Debasish Das Mahanta | Physical Chemistry | Young Scientist Award

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Dr. Debasish Das Mahanta | Physical Chemistry | Young Scientist Award

Dr. Debasish Das Mahanta is an accomplished Indian physicist specializing in ultrafast spectroscopy, solvation dynamics, and biomolecular interactions, currently serving as Assistant Professor at GITAM School of Science, Bengaluru. he has held prestigious research positions in the USA, Germany, and India, including at The University of Texas at Austin and Ruhr-University Bochum.  With over 30 publications and 500+ citations, he is widely recognized for his pioneering work in Terahertz and 2D-IR spectroscopy.  His research contributes to the understanding of hydration, molecular dynamics, and protein structure-function relationships. He has also contributed actively to science communication and student mentoring.  A dynamic academician and multi-talented individual, he is known for leadership in sports and extracurriculars, promoting scientific excellence beyond the lab.

Profile

Scholar

🎓 Education 

Dr. Debasish Das Mahanta earned his Ph.D. in Physics (2013–2018) from the S.N. Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences (SNBNCBS), Kolkata, with a specialization in molecular solvation and ultrafast spectroscopy. He completed his M.Sc. in Physics from SNBNCBS under the University of Calcutta, graduating as First Class First and receiving a Gold Medal for his academic excellence. His undergraduate studies were at Katwa College, University of Burdwan, where he secured 70.8% with First Class distinction in Physics. Prior to that, he completed his Higher Secondary education from Katwa Kashiram Das Institution and obtained 85.5% in his Secondary education from Kandra J.M. High School. Throughout his academic journey, Dr. Mahanta consistently demonstrated a strong aptitude for advanced physical sciences. He was awarded the prestigious INSPIRE Fellowship by the Department of Science & Technology, Government of India, and qualified the highly competitive “Bose Test” for admission into the Integrated Ph.D. program, reflecting his dedication and academic excellence.

💼 Experience 

Dr. Mahanta’s research career spans globally, beginning with a Ph.D. at SNBNCBS (2013–2018), followed by a postdoctoral fellowship (2018–2019) at the same institute.  He then joined Ruhr-University Bochum, Germany, as a Research Associate (2019–2023), where he contributed to cutting-edge THz and 2D-IR spectroscopy.  In early 2023, he worked with The Baiz Group at The University of Texas at Austin, USA. Currently, since July 2023, he is Assistant Professor at GITAM University, Bengaluru.  He has also taught at Ruhr University and delivered lectures across India. He has expertise in spectroscopy labs, optics, quantum mechanics, and interdisciplinary modules in spectroscopy and simulation. 🧬 His cross-continental exposure and versatile roles in experimental and computational domains have enriched his teaching and research, fostering international collaborations and mentoring students globally.

🏆 Awards and Honors 

Dr. Mahanta has received numerous accolades including the Young Scientist Research Award (BRNS, 2025, ₹35 Lakhs) , GITAM SEED Grant (2024, ₹5 Lakhs) 🌱, and MURTI Faculty Fellowship (2024) . He has earned international recognition with cover articles in J. Phys. Chem. B, Chem. Phys. Lett., and Chem. Phys. Chem. He received the INSPIRE Fellowship (DST, 2014), and international travel grants (DST-SERB) for presenting at conferences in Germany.  His poster at RAMS-2016 earned a Best Presentation Award  and he has presented in major national and international scientific events including DPG Spring Meeting, ICTS, and VIT-ACS programs.  He was also selected as Research Assistant Professor at SRM University in 2023 (offer declined). His academic excellence was evident early on as the Gold Medalist in M.Sc. Physics.

