one of the committee members and offered his comments and suggestions. CSIR: “The New Millenium Indian Technology Leadership Initiative (NMITLI)” in Sep/Oct, 2002: CSIR has put in place 14 massively networked projects involving 110 research institutions and 45 industrial firms with an estimated outlay of Rs. 100 crores spread over a period of 2-3 years. DST: “Regional facility for Isothermal titration calorimetry in biologically important systems”, Dept. of Chemistry, IIT Bombay, in collaboration with NCL, Pune, BARC, Bombay, The Institute of Science, Dept. of Chemistry, Bombay, etc. in Oct. 2002. Prepared the project report for “New materials development”. Role as a Manager Management responsibilities undertaken have been during the periods at ONGC (1978-79) and CLRI (1979-till date). Has taken a direct and active role in the management of CLRI during the last 20 years. Has taken many important initiatives in the role of laboratory head and Coordinator of Chemical Laboratory under the Chemical Sciences Division. Evolved a partnership style of divisional planning for the Chemical Laboratory of this Institute. Initiated brain storming meeting and discussions with the help of the then Director, Dr T Ramasami (1996-2006). This approach has led to a visible success in R&D planning and delivery of technology targets. Management strategies employed involved a judicious blend of different models, depending on the size and nature of the target group. Inspiration and motivation of colleagues through personal examples have formed the main stay of management approach. The approaches made have met with success in the framework of CLRI as evidenced from the morale of co-workers. He enjoys a greater sense of satisfaction that the research group coordinated directly or indirectly has been able to make visible scientific contributions from the number of prizes and awards won on different occasions by students and colleagues. Dr Mandal has been a believer in the management by consensus, collective decision- making and transparency of function. Has taken more active part in the management of CLRI during the last 20 years and made in the process visible impact. Underwent short- term management courses in R&D management at the HRDG, CSIR, New Delhi in 1993, Administrative Staff College of India, Hyderabad, in 1998 and recently in CLRI. |
|
|
|
| back | |
|
|