GNDU teacher to receive Indian Academy of Sciences fellowship

Prof Vandana Bhalla from the Department of Chemistry of the Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU) has been honoured with a prestigious fellowship of the Indian Academy of Sciences (IAS), Bengaluru. The recognition places her among leading scientists in the country and marks a historic achievement for GNDU, as she is only the third from the university to receive this distinction in the past 55 years.

Commending Prof Bhalla on the feat, GNDU Vice-Chancellor Dr Karmjeet Singh said, “This is a moment of immense pride for the university. The Indian Academy of Sciences, founded by Nobel laureate Sir CV Raman in 1934, is one of India’s most esteemed science academies, dedicated to advancing scientific research and education.”

Prof Bhalla’s extensive work in organic and physical-organic chemistry has earned her international recognition. Her research focuses on developing novel molecular components capable of self-assembly in aqueous media and advancing metal-free photosensitising assemblies with potential applications in catalytic bond formation. Her research work has been seen as significant in the field of supramolecular chemistry.

Highlighting her contribution, Prof Palwinder Singh, Head of the Department of Chemistry, GNDU, remarked, “Prof Bhalla’s exceptional research output and academic contributions reflect her dedication and innovation. The fellowship is a testament to her hard work and the support of the GNDU community.”

Prof Bhalla’s achievements also include the AV Rama Rao Prize from the Chemical Research Society of India, the SERB-POWER Fellowship, INSA Teacher award, Rajib Goyal Award, Prof SS Sandhu Endowment Award by Indian Chemical Society, First Shiv Nath Rai Kohli Mid-Career Best Scientist Award by Panjab University, Chandigarh, Bhagya-Tara award by Panjab University, Thomson Reuters Research Excellence India Citation Award, bronze medal by Chemical Research Society of India (CRSI), Bengaluru.