🔬 Research Focus 

Dr. Mahanta’s research bridges physical chemistry and biophysics, focusing on solvation science, terahertz spectroscopy, 2D-IR spectroscopy, and molecular dynamics simulation.  He investigates intermolecular interactions in biological systems, exploring phenomena like hydrophobic hydration, macromolecular crowding, protein hydration, and cryopreservation.  His work addresses low-temperature H-bond dynamics, excited-state proton transfer, and biomolecular self-assembly.  He has built and developed advanced ultrafast spectroscopy setups, contributing to novel insights in time-resolved studies. His projects are funded by BRNS, GITAM, and supported by international collaborations with UCSB, UC Berkeley, and MPI.  Through integrative computational and experimental strategies, including MD simulations and THz analysis, his research enhances understanding of biological water dynamics at femtosecond scales, critical for drug design and cryobiology.

 Conclusion

Dr. Debasish Das Mahanta exemplifies the qualities of a promising young scientist through his outstanding academic record, impactful research contributions, and sustained pursuit of scientific excellence. His interdisciplinary skills, international research exposure, and independent research funding demonstrate his readiness to lead high-level research projects. With strategic enhancements in leadership visibility and national engagement, Dr. Mahanta is exceptionally well-suited for the Young Scientist Award, which would serve as a fitting recognition and encouragement for his future contributions to science and society.

📝Publications 

  1. Title: Caught in the act: real-time observation of the solvent response that promotes excited-state proton transfer in pyranine
    Year: 2023
    Authors: C Hoberg, JJ Talbot, J Shee, T Ockelmann, DD Mahanta, F Novelli, …
    Citations: 16

  2. Title: A subtle interplay between hydrophilic and hydrophobic hydration governs butanol (de) mixing in water
    Year: 2022
    Authors: S Chakraborty, P Pyne, RK Mitra, DD Mahanta
    Citations: 16

  3. Title: Contrasting hydration dynamics in DME and DMSO aqueous solutions: A combined optical pump-probe and GHz-THz dielectric relaxation investigation
    Year: 2019
    Authors: D Das Mahanta, SI Islam, S Choudhury, DK Das, RK Mitra, A Barman
    Citations: 16

  4. Title: Heterogeneous structure and solvation dynamics of DME/water binary mixtures: A combined spectroscopic and simulation investigation
    Year: 2018
    Authors: D Das Mahanta, D Rana, A Patra, B Mukherjee, RK Mitra
    Citations: 14

  5. Title: Bridging the Gap in Cryopreservation Mechanism: Unraveling the Interplay between Structure, Dynamics, and Thermodynamics in Cryoprotectant Aqueous Solutions
    Year: 2024
    Authors: DD Mahanta, DR Brown, T Webber, S Pezzotti, G Schwaab, S Han, …
    Citations: 9

  6. Title: Connection of large amplitude angular jump motions with temporal heterogeneity in aqueous solutions
    Year: 2020
    Authors: Debasish Das Mahanta, Rajib Kumar Mitra
    Citations: 7

  7. Title: From Local Hydration Motifs in Aqueous Acetic Acid Solutions to Macroscopic Mixing Thermodynamics: A Quantitative Connection from THz-Calorimetry
    Year: 2023
    Authors: S Bag, S Pezzotti, D Das Mahanta, S Schulke, G Schwaab, M Havenith
    Citations: 6

  8. Title: Correlating solvation with conformational pathways of proteins in alcohol–water mixtures: a THz spectroscopic insight
    Year: 2021
    Authors: P Pyne, DD Mahanta, H Gohil, SS Prabhu, RK Mitra
    Citations: 6

  9. Title: Impact of hydrophobicity on local solvation structures and its connection with the global solubilization thermodynamics of amphiphilic molecules
    Year: 2023
    Authors: BB Majumdar, P Pyne, RK Mitra, DD Mahanta
    Citations: 1

  10. Title: Caught in the act: Observation of the Solvent Response triggered by Excited-State Proton Transfer in real time
    Year: 2022
    Authors: C Hoberg, T Ockelmann, J Shee, P Balzerowski, D DasMahanta, F Novelli, …
    Citations: 1

Majid khan | Computational Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Majid khan | Computational Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor, Fuzhou University, Pakistan

