Transformative Synthetic Organic Chemistry In Biology and Material Science
January 9-10, 2026
About the Conference
We are delighted to convene the "Transformative Synthetic Organic Chemistry In Biology and Material Science" in honour of Professor Indrapal Singh Aidhen on the occasion of his 65th birthday. This celebration recognizes Prof. Aidhen’s lifetime contributions in organic synthesis through synthesis of biologically/medicinally important compounds and synthetic carbohydrate chemistry. Evaluating bioactivity of synthesized compounds through collaborative efforts for identifying lead molecules. Developing new building blocks based on Weinreb-amide functionality for Diversity Oriented Synthesis for applications in material science. Equally impactful has been his role as a mentor and community builder: training generations of chemists who now carry his exacting standards of rigor and imagination into academia, industry, and national laboratories.
The meeting brings together colleagues, collaborators, former students, and emerging scholars to explore the evolving landscape of carbohydrate chemistry—from method development and total synthesis to chemical biology, materials interfaces, energy materials, and sustainable, bio-based feedstocks. By reflecting on Prof. Aidhen’s scientific legacy and his enduring commitment to education, collegiality, and integrity, the conference aims not only to honour past achievements but also to chart new directions for the field he has helped shape.
1. Modern Synthetic Methodologies: C-H activation and functionalization
2. Carbohydrate Chemistry in Biomedicine: Glycoconjugate vaccines and immunotherapies; Synthetic Carbohydrate Chemistry for applications in Biology & Medicinal Chemistry; Synthetic Glycobiology
3. Sustainable and Bio-Based Chemical Feedstocks: Valorisation of biomass-derived carbohydrates; Green catalysis for biobased polymers and surfactants; Circular chemistry design
4. Organic Molecules for Advanced Materials: Organic semiconductors, battery materials, OLED materials, and sensors; Synthetic functional polymers with carbohydrate side chains, Photo redox and electro-organic synthesis
5. Interface of Organic Syntheses and Chemical Biology: Total Synthesis of Natural Products & Analogues; Chemical probes for imaging and tracking biomolecules; Bio-orthogonal chemistry for tagging and modifying biomolecules in cells
Themes of the conference
This conference is a collaborative event bringing together colleagues and scholars to explore the evolving landscape of carbohydrate chemistry, from synthetic methods and total synthesis to applications in chemical biology, materials science, energy, and sustainable bio-based feedstocks. It's jointly hosted by IIT Madras, the ECS Student Chapter, and the Energy Consortium at IITM.