THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Dhanbad, March 6: Prof. Madhulika Gupta, Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology at Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines), Dhanbad, has been featured in the Royal Society of Chemistry’s (RSC) International Women’s Day 2026 special collection of the Materials portfolio of journals.
The collection highlights impactful research led by women scientists across the world and published in 2025.
Research on advanced materials for fuel cell technology
Prof. Gupta has been recognised for her research paper titled “In silico design and experimental validation of a high-entropy perovskite oxide for SOFC cathodes,” published in 2025 in the Journal of Materials Chemistry A.
The research was conducted in collaboration with J. Kala, V. Dhongde, S. Ghosh, M. Gupta, S. Basu, B. Kumar and M. A. Haider.
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The study focuses on the design and experimental validation of high-entropy perovskite oxide materials for Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) cathodes, which play a crucial role in efficient and sustainable energy technologies.
Researchers combined computational modelling with experimental validation to develop advanced materials with improved electrochemical performance.
Recognition for impactful research
Expressing her happiness over the recognition, Prof. Gupta said the acknowledgement by the Royal Society of Chemistry was a significant honour.
“I am honoured to be featured by the Royal Society of Chemistry in the International Women’s Day 2026 special collection highlighting impactful research led by women scientists,” she said.
Focus on computational chemistry and drug discovery
Prof. Gupta’s research primarily focuses on computational chemistry, biomolecular recognition, protein–protein interactions, plant biomass studies and computer-aided drug discovery.
Her work involves advanced computational simulations to understand biomolecular structures, protein folding mechanisms and catalytic processes.
Earlier represented India at ASEAN–India Women Scientists Conclave
Earlier, Prof. Gupta was nominated by the Anushandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) under the Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India, among 20 women scientists to represent India at the ASEAN–India Women Scientists Conclave held in Singapore in April 2024.
The recognition underscores the growing global impact of research at IIT (ISM) Dhanbad and reflects the institute’s commitment to scientific excellence and innovation.