A scientist, innovator, industrial leader, and mentor, Thomas Colacot stands as a rare bridge between academic excellence and large-scale commercial success.
Early Life and Academic Foundations of Thomas Colacot
The scientific journey of Thomas Colacot began in India, where his passion for chemistry took root at an early stage. He earned his Bachelor of Science (1981) and Master of Science (1983) degrees in Chemistry from the University of Kerala, building a strong theoretical and experimental foundation.
Driven by intellectual curiosity and a desire to contribute to cutting-edge research, Thomas Colacot pursued a Ph.D. in Chemistry at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras, completing his doctorate in 1989. His doctoral training at IIT Madras instilled in him a deep respect for rigorous science, innovation, and problem-solving—principles that would define his career.
Following his Ph.D., Thomas Colacot undertook post-doctoral research in the United States, gaining valuable international exposure and strengthening his expertise in organometallic chemistry, catalysis, and synthetic methodologies.
Early Academic and Research Career in the United States
Before entering large-scale industrial research, Thomas Colacot built a strong academic and applied research profile in the U.S. He worked as:
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Research Associate at Southern Methodist University (Texas) on an Advanced Technology Program–funded project
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Assistant Professor at Florida A&M University
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Post-Doctoral and Teaching Fellow at the University of Alabama
These formative roles sharpened his ability to mentor students, lead independent research, and tackle complex chemical challenges—skills that later became invaluable in industrial leadership.
Thomas Colacot: Building a Global Homogeneous Catalysis Powerhouse (1995–2018)
The most defining chapter in the career of Thomas Colacot began in 1995, when he joined Johnson Matthey Catalysis and Chiral Technologies (JMCCT). Over the next 23 years, he would transform the company’s homogeneous catalysis program into a global benchmark for excellence.
Roles and Leadership
At Johnson Matthey, Thomas Colacot rose through the ranks from Development Associate to become:
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Global R&D Manager in Homogeneous Catalysis
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Technical Fellow, one of the highest scientific distinctions within the organization
Scientific and Industrial Impact
Under his leadership, Thomas Colacot spearheaded the development and commercialization of:
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Highly active palladium-based cross-coupling catalysts
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Innovative ligand platforms for large-scale synthesis
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Robust catalytic systems optimized for industrial manufacturing
These technologies are now used worldwide in the production of:
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Life-saving pharmaceuticals (including treatments for Hepatitis C, diabetes, and hypertension)
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Agrochemicals essential for global food security
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Advanced electronic materials, including OLEDs and liquid crystals
His work fundamentally reshaped how homogeneous catalysis is applied in industrial process chemistry, emphasizing scalability, efficiency, and sustainability.
MilliporeSigma and Merck KGaA: Driving Global Technology Innovation
In 2018, Thomas Colacot joined MilliporeSigma, the life science business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, as:
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R&D Fellow
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Director of Global Technology Innovation, Life Science Business
Based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, he led global innovation initiatives, focusing on developing next-generation technologies that accelerate scientific discovery and industrial application. His role at Merck KGaA further cemented his reputation as an industry-shaping thought leader capable of guiding research at a global scale.
Current Role: Vice President of R&D at Hindustan Platinum
As of 2026, Thomas Colacot serves as the Vice President of Research and Development at Hindustan Platinum, where he continues to shape the future of precious-metal chemistry, catalysis, and industrial innovation.
In this executive role, he combines deep scientific expertise with strategic leadership, guiding research programs that align advanced chemistry with commercial and societal needs.
Research Excellence and Scientific Contributions
The scientific legacy of Thomas Colacot is vast and enduring.
Publications and Patents
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Over 120 peer-reviewed scientific publications
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More than 65–70 international patents
His research spans:
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Homogeneous catalysis
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Palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions
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Organometallic chemistry
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Process chemistry for industrial applications
Influential Book
Thomas Colacot is the editor of the highly regarded book:
“New Trends in Cross-Coupling: Theory and Applications” (Royal Society of Chemistry, 2014/2015)
This book is widely recognized as a standard reference in both academia and industry, reflecting his ability to synthesize theory with real-world application.
Awards, Honors, and Global Recognition
The contributions of Thomas Colacot have been recognized through numerous prestigious awards, including:
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2021 – Scientific Curriculum Vitae (Lifetime Achievement Award), Merck KGaA
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2018 – Outstanding Researcher Award, Merck KGaA
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2017 – Catalysis Club of Philadelphia Award
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2016 – IIT Madras Distinguished Alumnus Award for Technology Innovation
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2016 – CRSI Medal, Chemical Research Society of India
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2015 – American Chemical Society National Award in Industrial Chemistry (First Indian recipient)
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2015 – IPMI Henry Alfred Award
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2012 – Royal Society of Chemistry Applied Catalysis Award and Medal
He is also a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (FRSC), a distinction reserved for chemists with exceptional contributions to the field.
Thomas Colacot: Educator, Mentor, and Visiting Professor
Beyond industry, Thomas Colacot remains deeply connected to academia. He has served as a visiting professor at leading universities worldwide, delivering invited lectures and seminars across India, the United States, China, and Europe.