Hyderabad Based Scientist Gets Unique CSIR Honour
Dr Donempudi’s association with the IICT, began in 1993, after completing her PhD in polymer chemistry from OU, following postgraduate studies at the University of Hyderabad
Hyderabad: Dr Shailaja Donempudi, a former scientist at the city-based IICT, has become the first woman in CSIR’s eight-decade history to receive the distinguished scientist designation. Dr Donempudi, an Osmania University alum, was appointed distinguished scientist to head the business development group at the CSIR Headquarters in New Delhi. She assumed office on Monday
Dr Donempudi’s association with the Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT), began in 1993, after completing her PhD in polymer chemistry from Osmania University, following postgraduate studies at the University of Hyderabad. Over 28-year career, she has contributed extensively to polymer synthesis, characterisation, and technology development.
In 1996, she received the CSIR-DAAD Fellowship, which allowed her to pursue advanced research at the University of Kiel in Germany. Her efforts led to three technology team awards for successfully transferring research outcomes to industries and demonstrating a link between laboratory work and real-world applications.
Since 2017, she has served as the chair of business development and research management at CSIR-IICT, where she played a leading role in building collaborations. Her career and contributions were featured in the documentary “Ladies in Labs”, produced by AVRC, Osmania University, and broadcast on Doordarshan.
