In our interview series with the young generation, this time we interviewed scientist Dr. Ajay Kanti Mondal. He is currently working as a Senior Scientific Officer at the Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR). Read his interview:
First, we would like to know about you
Many thanks to Biggani.org for inviting me. I also extend my sincere greetings to all the viewers and listeners of Biggani.org. I am Dr. Ajay Kanti Mondal, serving as a Senior Scientific Officer at the Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR).
Some achievements of Dr. Ajay Kanti Mondal: Dr. Mondal completed his Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry with first class honors from the University of Dhaka, and topped his class with first position in his Master’s from the Department of Physical Chemistry. After completing his Master’s, he taught for some time at a private university. Then, in 2013, he joined BCSIR as a Scientific Officer. He earned his PhD in Material Engineering in 2022 from Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, China. For his outstanding achievements in research, he received the ‘Outstanding International Students Award-2020’ from the Ministry of Education, China. Additionally, by participating in several international conferences and presenting parts of his PhD research, Dr. Mondal received the Excellent Presentation Award. Besides research, Dr. Mondal is passionate about writing. He regularly writes editorial pieces on various social issues in national newspapers (such as Dainik Inqilab, Prothom Alo, The Daily Star, and others). For his remarkable contribution to writing, he was awarded the ‘Outstanding Writer Award-2021’ by the Bangladesh China Youth Student Association. Currently, he is the father of a daughter named Oayantika Mondal Ontu.
What is the subject of your research?
I mainly work on the synthesis of multifunctional hydrogels or composite materials. In synthesizing these hydrogels, I use renewable materials as well as industrial waste, especially lignin (a byproduct of paper mills) and other discarded substances such as lignocellulosic materials (lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose), and collagen (from tannery waste). These are extracted and used as raw materials for making hydrogels. These hydrogels can primarily be used in flexible electronics, energy storage devices, power generators, antibacterial applications, drug delivery, water purification, and various other advanced applications.
How do your research activities benefit us, or how might they do so in the future?
I mainly use waste materials or discarded components as raw materials for making hydrogels. This can be called a ‘waste to wealth’ or ‘green approach’, meaning converting waste into valuable products. The hydrogels we have developed can significantly reduce environmental pollution, as well as be used in energy-related devices, the medical sector, soft robotics, sensors, antibacterial applications, and dye adsorption. The world is currently facing an energy crisis, and is moving towards renewable energy. My research can play a major role in the field of renewable energy.
Let me mention a couple of statistics. When producing paper at mills, lignin is produced as a by-product. Statistics show that 50 million metric tons of lignin is produced annually worldwide as a by-product, most of which is used as fuel at the mills. In some cases, it is directly dumped into rivers from the industry, which is not environmentally friendly at all.
In the tannery industry, before processing leather, various parts (ears, tails, feet) are cut off and discarded. This is known as ‘raw trimming’, which is usually dumped directly as waste in factories, causing significant environmental pollution. These ‘raw trimmings’ contain about 20% collagen. According to statistics, about 65,000 tons of collagen can be extracted from ‘raw trimmings’ every year.
In our research, we have used such industrial waste as the main raw materials for making hydrogels. This will not only reduce pollution but will also play a significant role in the modern application of various sectors.
Would you like to share any particular experiences from your research work?
In fact, my initial exposure as a researcher began when I went for higher studies. The overall research management in China—especially the research environment, perseverance, and funding—fascinated me deeply. In short, the research culture in China and my own perseverance have had a profound impact on my life.
In your opinion, what qualities should a scientist have?
I believe research works are somewhat complex and can often be challenging. To overcome these challenges, a researcher must have patience. Above all, rigorous perseverance is a must for any researcher. If tasks are postponed for later, success rarely follows. One should always be mentally prepared to complete tasks on time.
One should develop the habit of reading newly published research articles in relevant fields. It’s important to nurture curiosity toward new innovations. A creative mindset can bring a researcher great success. Along with keeping up with newly published studies, it is wise to use one’s creative thinking and innovative skills to shape new research directions and outlines in one’s field.
Do you have any message for young Bangladeshi students who want to pursue science?
First of all, I would like to say that a young student must have a strong desire to learn. That desire alone will lead them to their desired goals. Keeping pace with the contemporary world, only creative thinking will yield good results. In this regard, it is essential to be under the guidance of a good mentor who can both fulfill the student’s curiosity and help them reach the right goals.
Thank you to all the regular viewers and listeners of Biggani.org. Wishing you all good health wherever you are.
Your email address: [email protected]
Your website : https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=ChISMesAAAAJ&hl=en
On behalf of Biggani.org, we wish Dr. Ajay Kanti Mondal continued success. He is a unique role model for our young researchers.
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