Dr Goverdhan Mehta, a well-known researcher in Chemical Sciences and former vice-chancellor of the University of Hyderabad (UoH), has been conferred with the Federal Republic of Germany’s prestigious ‘Cross of the Order of Merit’ this year.
He is the recipient of several other awards. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS), a Foreign Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences and has also been conferred with ‘Chevalier de la Legion d’Honneur’ by the President of France.
“I have been associated with Germany since a very long time due to my field of work. I have been there as a visiting faculty. I have worked on joint research papers and also gave lectures in many German universities. Recognition by Germany is something which I value. Coming from a research background, for me doing quality work is more important than anything else. I don’t pay much attention to awards and recognition coming my way. But when it comes, it surely feels nice,” he says.
Dr Mehta’s field of specialisation is Organic Synthesis, designing a diverse range of molecules. Interface of chemistry and biology is his current phase of work.
Describing his work, he says, “Right now, I am designing molecules which have the potential to develop into useful drugs to help human beings. I am working in collaboration with other institutions in the city. Even though we have got a good lead, the journey to the outcome is a long frustrating one.”
