Dr. R. Nandha Kumar

Dr. R. Nandhakumar, Professor, is a Professor in the Department of Physical Sciences at Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences. He holds a B.Sc. in Chemistry from SRKVCAS, an M.Sc. and M.Phil. in Chemistry from Bharathiar University, and a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Bharathiar University, completed in 2004. He has also undertaken postdoctoral research at the Center for Smart Supramolecules, POSTECH, and the Department of Chemistry and Department of Nanosciences, Ewha Womans University, South Korea.

His research expertise includes supramolecular chemistry, bioorganic chemistry, fluorescent chemosensors, biosensors, nanomaterials, forensic nanotoxicology, and fingerprint analysis. His research activities focus on molecular recognition, sensing of biologically and environmentally important molecules, chiral discrimination, carbon-based materials, and applications in pharmacology and forensic sciences. His work also encompasses the development of novel heterocyclic molecules, fluorescent probes, and functional nanomaterials.

Dr. Nandhakumar has a total of 215 publications listed in his profile, including research and review articles in international and national peer-reviewed journals. His academic contributions include 10 books, 17 book chapters, two granted international patents, and multiple granted national patents. He has completed and participated in funded research projects supported by DST-SERB, IIT Tirupati, IITI DRISHTI CPS Foundation, HLL Lifecare Ltd., and Karunya University. He has also guided nine Ph.D. scholars to completion, with 11 research scholars currently working under his supervision.

His professional contributions include editorial responsibilities for several scientific journals, consultancy services in NMR, UV, PL, IR, HPLC, organic synthesis, materials chemistry, biosensors, and forensic toxicology, and academic and research collaborations with institutions in India and abroad. He has received several awards and recognitions, including the Achievers Award for Scholarly Publications (2026), Research in Excellence Award (2026), Distinguished Professor Award (2026), Achievers Awards for patents and h-index, Lifetime Achievement Award (2021), Outstanding Scientist Award (2021), and other recognitions for research and academic contributions.