Professor R. Arthur James, Chair of Department of Marine Science at Bharathidasan University (BDU), has been honoured with the Tamil Nadu Scientist Award (TANSA) 2022 in Environmental Science. The award, one of Tamil Nadu’s highest scientific recognitions, acknowledges his pioneering contributions to marine science and sustainable environmental practices.
Key Highlights
- Award: Tamil Nadu Scientist Award (TANSA) – 2022
- Field: Environmental Science
- Recipient: Prof. R. Arthur James, Chair, Department of Marine Science, Bharathidasan University (BDU)
- Awarding Body: Tamil Nadu State Council for Science and Technology (TNSCST)
- Year of Institution: 1986
- Award Venue: Resource Centre for Tribal Development, Udhagamandalam (Ooty), Tamil Nadu
- Prize Components:
- Cash Prize: ₹50,000
- Citation/Certificate of Honour
- Presented By:
- Govi. Chezhiaan – Minister for Higher Education, Tamil Nadu
- M. P. Saminathan – Minister for Tamil Development, Information and Publicity
About Professor R. Arthur James
- Designation: Chair, Department of Marine Science, Bharathidasan University (BDU)
- Field of Expertise: Marine Science, Environmental Sustainability, and Nanomaterials
- Research Focus:
- Natural Nanomaterials: Development of eco-friendly antibiotic agents from extremophilic microorganisms.
- Applications: Used in wound healing and food preservation.
- Patent Holder: Developed natural anti-corrosive pigments extracted from seaweeds found along the Tamil Nadu coastline.
- Significance of Work:
- Combines marine biology, nanotechnology, and sustainable chemistry.
- Promotes eco-friendly innovations that benefit public health and environmental management.
- Influences academic research, industrial applications, and government environmental policies.
TANSA Awards
| Parameter | Details |
| Full Form | Tamil Nadu Scientist Award (TANSA) |
| Instituted By | Tamil Nadu State Council for Science and Technology (TNSCST) |
| Year of Institution | 1986 |
| Administered Under | Department of Higher Education, Government of Tamil Nadu |
| Purpose | To recognize outstanding contributions in various branches of science and technology |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Fields Covered | Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Medicine, Engineering, Environmental Science, and related disciplines |
| Award Components | Cash prize of ₹50,000 and a citation |
| Objective | To promote scientific innovation, research excellence, and problem-solving capacity among Tamil Nadu’s scientists and researchers |
Bharathidasan University (BDU)
| Parameter | Details |
| Established | 1982 |
| Location | Tiruchirappalli (Trichy), Tamil Nadu |
| Named After | Renowned Tamil poet and rationalist Bharathidasan (“the disciple of Bharathi”) |
| Motto | “We will create a brave new world” |
| Affiliation | Public university under the Government of Tamil Nadu |
| Notable Departments | Marine Science, Environmental Biotechnology, Life Sciences, Computer Science |
| Vision | To promote scientific and humanistic research contributing to sustainable societal development |
Tamil Nadu State Council for Science and Technology (TNSCST)
| Parameter | Details |
| Established | 1986 |
| Headquarters | Chennai, Tamil Nadu |
| Functioning Under | Department of Higher Education, Government of Tamil Nadu |
| Objectives | Promotion, coordination, and dissemination of scientific and technological research across Tamil Nadu |
| Major Activities | Conducts TANSA Awards annually Promotes science education and innovation in schools and colleges Supports rural technology and environmental sustainability projects Encourages scientific entrepreneurship among youth and researchers |