Her broader research in materials science helped develop tiny structures — called nanostructures, with specific sizes, shapes, and properties.
Hyderabad: Dr Manorama Sunkara Vardhireddy, former chief scientist at Hyderabad’s CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT), has been appointed to the prestigious Raja Ramanna Chair by the department of atomic energy (DAE), an honour given to scientists whose work has significantly contributed to critical technologies.
Known for her research in chemical sensors and nanomaterials, Dr Vardhireddy’s work has direct relevance to nuclear safety, defence, and biomedical applications. She led the development of several specialised sensors, including one that detects hydrogen sulphide at low temperatures for nuclear reactors, and another for hydrogen gas that operates at room temperature, flagged internationally as breakthrough research. Her team also built carbon monoxide sensors to protect defence personnel in oxygen-deprived zones.
Her broader research in materials science helped develop tiny structures — called nanostructures, with specific sizes, shapes, and properties. These have been used in areas such as third-generation solar cells, drug delivery systems, MRI imaging, and protein separation.
With over 130 scientific publications and nearly 20 papers cited more than 100 times, she holds an h-index over 42 and has consistently featured on Stanford University’s global list of the top two per cent most-cited scientists in materials research since 2020.
The Raja Ramanna Chair is awarded to retired scientists in sensitive or critical technology areas so their expertise can continue to guide national research. Dr Manorama will take up a three-year term with CSIR-IICT, mentoring researchers and contributing to ongoing scientific projects.
