1991/Ph.D/CY Professor, Indian Institute of Science, India
Prof. Srinivasan Sampath is a Physical Chemist whose distinguished career exemplifies the finest traditions of scientific inquiry, innovation, and academic leadership. A proud alumnus of IIT Madras, where he completed his Ph.D. in Electrochemistry in 1991, Prof. Sampath went on to pursue postdoctoral research at different laboratories in Japan and Israel laying the foundation for a career that would go on to redefine the frontiers of interfacial science.
Since joining the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore in 1997, where is currently a Senior Professor, Prof. Srinivasan has built a formidable research programme at the intersection of spectroscopy, electrochemistry, and materials chemistry. His pioneering investigations into two-dimensional layered materials, particularly phosphochalcogenides — a class of materials he has championed with remarkable breadth — have opened new avenues in catalysis, sensing and battery technology.
Prof. Srinivasan’s research has consistently bridged the gap between fundamental science and practical applications. He has developed next-generation rechargeable zinc–air and lithium–oxygen batteries, supercapacitors and electrochemical biosensors — achievements recognised with two granted US patents and three Indian patents. As a mentor, Prof. Srinivasan has guided over 30 doctoral students to completion and supervised several masters and short-term project students, including international scholars from multiple countries.
Prof. Srinivasan’s contributions have been recognised with numerous prestigious honours, including the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize for Chemical Sciences (2006), among others. He is an elected Fellow of the Science and Engineering Academies of India as well as The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS), Italy.
In recognition of his extraordinary contributions to electrochemistry and materials science, his exemplary mentorship of generations of researchers, and his enduring commitment to advancing science in India and beyond, the Indian Institute of Technology Madras and its alumni are proud to confer Prof. Srinivasan Sampath with the Distinguished Alumni Award for the year 2026.
