FROM THE DESK OF HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT
The University of Delhi is a legendary place and home of some of the most accomplished scientists and academic leaders. The chemistry teaching in Delhi University was started in 1922 with three constituent colleges – St. Stephens, Hindu and Ramjas. The chemistry teaching was confined to a two-year course for B. Sc. degree in the Department, and the teaching up to I.Sc. level was conducted in the constituent colleges of the University. In October 1933, the University Offices and library were shifted to the Viceregal Lodge Estate and the Chemistry Department was made an inconspicuous beginning in the Viceregal Kitchen, which was used for conducting the lectures and practical classes. In 1942, new Laboratories and lecture rooms were constructed and visionary faculty members were invited by special efforts of illustrious Vice Chancellor, Sir Maurice Gwyer and M.Sc. degree course in the Departments was started with intake of 12 students, under the guidance of Prof. Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar, Dr. S. Z. Siddiqui (first Head of NCL), Dr. Jagdish Shankar and Dr. B. D. Jain. In June 1949, Professor T R Seshadri took over as Head of the Department. Due to his untiring effort, the research activities gradually increased, and the Department attained a formidable reputation internationally as one of the finest Schools of Chemistry. In 1963, the University Grants Commission recognized the Department of Chemistry as a Centre of Advanced Study for the Chemistry of Natural Products. In 1965, the Department of Chemistry was recognized as a Centre of Advanced Study in Chemistry.
Since its modest beginnings, the Department of Chemistry has evolved remarkably and now stands as a beacon of academic excellence and innovation. With a dedicated faculty of 39 members, we proudly hold the distinction of being ranked as the top department of chemistry among all universities in India, according to QS rankings, with an impressive cumulative h-index of 61. Our commitment to advancing the field of chemistry is reflected in our output, with nearly 200 publications each year that contribute significantly to the global body of knowledge. Our department fosters a vibrant academic community with nearly 50 Ph. D. candidates and an annual intake of 370 M.Sc. students. One of our faculty members is notably leading clinical trials for a novel molecule aimed at treating Parkinson’s disease, exemplifying our commitment to translating research into real-world applications.
The Department of Chemistry is well known for its excellence in teaching and research. The faculty members of the Department are engaged in excellent research and are encouraging/mentoring college teachers in quality research. The Department has around 600 M. Sc. students and 500 Ph.D and Post-Doctoral fellows. The Department has made great strides by revising and updating the B. Sc. and M. Sc. syllabi time and again. A thoroughly updated and revised M. Sc. syllabus was implemented in 2009. In the International Year of Chemistry, the Department incorporated project work in its M. Sc. curriculum and students are now being exposed to writing a project and also developing communication skills. Advanced level optional courses are also offered at the Ph. D. level and these courses are taught semester-wise. Collaborative research programmes with many National and International Research Institutes/Universities are also operating with mutual benefit. The Department has distinguished itself as a Centre for Innovative and Pioneering Research in a wide range of areas in Chemistry and Chemistry interfacing with Physical and Biological sciences. It has attained the status of a DST-FIST Sponsored Department. The Department is recognized as one of the best performing Chemistry Department in the country by DST in the International Year of Chemistry (2011). The Department is also a Center for the activities of the Royal Society of Chemistry, London and the American Chemical Society.
Taken as a whole, the faculty has a record of achievement that is virtually unmatched in academia. Throughout the Department’s history, the faculty has received prestigious honors including the world’s most prestigious Fellowship of Royal Society (FRS) to two of its faculty members, namely, Prof. Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar and Prof. T. R. Seshadri, half a dozen. With two Fellows of the National Academy (FNA) among our ranks, our department has established itself as a center of innovation, pioneering research across various domains of chemistry that intersect with the biological and physical sciences. This multidimensional approach not only enhances our academic reputation but also enriches the learning experiences of our students, preparing them to tackle complex scientific challenges. Our department is renowned for its excellence in teaching and research. Faculty members are engaged in cutting-edge research and guide Ph.D., M. Tech., M.Sc., and postdoctoral students. We occasionally hold national and international conferences, providing our students with opportunities to connect with scientists from around the world.
Our faculty members have made significant contributions in computational chemistry, biopolymers, physical chemistry of polymers, organic synthesis, and medicinal chemistry, as well as the structure elucidation of natural products, biotransformation, chemical communications, metal complex investigation, organometallic chemistry, translational chemistry, quantum chemistry, biological chemistry, analytical chemistry, biomolecular structures, nucleoside synthesis, electrochemistry, and materials chemistry. With these contributions, our department is advancing into new areas of research and teaching. Scientific and non-scientific speakers fill the University’s lecture calendar.
DU Chemistry Department is committed to providing professional and personal support that allows our students to take on learning. We offer a generous stipend to the selected meritorious master’s students, and full fellowships to all research degree (Ph.D.) students, health benefits for students, and an annual research budget intended to enrich scientific training. On DU campus, Delhi University Women’s Association (DUWA) provides affordable group childcare for the entire community. Our students receive subsidized housing in clean, secure and comfortable University hostels.
As we look to the future, we remain dedicated to upholding the legacy of excellence established by our early pioneers. We strive to advance the frontiers of chemistry through groundbreaking research and innovative teaching methodologies. Our goals are ambitious, but we are committed to achieving them. We invite you to join us across the University, the nation and the world in our campaign to achieve academic excellence and contribute for the benefit of “MAN KIND”.