Dr . Asima Chatterjee Biography

 Asima Chatterjee (23 September 1917 – 22 November 2006) was an Indian chemist and organic chemist, renowned for her groundbreaking work in the field of medicinal chemistry. She was the first Indian woman to earn a Doctorate of Science in Chemistry from an Indian university. Chatterjee's research primarily focused on the development of drugs from natural products and synthetic organic chemistry.

Born in Kolkata (formerly Calcutta), India, on 23 September 1917, Asima Chatterjee was raised in a highly academic environment. Her father, Dr. Indra Narayan Mukherjee, was a renowned mathematician, and her mother, Kamala Devi, was one of the first women graduates in the region.

Chatterjee completed her Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Organic Chemistry from the University of Calcutta. She then pursued a Ph.D. in Chemistry at the same institution, specializing in the chemistry of plant products and alkaloids. In 1944, she became the first woman to earn a Doctorate of Science from the University of Calcutta.

Chatterjee's research career began at the University College of Science in Kolkata, where she worked as a lecturer. She focused her attention on the study of medicinal plants native to India and their potential applications in medicine. Her work led to significant discoveries, particularly in the areas of anti-epileptic and anti-malarial drugs.

In the 1950s, Chatterjee gained international recognition for her research on vinca alkaloids, compounds derived from the periwinkle plant. She successfully isolated and identified several alkaloids and developed a method for the extraction of the anti-cancer compound vinblastine. Her work laid the foundation for the development of chemotherapy treatments for various types of cancer.

Throughout her career, Chatterjee published numerous research papers and authored several books. She also served as the Head of the Department of Chemistry at Lady Brabourne College in Kolkata. Chatterjee's contributions to science earned her several accolades, including the prestigious Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize in 1961, becoming the first woman to receive the honor.

Asima Chatterjee was actively involved in various scientific societies and served on the editorial boards of numerous scientific journals. She was also a dedicated advocate for women in science and worked towards creating equal opportunities for women in academia.

Chatterjee continued her research and teaching until her retirement in 1982. She passed away on 22 November 2006, leaving behind a lasting legacy as one of India's most prominent chemists and a trailblazer for women in science. Her contributions to medicinal chemistry and organic chemistry have significantly impacted the field and continue to inspire future generations of scientists.