Prof. Shridhar R. Gadre’s Legacy Celebrated Through Interdisciplinary Scientific Dialogue

Pioneer of Molecular Tailoring Approach Honoured at National Computational Science Symposium

In celebration of one of India’s most influential figures in quantum chemistry, Somaiya Vidyavihar University in Mumbai hosted the National Symposium on Computational Science on 4 July 2025. The event also served as a tribute to the 75th birthday of Professor Shridhar R. Gadre, whose pioneering work in computational and theoretical chemistry has significantly shaped the field both in India and abroad. Organised by the university’s Centre for Excellence in Computational Science and Simulations (C2S2) in collaboration with the Srinivasa Ramanujan Institute for Basic Sciences (SRIBS), the symposium brought together a distinguished gathering of researchers, scholars, and students to honour Professor Gadre’s legacy and explore new directions in computational science.

Participants included academics from leading institutions such as IISER Mohali, IIT Madras, Savitribai Phule Pune University, and Digital University Kerala, alongside international delegates from Germany and Italy. The programme featured a rich blend of technical sessions, interdisciplinary panel discussions, and poster presentations, all highlighting cutting-edge research and collaborative opportunities. Speaking at the event, Vice Chancellor Prof. V. N. Rajasekharan Pillai emphasised that computational science now spans a wide range of disciplines and stressed the importance of such symposia in fostering collaborative, solution-oriented research. The seminar also paid tribute to Professor Gadre’s development of the Molecular Tailoring Approach (MTA). This method enables efficient analysis of large molecular systems and has become a cornerstone in computational chemistry.

Professor Gadre’s academic contributions include over 240 research publications and the supervision of more than 20 doctoral students. He has held prominent roles at Savitribai Phule Pune University and has been recognised with prestigious honours such as the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize, the INSA Fellowship, and the Indian Chemical Society’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Reflecting on his legacy, Prof. S. Sivaram noted that Gadre’s career exemplifies both scientific excellence and a deep commitment to mentorship.

Moreover, the event underscored Somaiya Vidyavihar University’s dedication to research-led academic engagement and its ongoing efforts to promote interdisciplinary collaboration in emerging scientific domains. This symposium not only celebrated a towering academic figure but also reaffirmed the vital role of computational science in shaping the future of research and innovation.

Editor’s Note:

Professor Shridhar R. Gadre's 75th birthday marks a significant milestone, prompting reflection on his enduring legacy. His scientific contributions have profoundly influenced the field of computational chemistry, both in India and globally. Professor Gadre’s contributions, particularly the development of the Molecular Tailoring Approach (MTA), have offered elegant and efficient methods for analysing large molecular systems, advancements that have become foundational in the field. His pioneering research in molecular electrostatic potentials and scalar fields has opened new pathways in theoretical chemistry, allowing for a deeper understanding of molecular structure and behaviour. Beyond his research, Professor Gadre has played a transformative role as a mentor and institution builder. He has guided over 20 doctoral students and published more than 240 scientific papers, nurturing a generation of scholars committed to pushing the boundaries of chemical science. His leadership at Savitribai Phule Pune University and the founding of the Interdisciplinary School of Scientific Computing stand as testaments to his vision for integrated, future-ready science education. Honoured with accolades such as the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize, INSA Fellowship, and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Indian Chemical Society, Professor Gadre’s academic excellence is matched by his commitment to fostering curiosity, rigour, and collaboration in research.

Skoobuzz emphasises that his work remains a source of inspiration for chemists, physicists, and computational scientists. It functions not only as a beacon for scientific exploration but also as an encouragement to seek knowledge with rigour, thoroughness, and creativity.