K. George Thomas

Prof. K. George Thomas is a distinguished Professor and J C Bose National Fellow at the School of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Thiruvananthapuram (IISER TVM). He currently serves as the Dean of Faculty Affairs and has been instrumental in building IISER TVM since its inception in 2010, having previously served as the founding Dean of Academics and Faculty Affairs (2010-2015) and as Director (additional charge) in 2013-2014. His leadership extends internationally as President of the Asian and Oceanian Photochemistry Association.

Prof. Thomas received his academic training at prestigious Indian institutions:

• B.Sc. (First Class) from Kerala University (1981)
• M.Sc. (First Class) from Savitribai Phule Pune University (1983)
• Ph.D. from University of Kerala (1990)

Prof. Thomas's research focuses on light-matter interactions at the nanoscale, with particular emphasis on molecular systems, plasmonic nanostructures, and semiconductor quantum dots. His group employs advanced spectroscopic techniques including steady-state and time-resolved methods, as well as single-molecule and particle spectroscopy/microscopy. Key research thrusts include plasmon-exciton coupling, chiroptical properties of nanostructures, and the organization of molecules on 2D surfaces. His work bridges fundamental photophysics with practical applications in sensing and energy conversion.

Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong focus on quantum dot photophysics, particularly InP and perovskite nanocrystals as environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional materials. His group has made significant contributions to understanding chiral phenomena at the nanoscale and developing plasmon-enhanced spectroscopic techniques for practical sensing applications.

Prof. Thomas has received numerous prestigious accolades recognizing his contributions to nanoscience and photochemistry:

• Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize in Chemical Sciences (2006)
• J C Bose National Fellowship (2014-2019 and 2019-2024)
• Elected Fellow of Indian Academy of Sciences (2008)
• Elected Fellow of Indian National Science Academy (2015)
• Materials Research Society of India (MRSI) Medal (2005)
• Chemical Research Society of India (CRSI) Bronze Medal (2004)
• MRSI-ICSC Superconductivity & Materials Science Prize (2015)
• C. N. R. Rao Prize Lecture in Advanced Materials (2020)

Prof. Thomas has supervised twenty doctoral students, all of whom now hold important positions in prestigious academic institutions worldwide. His research is generously supported by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) through multiple research projects. He has served on numerous national scientific committees and advisory boards, including the editorial advisory committee of the Journal of Physical Chemistry of the American Chemical Society (2012-2015). His group has developed innovative technologies, including a surface-enhanced spectroscopy based device for rapid detection of pesticide residues.

Leading the KGT Research Group at IISER TVM, Prof. Thomas oversees a vibrant research environment focused on cutting-edge nanoscience. The group collaborates extensively with theoretical scientists from IISER TVM, Argonne National Laboratory (USA), University of Parma (Italy), and Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (India). Their laboratory is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for nanomaterials synthesis and advanced optical characterization, supporting both fundamental research and translational applications in sensing and energy technologies.