PRESS RELEASE (English)
*Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur Congratulates Dr. Titash Mondal on Prestigious International Early Career Researcher Award*
Kharagpur | 18th Feb 2026 – The Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur proudly announces that Dr. Titash Mondal, Assistant Professor at the Rubber Technology Centre, has been awarded the 2026 Journal of Macromolecular Science, Part A: Pure and Applied Chemistry Early Career Researcher Prize. The award, sponsored by Taylor & Francis, recognises his outstanding and pioneering contributions to elastomer-based energy harvesters.
Dr. Mondal’s research focuses on the development of advanced elastomeric composite materials for next-generation flexible electronics, with particular emphasis on affordable healthcare monitoring and point-of-care diagnostic technologies. His work on rubber-based energy harvesting systems aims to enable battery-free wearable electronics and small devices, especially suited for remote, resource-constrained, and extreme environments.
A key pillar of his research is the strategic use of sustainable elastomers to promote environmentally responsible flexible electronics and energy technologies. His innovative contributions have received international recognition, including being featured as a research highlight in Nature and receiving media highlight commendation from UNESCO.
Dr. Mondal’s excellence has been consistently acknowledged at national and international levels. In 2025, he received the Sparks–Thomas Award from the American Chemical Society, becoming the first Indian from an Indian academic and research institution to earn this distinction and only the fourth recipient from Asia since its inception. He was also honoured with the 2024 Faculty Excellence Award (Assistant Professor Level) at IIT Kharagpur and has been elected as a 2026 Associate of the West Bengal Academy of Science and Technology.
The Institute takes immense pride in Dr. Mondal’s achievements, which reflect IIT Kharagpur’s continued commitment to cutting-edge research, sustainability, and global scientific leadership.
Thank You
Pratik Dama
Public Relations Officer
Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur,
Kharagpur, West Bengal, India – 721302
Mob – 9975654202
