Veera Reddy Yatham

Dr. Veera Reddy Yatham is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India. He leads an active research group focused on developing innovative synthetic methodologies using photochemistry and radical chemistry approaches. His research has resulted in numerous high-impact publications in top chemistry journals.

Dr. Yatham completed his Ph.D. at the University of Cologne, Germany under the supervision of Prof. Albrecht Berkessel (2011-2015), followed by postdoctoral research at the University of Cologne, ICIQ in Spain, and the University of Regensburg in Germany. He joined IISER Thiruvananthapuram as an Assistant Professor in February 2020 and was promoted to Associate Professor in February 2025.

His primary research interests focus on Radical Chemistry in Organic Synthesis, particularly in two key areas: (a) Photoredox catalysis, where his group explores inexpensive chemicals as alternatives to transition metal-based photocatalysts, and (b) Metal-enabled radical-based cross-coupling reactions, developing novel strategies for constructing C-C bonds using secondary carbon radicals generated through photoredox catalysis. His work addresses significant challenges in pharmaceutical and natural product synthesis.

Analysis of his recent publications (2024-2025) reveals a strong focus on visible-light mediated radical reactions, particularly involving boryl radicals, triplet ketone catalysis, and synergistic catalytic systems combining photoredox with nickel catalysis. His research consistently targets challenging bond formations under mild conditions, with particular emphasis on C(sp³)-H functionalization and cross-coupling of unactivated substrates.

• Multiple students awarded Prime Ministers Research Fellowship (PMRF)
• Best Poster awards at IGP conference on Sustainable Chemistry 2024 and FS-CHEM 2024
• Featured in Org. Chem. Highlights for J. Org. Chem. 2024 paper
• Highlighted in Org. Process Res. Dev. for ACS Organic & Inorganic Au 2024 paper
• One of the most downloaded papers during first 12 months in Asian J. Org. Chem. 2022
• SERB SRG-GRANT technically approved

Dr. Yatham actively mentors a large research group comprising 8 PhD students, numerous BS-MS, IPHD, and MSc students. His group has successfully graduated several students who have defended their master's theses. His teaching portfolio includes advanced courses in Organic Chemistry, Modern Organic Synthesis, and Catalysis in Organic Synthesis. The YVR research group maintains an active presence in the chemical community, regularly presenting at national conferences and publishing in high-impact journals.