Surendra Kulkarni
BS ’69 Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, Karnatek University, India
MS ’71 Organic Chemistry, Karnatek University
MS ’76 Chemistry, Purdue University
PhD ’78 Chemistry Purdue University
(Nominated by: Nominated by Chemistry)
"The thorough training in scientific discipline that I received at Purdue -- close to 9 years -- enabled me to keep working in the field of Science and Technology throughout my career. The self-confidence that I gained at Purdue always prompted me to look for higher levels of achievement."
Surendra Kulkarni retired from his last role as the research director and site head of SABIC Technology Center in Bangalore, India, which he built from conception to commission. He was instrumental in creating the $100 million state of the art research and development center, which houses about 500 scientists and engineers working in the areas of chemicals, petrochemicals and polymers.
Kulkarni has vast experience of 11 years in academic research and 32 years industrial research and development at some of the world’s leading companies -- Unilever, Johnson & Johnson, Ciba, GE, Dow and SABIC. His broad experience across industries covers consumer products, pharmaceuticals, agro-chemicals, performance chemicals, dyes, polymers, electronic materials and more.
Kulkarni worked with Professor H. C. Brown, Nobel laureate, and holds the unique distinction of accompanying Prof. Brown to the 1979 Nobel Ceremonies in Stockholm, which was in recognition for his contributions to academic research. Kulkarni won the Global Research Award of Ciba Specialty Chemicals, Switzerland in 2000 for his outstanding contribution to industrial research.
Kulkarni has published over 45 research papers in international journals and coauthored over 10 United States and European patents.
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
- 2007-13 - Conceptualized and managed global research center for SABIC
- 2005 - Represented on GE Plastics’ Global Technology Team
- 2000 - Received Ciba Specialty Chemicals’ Global Research Award
- 1990 - Conceptualized Atul school
- 1979 - Accompanied Prof. H. C. Brown for Nobel ceremonies