Principal Investigator

Prof. Sounak Roy 

Prof. Sounak Roy is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry at BITS Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, where he also serves as the Dean of Research and Innovation. He joined BITS Pilani in 2012 as an Assistant Professor, was promoted to Associate Professor in 2018, and became a Professor in 2023.

He earned his Ph.D. from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore in 2008. Following this, he conducted post-doctoral research at ETH Zürich, Switzerland (2008–2010), and at the University of Pennsylvania and University of Delaware, USA (2010–2012), where he developed expertise in advanced materials, catalysis, and interdisciplinary research.

Prof. Roy is recognized for his contributions to materials chemistry, catalysis, sustainable energy, and carbon utilization. His achievements include the Society for Materials Chemistry (SMC) Bronze Medal (2024), Visiting International Professor Fellowship at Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Germany (2024), and election as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (FRSC, 2023). He was also selected for a Visiting Professorship at the University of Calgary, Canada (2020).

He is a Life Member of the Chemical Research Society of India, Materials Research Society of India, and Catalysis Society of India, reflecting his active engagement with India’s scientific community.

Research Interests: Prof. Roy’s work focuses on heterogeneous catalysis, nanostructured materials, CO₂ and nitrogen utilization, and energy conversion technologies. His research integrates materials chemistry, chemical engineering, and environmental sustainability, aiming to develop efficient, scalable, and environmentally responsible solutions for energy and carbon challenges.

Prof. Roy has successfully led and executed numerous research projects,supported by prominent government agencies such as DST and ANRF, as well as by leading industries including BPCL and HBL. He has mentored 7 Ph.D.s and more than 10 master’s students contributing significantly to the development of young researchers.

He has authored over 121 international peer reviewed journal publications, which have garnered more than 6,800 citations, resulting in an h-index of 42, underscoring the broad impact and relevance of his research.

For a detailed list of his publications and citations, please visit Google Scholar .

Dean, Research and Innovation, BITS Pilani (2025 – Till Date)

Head of the department, Dept. of Chemistry, BITS Pilani Hyderabad Campus (2020– 2024)

Professor, BITS Pilani, Hyderabad Campus (2023 – Present)
Associate Professor, BITS Pilani, Hyderabad Campus (2018 – 2023)
Assistant Professor, BITS Pilani, Hyderabad Campus (2012 – 2018)