Kolkata, 18 February (H.S.) : Dr. Titash Mandal, Assistant Professor at the Rubber Technology Centre of the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, has been awarded the 2026 Journal of Macromolecular Science, Part A: Pure and Applied Chemistry Early Career Researcher Prize. Sponsored by Taylor & Francis (USA), the award recognizes his outstanding and innovative contributions to elastomer-based energy storage systems, the institute announced on Wednesday evening.

Dr. Mandal’s research focuses on the development of advanced elastomeric composite materials, which are critical for next-generation flexible electronics. His work is making significant strides toward enabling cost-effective health monitoring and point-of-care diagnostic technologies. He is actively working on rubber-based energy storage systems capable of powering battery-free wearable electronics and small devices, particularly in remote and resource-constrained regions.

A key aspect of his research is the strategic use of sustainable elastomers, facilitating the development of environmentally friendly flexible electronics and energy technologies. His work has received international recognition, including publications highlighted in Nature and media recognition by UNESCO.

Dr. Mandal was also honored in 2025 with the Sparks–Thomas Award by the American Chemical Society, becoming the first recipient from an Indian academic and research institution and the fourth awardee from Asia. In 2024, he received the Faculty Excellence Award (Assistant Professor level) from IIT Kharagpur and was elected as an Associate of the West Bengal Academy of Science and Technology for 2026.

IIT Kharagpur expressed pride in Dr. Mandal’s achievements, stating that the award reflects the institute’s commitment to excellence in research, sustainable development, and global scientific leadership.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh