Pune: CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL), Pune, organised the Prof. K. Venkataraman Memorial Lecture on August 25, 2026, at SSBLT (PAML Building), Pune.
Prof Ila, Hindustan Lever Research Professor and INSA Honorary Scientist at the New Chemistry Unit, JNCASR, Bengaluru, delivered the memorial lecture.
The programme began with welcome remarks by Dr. Samir Chikkali, Chief Scientist, CSIR-NCL. Prof. S. Sivaram, Former Director, CSIR-NCL, introduced Prof Ila to the audience.
Prof Ila delivered the lecture titled “Flashbacks and Reflections from Six Decades in Chemistry: 1964–2025.” During the lecture, Prof Ila shared highlights from her six-decade journey in chemistry, covering her education, research, teaching and experiences as a scientist.
Early Years at IIT Kanpur
Recalling her early years at IIT Kanpur, Prof Ila spoke about the mentors who influenced her scientific career. She also discussed her PhD training and her distinction as the first woman to receive a PhD from IIT Kanpur.
Prof Ila also reflected on her early work at the Central Research Institute, where she was involved in medicinal chemistry. Her work included the synthesis of compounds for biological testing and the development of new synthetic methods.
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Research Journey at North-Eastern Hill University
During the memorial lecture, Prof Ila shared her experiences at North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong. She and her husband contributed to building research facilities and developing a research group with students from different parts of India.
Together, they discovered a reaction that was named after them as the “Junjappa-Ila Heteroaromatic Annulation” reaction.
Prof Ila highlighted the importance of mentoring, student training and creating a strong research environment while reflecting on her experiences in research and academia.
Prof Ila Discusses Work in Synthetic Organic Chemistry
Professor Ila also discussed her research in synthetic organic chemistry. Her work has included areas such as aromatic synthesis, domino reactions, transition-metal-mediated reactions, C–H functionalisation, cross-coupling and heterocyclic chemistry.
Her later research included transition-metal-free cross-coupling and electron-catalysed reactions involving single-electron transfer and radical anions.
Curiosity and Mentorship
In her lecture, Professor Ila emphasised the importance of scientific curiosity, reading, persistence, rigorous training and good mentorship in building a successful research career.
Professor Ila also acknowledged the contributions of her students and collaborators to her six decades of work in chemistry.
The memorial lecture was followed by a vote of thanks.
