
ABOUT THE GROUP
Dr. Mainak Das
Assistant Professor | Department of Chemistry | Indian Institute of Technology (IIT-BHU)
We combine synthetic chemistry with advanced physical characterization to uncover how molecular structure dictates function. Our research centers on π-conjugated macrocycles and three-dimensional molecular frameworks, where topology, curvature, and redox activity give rise to unconventional electronic, optical, spin, and aromaticity properties. By revealing new structure–property relationships, we aim to establish the molecular foundations of next-generation functional materials.
BIOGRAPHY

Dr. Mainak Das is a distinguished scholar whose career encompasses a robust international trajectory in organic supramolecular and material chemistry. His academic foundation was built through rigorous training in macrocyclic synthesis, which later expanded into the specialized fields of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) and radical chemistry. Throughout his doctoral research, Dr. Das demonstrated an exceptional capacity for designing artificial molecular machines, a skill that earned him multiple prestigious fellowships including the Marie-Curie and Ulam NAWA awards. His work is characterized by a unique focus on functional organic materials, specifically their application in quantum information technologies and display devices.
Academic and Professional Journey
2012
B.Sc. in Chemistry
Jadavpur University, Kolkata, India
2014
M.Sc. in Chemistry
Jadavpur University, Kolkata, India
Supervisor: Prof. Shouvik Chattopadhyay
2020
PhD in Chemistry
National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER), Bhubaneswar, India
Supervisor: Prof. A. Srinivasan
2021-2023
Ulam NAWA Postdoctoral research fellow
Jagiellonian University, Poland, Europe
Supervisor: Prof. Miłosz Pawlicki
2023-2025
Postdoctoral research associate
University of York, England, UK
Supervisor: Dr. Alyssa-Jennifer Avestro
2025-2026
Marie-Curie Postdoctoral research fellow
Sorbonne University, France, Europe
Supervisor: Dr. Guillaume Vives
Honors & Academic Recognition
[ RSC FELLOWSHIP ]
MEMBER OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF CHEMISTRY
MRSC DESIGNATION
Professional Scientific Recognition
GATE
GRADUATE APTITUDE TEST
IN ENGINEERING
✓ TOP PERCENTILE
CSIR-NET
JUNIOR RESEARCH
FELLOWSHIP
✓ JRF RANKED
*
NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP
Prestigious scholarship for excellence in graduate and post-graduate education
Conferred by
MHRD, Government of India
*
OUTSTANDING POSTER PRIZE
Awarded at the MTIC-XVII International Symposium for creative research presentation
Recognition from
Dalton Transactions, RSC