In the vast realm of scientific exploration and academic excellence, one name shines brightly – Narayan Hosmane. A distinguished research professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Northern Illinois University, Hosmane’s journey is a testament to unwavering dedication, groundbreaking research, and a commitment to advancing human knowledge.
Early Life of Narayan Hosmane
Born in Gokarna in 1948 to a Havyaka Brahmin family in the Uttar Kannada district of Karnataka, India, Hosmane’s academic journey began at Bhadrakali High School, Gokarna. He continued his educational pursuit at Dr. A. V. Baliga College, Kumta, earning a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with Botany as a minor.
Academic Odyssey
Narayan Hosmane’s academic prowess continued to shine as he earned a Master of Science degree from Karnataka University, followed by a Ph.D. in Organometallic/Inorganic Chemistry from the University of Edinburgh in 1974. His postdoctoral research journey took him to Queen’s University of Belfast and the Lambeg Industrial Research Institute in Northern Ireland.
In 1979, Narayan Hosmane embarked on a significant chapter of his career, joining the faculty at the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University after postdoctoral work with Russell Grimes at the University of Virginia.
Later, in 1982, Narayan Hosmane joined the faculty at the Southern Methodist University, eventually becoming a Professor of Chemistry in 1989. In 1998, he moved to Northern Illinois University, where he currently holds the position of Distinguished Research Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Inaugural Board of Trustees Professor.
Contributions to Boron Science
Narayan Hosmane’s influence extends beyond the laboratory. In 1988, he founded “Boron in the Americas” (BUSA), previously known as BUSA, hosting its inaugural meeting in Dallas. His research contributions are evident in the over 300 papers published in leading scientific journals, earning him a spot among the top 50% of the most cited chemists globally from 1981 to 1997.
Awards and Recognitions
Narayan Hosmane’s stellar contributions have not gone unnoticed. His accolades include the coveted Humboldt Research Award, presented twice by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, Bonn, Germany.
The NRI Institute honored him with the Pride of India Gold Award in 2007, recognizing his outstanding accomplishments. The subsequent year brought the Lifetime Achievement Pravasi Award and Bharath Samman Medal during the Annual Conference in New Delhi.
His journey is adorned with numerous accolades, including the 2018 Dedicated Special Issue of the Journal of Organometallic Chemistry, the Mahatma Gandhi Pravasi Samman Award in 2017, and the High-End Foreign Expert recognition from the State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs (SAFEA), China, in 2013.
Educational Background and Professional Engagements
Hosmane’s educational journey is marked by excellence, including a Ph.D. in Organometallic/Inorganic Chemistry from Edinburgh University and a Master of Science degree from Karnatak University. His professional affiliations include being a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry and the American Institute of Chemists, showcasing his commitment to advancing the field.
Engaging in a myriad of editorial roles and boards, Hosmane has left an indelible mark. Serving on the International Editorial Advisory Board for ChemistryOPEN, Section Editor of Applied Organometallic Chemistry, and being part of prestigious journals like Organometallics, Molecules, and Main Group Metal Chemistry, he continues to shape the academic landscape.
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