Majid Khan, Ph.D., is an accomplished biochemist from Pakistan with extensive experience in drug development. He specializes in both in-vitro and in-vivo drug testing phases, demonstrating expertise in delivering high-quality results. Khan is proficient in refining testing protocols and optimizing development processes, ensuring rigorous and accurate outcomes. His leadership, communication, and teamwork skills have earned him a reputation for mentoring and guiding new team members in a collaborative environment. Khan’s dedication to scientific research and his ability to simplify complex ideas for non-technical audiences have set him apart as a respected figure in his field. 🌟🧬

Publication Profile

Google Scholar

Education:

Majid Khan holds a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the H.E.J. Research Institute of Chemistry, University of Karachi (2018-2021), where he investigated inhibitors of ureases. He completed his M.Phil. in Biochemistry (2014-2017) at the same institute, focusing on the effects of urease inhibitors on urolithiasis-causing bacteria. His academic journey began with a BS (Hons) in Biochemistry from Hazara University (2008-2012) and was preceded by pre-medical studies at Govt Post-Graduate College, Charssada. 🎓📚

Experience:

Dr. Khan’s expertise spans across drug development, specifically focusing on the mechanism of action of various enzyme inhibitors. His work in biochemistry has not only involved cutting-edge research but also practical applications in addressing major health issues, such as urolithiasis, diabetes, and cancer. Khan’s contributions to both academic and industrial sectors showcase his proficiency in lab-based and computational research. His role in scientific communities, guiding young researchers, and his collaborations with other professionals have been key to his successful career. 🔬💼

Awards and Honors:

Dr. Khan’s outstanding contributions to biochemistry and drug development have been recognized through various accolades and citations. His research publications have garnered significant attention, with a high h-index of 11 and over 340 citations. Khan’s work continues to contribute meaningfully to the field, and his expertise is acknowledged globally. 🏅🎖

Research Focus:

Dr. Khan’s research primarily involves the discovery and mechanistic study of enzyme inhibitors, with a focus on urease inhibitors and their therapeutic potential. His ongoing work explores compounds that show promise in treating conditions such as diabetes, cancer, and peptic ulcers. His studies also emphasize the in-silico and biochemical screening of natural and synthetic compounds to combat these diseases, highlighting his commitment to developing novel drug therapies. 🔬💊

Conclusion:

Dr. Majid Khan’s extensive academic background, combined with his diverse experience in drug development and biochemical research, places him at the forefront of biochemistry and pharmacology. His work, which bridges the gap between basic and applied research, continues to advance the understanding of disease mechanisms and drug efficacy. With a passion for teaching and mentoring, he plays a significant role in shaping the next generation of scientists. 👨‍🔬🌱

Publications:

Majid Khan, Sobia Ahsan Halim, Najeeb Ur Rehman, et al. “Cytotoxic natural products from Aloe vera resin inhibit carbonic anhydrases-II and -IX” (Accepted in International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, IF: 8.2)

Majid Khan, Atta Ullah, Sobia Ahsan Halim, et al. “Exploring Tryptamine Derivatives as Potential Agents for Diabetes and Cancer Treatment” (Accepted in International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, IF: 8.2)

Majid Khan, Arsalan Nizamani, et al. “Utilizing the drug repurposing strategy on current drugs” (Journal of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics, 2024, IF: 5.235)

Majid Khan, Sobia Ahsan Halim, et al. “Isoxazole analogues of dibenzazepine as possible leads against ulcers and skin disease” (Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal, 2023, IF: 4.562)

Majid Khan, Sobia Ahsan Halim, et al. “Substrate-like novel inhibitors of prolyl specific oligopeptidase for neurodegenerative disorders” (Journal of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics, 2023, IF: 5.235)

Majid Khan, Satya Kumar Avula, et al. “Biochemical and in silico inhibition of bovine and human carbonic anhydrase-II by 1H-1,2,3-triazole analogs” (Frontiers in Chemistry, 2022, IF: 4.873)