IIT Dhanbad Faculty Honored with Prestigious Prime Minister's Early Career Research Grants
In a remarkable achievement for the Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines) Dhanbad, three recently appointed faculty members from the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology have been honored with the highly competitive Prime Minister's Early Career Research Grant (PM ECRG). This national-level recognition underscores the institution's growing research excellence and the promising potential of its academic staff.
Recognizing Promising Young Researchers
The recipients—Dr. Ananya Banik, Dr. Jadab Majhi, and Dr. Sunil Pulletikurti—have been acknowledged for their significant contributions to advanced scientific research during the early stages of their academic careers. The PM ECRG is specifically designed to support young researchers in pursuing innovative and impactful studies across various scientific disciplines, providing crucial funding and recognition.
Detailed Research Focus Areas
Dr. Ananya Banik specializes in solid-state chemistry, with her work concentrating on energy conversion and storage materials. Her research includes advancements in solid-state batteries and ionic conductors, which are critical for developing more efficient energy solutions.
Dr. Jadab Majhi is engaged in synthetic organic chemistry, with particular interests in photoredox catalysis and biocatalysis. His research aims to develop new chemical processes that are more sustainable and efficient.
Dr. Sunil Pulletikurti focuses on phospholipids, drug delivery systems, and studies related to the chemical origins of life. His work explores fundamental biological processes and potential applications in medicine and biotechnology.
Department Leadership Applauds Achievement
Commenting on this significant accomplishment, Sumanta Kumar Padhi, Head of the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, expressed pride in the faculty members' recognition. He emphasized that this achievement highlights the strong research capabilities and dedication of the newly joined faculty, reinforcing the department's commitment to scientific innovation and excellence.
This grant not only provides financial support for their research projects but also enhances the academic reputation of IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, positioning it as a leading institution for cutting-edge scientific exploration in India.



