The scientific journey of Prof. Srinivasan Natarajan began with a strong academic foundation at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras, where he earned his Ph.D. in Chemistry in 1990. His early promise soon led him to some of the world’s most respected research institutions, including the Royal Institution of Great Britain and the University of California, Santa Barbara, where he pursued postdoctoral research.
These formative years sharpened his scientific vision and exposed him to cutting-edge approaches in materials chemistry—an experience that would later define his research philosophy.
In 1997, he embarked on his academic career at the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR) as an Assistant Professor. His move to IISc Bangalore in 2004, followed by his appointment as Professor in the Solid State and Structural Chemistry Unit (SSCU) in 2008, marked the beginning of a transformative era for inorganic materials research in India.
Srinivasan Natarajan: The Frameworks Solids Laboratory: Where Ideas Become Materials
At IISc, Prof. Srinivasan Natarajan founded and led the Frameworks Solids Laboratory, a hub of innovation where chemistry meets design, physics meets function, and theory meets application.
His research spans multiple high-impact domains, including:
Inorganic Solid-State Chemistry
He has played a defining role in the synthesis and structural understanding of complex framework solids, pushing the boundaries of how materials are designed at the atomic level.
Magnetic Interactions in Advanced Materials
Through meticulous exploration of magnetic properties in metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and hybrid materials, his work has opened new directions in functional materials research.
Material Design and Band Engineering
By combining structural chemistry with electronic insights, Prof. Natarajan has developed novel colored compounds and efficient electrocatalysts—materials with direct relevance to energy conversion and sustainability.
His research philosophy has always been clear: fundamental understanding must ultimately enable real-world solutions.
An Extraordinary Scholarly Impact
The academic influence of Prof. Srinivasan Natarajan is both deep and measurable. With over 315 peer-reviewed publications, his work has accumulated more than 19,000 citations, reflecting global recognition and sustained relevance. An h-index of 66 stands as testament to the consistency, quality, and long-term impact of his contributions.
His research has advanced fields such as:
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Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs)
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Perovskite materials
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Mixed-metal oxides
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Heterogeneous catalysis
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Luminescent and magnetic materials
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Energy storage and sustainable materials
These contributions have not only enriched scientific literature but have also influenced how materials are designed for energy, environment, and technology.
Srinivasan Natarajan: Honours That Reflect a Lifetime of Excellence
Recognition for Prof. Natarajan’s work has come from the highest scientific bodies in the country. He is an elected Fellow of all three major Indian science academies:
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Indian National Science Academy (INSA)
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Indian Academy of Sciences (IASc)
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National Academy of Sciences, India (NASI)
His prestigious awards include:
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2025 – Distinguished Alumni Award, IIT Madras
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2023 – SASTRA–CNR Rao Award for Chemistry and Materials Science
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2021 – Dr. Raja Ramanna State Award for Excellence in Research
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2013 – J.C. Bose National Fellowship