Somaiya Vidyavihar University, in collaboration with the Green ChemisTree Foundation, hosted a public lecture by Prof John Warner on “Accelerating Green Chemistry Innovations for a Sustainable Future – A Call to Action for Academia & Industry.” Prof Warner, co-founder of Green Chemistry, is renowned for pioneering sustainable innovations and co-authoring the 12 principles of Green Chemistry with Dr Paul Anastas. With over 350 patents to his name, Prof John Warner was instrumental in creating the world’s first Ph D programme in Green Chemistry.
The event commenced in the presence of distinguished guests, including M Nitesh Mehta, Co-founder & Director, Green ChemisTree Foundation; Mr Sabaleel Nandy, Executive Director & CEO, DCM Shriram Chemicals; Dr Debabrata Rautaray, Vice President & Chief Product Development & Innovation Officer, DCM Shriram Chemicals; and other leaders from academia and industry. Representatives from Somaiya Vidyavihar University included Mr Samir Somaiya, Chancellor, SVU, Prof V N Rajasekharan Pillai, Vice-Chancellor, SVU, Dr Achala Danait, Dean, Strategy and Industry Partnerships and Director, Somaiya Institute for Research and Consultancy (SIRAC).
Shri Samir Somaiya, Chancellor of Somaiya Vidyavihar University, emphasised the urgency of moving away from fossil resources and adopting a circular economy for a more sustainable future. “We need to work into a system which is regenerative. That is, you extract, you valorise, and you regenerate- so you keep doing it again. It becomes circular rather than linear,” he asserted. He further added, “And, I think that is also when you talk about a sustainable future, we need to look at a wider definition of what it means to be a happy future- happy for the soil, happy for the planet, happy for all that are in there, and happy for the whole cosmos.“
Prof John Warner’s lecture highlighted that chemistry and material science research funding is primarily used in laboratories, with only a small fraction reaching the market. A common misconception is that simply increasing investment and generating more ideas will yield a greater number of successful products.He emphasised the need for a rethinking of invention, focusing on better integration between academia, entrepreneurs, and industry.
“The challenge is not just in making better molecules but in shaping better inventors. Industries must move beyond merely regulating hazardous materials to fundamentally rethinking how they are created. From medicinal chemistry to groundbreaking sustainable innovations- collaboration, creativity, and education play a crucial role in building a more sustainable future,” said Prof John Warner.
Ms Richa Buthello
Administrative Officer, SIRAC
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