Chintamani ‘C. N. R.’ Rao is a structural chemist who has made valuable contributions to the study of solid-state materials. A leading figure in the field of nanoscience, he has conducted important analytical work on graphene and carbon nanotubes to examine their potential for use in future devices.
Over the past five decades, Chintamani’s sustained research in the domain of material science has improved our understanding of a number of physical phenomena, including high-temperature superconductivity and colossal magnetoresistance. He was also amongst the first to synthesise two-dimensional oxide layers, such as lanthanum cuprate, that are critical to the functionality of high-temperature superconductors.
Chintamani is one of India’s most internationally respected scientists and has received fellowships and awards from countries across the globe. A former President of India’s Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, in 2013 he received India’s highest civilian award, becoming only the third scientist to do so in its history.
Subject groups
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Astronomy and Physics
Condensed matter incl softmatter, liquids, nano-materials
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Engineering and Materials Science
Materials science (incl materials engineering), Instrumentation
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Chemistry
Chemistry, inorganic, Chemistry, materials
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Other
Other interests, Public understanding of science, Science education at secondary level, Science policy
Awards
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Hughes Medal
For his contributions to the field of materials chemistry, in particular, in relation to studies of the electronic and magnetic properties of transition metal oxides and high temperature superconductors. His work has been an inspiration to a generation of Indian scientists.
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Royal Medal
For his highly innovative and diverse contributions to solid-state and materials chemistry.
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Blackett and Jagdish Chandra Bose Memorial Lectures
On 'Chemical insights into high-temperature superconductors'.
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Dan David Prize
In the field of materials science.
