Pioneer in Crystal Engineering. Structural Chemist. Thinker.
Guided over 35 Ph.D. students and mentored 70 postdoctoral researchers
Prestigious Alexander von Humboldt award from Wolfgang Frühwald, in Bayreuth, Germany, 2002
Announcement
About
Gautam R. Desiraju, is a Professor Emeritus in the Solid State and Structural Chemistry Unit at the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, a Distinguished Visiting Professor at UPES, Dehradun, a Distinguished Professor at IKSHMA, IIT Mandi and a Professor of Technology at Rishihood University, Sonipat.
A pioneer in crystal engineering, Prof. Desiraju’s research has shaped modern understanding of weak hydrogen bonding and the structural chemistry of molecular solids. Over his career, he has authored more than 500 scientific papers, accumulated over 75,000 citations, and holds an H-index exceeding 105, placing him among India’s most highly cited scientists.
Beyond chemistry, his books Bharat: India 2.0 and Delimitation and States Reorganization explore India’s constitutional history and civilizational identity. Three recently released books are related to science, namely India’s Supply Chains in a World at War, Fixing Science in India – A Socio-Economic Prescription and India – Science, Politics, Geostrategy.
Prof. Desiraju has received numerous international honors, including the Alexander von Humboldt Forschungspreis, the TWAS Award in Chemistry, and the ISA Medal for Science from the University of Bologna. He has guided over 35 Ph.D. students and mentored 70 postdoctoral researchers, contributing extensively to the global scientific community.
“Hydrogen bonding is the cornerstone of crystal engineering, but curiosity is the cornerstone of science itself “
– Gautam R. Desiraju, PhD
Awards & Honors
Selected national and international distinctions awarded to Professor Gautam R. Desiraju for research excellence and scientific impact.
Alexander von Humboldt award from Wolfgang Frühwald, in Bayreuth, Germany, 2002
TWAS Award 2000
Certificate of honorary membership of the Hungarian Chemical Society, 2006.
ISA Medal of the University of Bologna, 2018
Published Works & Forthcoming Titles
Bharat: India 2.0 (2022)
Ancient roots, modern governance
It attempts to highlight a true sense of “Indian-ness” with reference to what the author believes is the core issue in India, an unsuitable system of governance that does not optimally dovetail modernity and economic growth with our civilisation, diversity and Dharma.
India: Science, Politics, Geostrategy (2025)
When science meets dharma, thought turns into destiny.
Through this powerful collection of essays, Gautam R. Desiraju explores India’s scientific evolution, its political choices, and its place in the global order.
With the clarity of a scientist and the courage of a thinker, he challenges the colonial mindset, urging India to move from “Make in India” to “Invent in India.”
Featured Writing & Research
Research Publications
A comprehensive archive of Dr. Desiraju’s scientific literature, reflecting his pioneering role in establishing crystal engineering as a global research discipline. This section will showcase landmark papers, high-impact journals, and influential citations.
General Articles
Insightful writings that extend his voice beyond research — where science meets philosophy, nation-building, and the deeper questions shaping India’s intellectual landscape.
Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS)
Bridging Tradition and Modern Science
Dr. Gautam Desiraju’s engagement with Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) focuses on drawing insights from India’s traditional knowledge banks — deeply rooted in Bharatiya culture — to address complex scientific problems in the modern world.
He believes that traditional Indian frameworks offer holistic perspectives that can complement reductionist approaches in modern science. As part of this initiative, Dr. Desiraju is working on a government-supported project with the Ministry of Education to co-author two textbooks on IKS — one for Class XI and another for first-year undergraduate students.
