Pune - October 28, 2009
Dr. Ramesh Ramachandran, President & CEO, Dow Chemical International Pvt. Ltd. (Dow India) today received an honorary fellowship from the Maharashtra Academy of Sciences in a ceremony held at the National Chemical Laboratory in Pune. Dr. Ramachandran, recognised for his outstanding contribution to Management Sciences, joins the ranks of more than 650 eminent fellows of the academy which strives to promote the advancement of science and technology in Maharashtra. This comes as recognition of the strong leadership he has shown at Dow India in the support of innovative research and advancements in chemicals technology.
“It is a humbling experience to be honoured with a fellowship from the Maharashtra Academy of Sciences. I see the fellowship as recognition of Dow India’s ongoing commitment to scientific advancement - spearheaded by our committed team of our in-house scientists. We will continue to aid and support the scientific community on research and development (R&D), fixed in our belief that R&D led innovation will shape future growth of our country,” said Dr Ramachandran at the ceremony.
Dow India’s commitment to scientific advancement is underlined by its R&D centre at Pune which employs more than 150 scientists in research areas including alternative energy, energy efficiency, the conversion of brackish water into drinking water, and emissions control. Some of the significant achievements of Dow India’s R&D team include:
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Development of an advanced materials technology known as Acoustic Foam Inserts (AFI), which is currently used by a number of leading Indian car manufacturers for greater support in car seating at reduced cost.
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Development of Polyurethane (PU) for an improved design of Jaipur Foot, an internationally recognised prosthetic for the physically challenged. The use of PU enabled the Jaipur Foot to be designed with far greater durability and flexibility in movement. PU technology in conjunction with the efforts of not-for-profit organisation, Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata Samiti’ (BMVSS), has now helped improve the lives of more than 16,000 physically challenged people across the country since 2005.
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Development of advanced components for India’s wind turbine manufacturers.
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Research on Qualifying Fortefiber, a soluble dietary fibre made from cellulose which has proven health benefits. The Fortefiber can be used to provide a range of delicious yet healthy cookies to meet the needs, in particular, of Indian diabetics.
Dow India’s scientific contributions have also extended to close co-operative research with various universities and other learning institutions in areas such as advanced polymer science and chemical solutions for next generation coatings. In addition to collaborative research, Dow India has provided numerous financial grants to fund research activity and help scientific institutions with the upgrading and purchasing of new equipment. Recently, the company’s philosophy of Diversity and Inclusion also led it to support women in science with the establishing of an annual scholarship for female PhD students at the Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT), Mumbai.
The Maharashtra Academy of Sciences, the premier scientific academy in the state, was established in 1976 with the specific aim to highlight the scientific and technological issues confronting the state, and to recommend appropriate steps necessary to be under taken by the concerned authorities for the promotion of science and technology. The fellowship of the academy is conferred upon senior scientists after a peer-group assessment based on their scientific achievements as is practiced in the national academies of India and in the prestigious academies abroad.
About Dow India
Dow Chemical International Private Limited (Dow India) is committed to consistent growth through its expertise as a science and technology leader, its experience as a leading chemical company, and its engagement with the communities in which it operates. With more than 1100 employees, in 12 locations across the country, Dow India has established three Centers of Excellence in the areas of Engineering (Chennai), Research & Development (Pune) and Transactional Services and Expertise (Mumbai) as well as three manufacturing sites and a variety of commercial offices. As a responsible corporate citizen, Dow India provides free artificial limbs and technology development for the 'Jaipure Foot' initiative; built homes through the 'Habitat for Humanity' Jimmy Carter Work Project, and is actively working in collaboration with the Byrraju and Anarde Foundation to supply clean drinking water to villages in India. Further information can be found at www.dow-india.com.
For Editorial Information:
Roysten D’mello
Dow India
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