Asima Chatterjee
| Asima Chatterjee অসীমা চট্টোপাধ্যায় | |
|---|---|
 Asima Chatterjee | |
| Born |
23 September 1917 Kolkata, Bengal, British India |
| Died |
22 November 2006 (aged 89) Kolkata, West Bengal, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Fields | Organic chemistry, phytomedicine |
| Institutions | University of Calcutta |
| Alma mater | University of Calcutta |
Asima Chatterjee (Bengali: অসীমা চট্টোপাধ্যায়) (23 September 1917 – 22 November 2006) was an Indian chemist noted for her work in the fields of organic chemistry and phytomedicine.[1] Her most notable work includes research on vinca alkaloids, and the development of anti-epileptic and anti-malarial drugs. She also authored a considerable volume of work on medicinal plants of the Indian subcontinent.
Biography
Early life
Asima Chatterjee (née Mookerjee)[2] was born on 23 September 1917 in Bengal. An excellent student, Chatterjee grew up in Calcutta, attending school and subsequently enrolling at the Scottish Church College, of the University of Calcutta, graduating with honours in chemistry in 1936.[3][4]
Academic work
Asima Chatterjee graduated in 1938 with a master's degree in organic chemistry from the University of Calcutta, completing a doctoral degree there in 1944. Her doctoral research focused on the chemistry of plant products and synthetic organic chemistry.[5] Among her notable instructors at the time were Prafulla Chandra Roy and Prof S.N. Bose. Additionally she also had research experience from the University of Wisconsin, Madison and the Caltech.
Chaterjee's research centered around natural products chemistry and resulted in anti-convulsive, anti-malarial and chemotherapy drugs.[6]
Career
She joined the Lady Brabourne College, of the University of Calcutta in 1940 as the founding head of the department of chemistry. In 1944, Chatterjee became the first woman to be conferred a Doctorate of Science by an Indian University.[1] In 1954, Asima Chatterjee joined the University College of Science of the University of Calcutta, as reader in pure chemistry. In 1962, Chatterjee was appointed the prestigious Khaira professorship of Chemistry at the University of Calcutta, a position she held till 1982.[1]
Awards and recognition
- She was a Premchand Roychand Scholar of the University of Calcutta.[4]
- She was the second woman after Janaki Ammal to be conferred Doctorate of Science by an Indian University, the University of Calcutta in 1944.[1]
- From 1962 to 1982, she was the Khaira Professor of Chemistry, one of the most prestigious and coveted chairs of the University of Calcutta.[1]
- In 1972, she was appointed as the Honorary Coordinator of the Special Assistance Programme to intensify teaching and research in natural product chemistry, sanctioned by the University Grants Commission (India).[1]
- In 1960, she was elected a Fellow of the Indian National Science Academy, New Delhi.[1]
- In 1961, she received the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award in chemical science, in the process becoming the first female recipient of this award.[1]
- In 1975, she was conferred the prestigious Padma Bhushan and became the first lady scientist to be elected as the General President of the Indian Science Congress Association .[1]
- She was conferred the D Sc (Honoris causa) degree by a number of universities.[1]
- She was nominated by the President of India as a Member of the Rajya Sabha from February 1982 to May 1990.[1]
References
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 The Shaping of Indian Science. p. 1036. Indian Science Congress Association, Presidential Addresses By Indian Science Congress Association. Published by Orient Blackswan, 2003. ISBN 978-81-7371-433-7
- ↑ Mention of the maiden name
- ↑ Some Alumni of Scottish Church College in 175th Year Commemoration Volume Scottish Church College, 2008, p. 584
- 1 2 Chemistry alumni of Scottish Church College
- ↑ valentinaproject (2014-08-06). "Asima Chatterjee, chemist". The Valentina Project. Retrieved 2016-10-11.
- ↑ valentinaproject (2014-08-06). "Asima Chatterjee, chemist". The Valentina Project. Retrieved 2016-10-11.
Further reading
- Ghosal, Shibnath (8 April 2003). "A Tribute to Prof. Asima Chatterjee". Arkivoc. University of Michigan, University of Florida. Retrieved 1 June 2017.
- "ASIMA CHATTERJEE". Ignite - Global Fund for Women. Global Fund for Women. Retrieved 1 June 2017.
- De, Asish (1 January 2015). "Asima Chatterjee: A unique natural products chemist". Resonance: Journal of Science Education. 20 (1): 6–22. doi:10.1007/s12045-015-0148-9. Archived from the original on 10 March 2015. Retrieved 1 June 2017.