"Research is nothing but a formalised curiosity and gives the opportunity to discover something new. The joy of doing research is a great source of happiness in life and is a strong driver of success."

Prof Jagadese J. VITTAL

PhD (Indian Institute of Science); MSc (Madurai University); BSc (University of Madras)
Department of Chemistry

RESEARCH INTERESTS

• Crystal engineering and coordination polymeric materials
• Solid-state reactivity and supramolecular structural transformations
• Single-molecular precursors for materials synthesis
• Shape- and size-controlled synthesis of battery materials and other nanomaterials

RESEARCH ACHIEVEMENTS

• Advanced the frontiers of crystal engineering and opened up possibilities for the development of new materials
• Pioneered structural transformations in coordination polymers and contributed to the fundamental understanding of reactivity in the solid state
• Succeeded in transforming the inherent properties of coordination polymers to be similar to that of processable materials, such as gels and fibres, for potential applications as advanced materials
• Developed single-molecular precursor routes for creating soluble nanocrystals, paving the way for unravelling their unusual optical properties

RESEARCH STRENGTHS

• Strong teamwork with very dedicated and motivated students and several researchers in Singapore and abroad
• Adept at leveraging on novel research ideas
• Successful in making the best of available resources
• Ability to apply crystallographic knowledge to materials chemistry

PUBLICATION CREDITS

• Published over 400 papers in internationally refereed journals, reviews, book chapters, and received more than 8,000 citations
• Current Hirsch index of 41, signifying quality of research and impact
• Co-edited two books: "Organic Crystal Engineering - Frontiers in Crystal Engineering", Wiley (2010) and "Frontiers in Crystal Engineering", Wiley (2006)
• Edited several special issues for leading journals
• Several outstanding papers have been highlighted on journal covers and rank among the top 10 most accessed electronically

INTERNATIONAL STANDING

• Serves on the editorial boards of several international journals
• Invited as external reviewers by funding agencies, professional bodies, research institutes and universities around the world
• Reviewer of about 120 manuscripts yearly for about 30 different chemistry journals
• Presented plenary, keynote and invited talks at several international and prestigious conferences such as American Chemical Society National Meeting, International Coordination Chemistry Conference, Asian Conference on Coordination Chemistry and PacifiChem
• Fellow, Singapore National Institute of Chemistry (since 2003)
• Member, Materials Research Society of Singapore (since 2003)
• Member, American Chemical Society (since 1997)

AWARDS AND ACCOLADES

• World Class University Chair Professor, Department of Chemistry, Gyeongsang National University, South Korea (2009 - 2013)
• Erudite Scholar in Residence, Kerala State Higher Education Council, India (2011)
• Outstanding Scientist Award, Faculty of Science (2007)
• Finalist, President's Science Award, Singapore (2009)
• Bronze Medal, Indian Association of Solid State Chemists and Allied Scientists (2001)

RESEARCH ASPIRATION
"To understand the intermolecular interactions in the context of crystal engineering and utilise the knowledge in packing of molecules in solids at will in order to control and fine-tune the solid state properties."