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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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)
- 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)
" 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. "