Dr S Mannathan is a distinguished academic and researcher serving as a Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Associate Director of the Teaching and Learning Centre (TLC). He also served as Associate Director of International Relations & Higher Studies (IR&HS). With extensive international research experience and a strong background in organic and catalytic chemistry, Dr Mannathan plays a key role in advancing research excellence and innovative teaching practices.
Dr Mannathan completed his Ph.D. from National Tsing Hua University, where he conducted advanced research in catalytic organic transformations. He holds both a Master’s and Bachelor’s degree from St. Joseph’s College, establishing a strong academic foundation in chemistry.
Following his doctoral studies, Dr Mannathan pursued several prestigious international research appointments. He worked with Prof. Adriaan J Minnaard’s group at the University of Groningen under the Catch-Bio program, focusing on innovative catalytic reactions in organic synthesis. He also collaborated with Prof. Kuo-Wei Huang’s research group at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, contributing to cutting-edge research in catalytic chemistry. Earlier, he held a National Science Council Fellowship at National Tsing Hua University, working with Prof. Chien-Hong Cheng on advanced transition-metal catalysis. In India, he served as an Assistant Professor (DST Inspire Faculty) at SRM University, further strengthening his academic and research profile.
Dr Mannathan’s research focuses on metal-catalyzed organic transformation reactions and asymmetric synthesis, particularly involving nickel, cobalt, and palladium catalysis. His work explores innovative chemical processes such as three-component coupling reactions, reductive coupling, [3+2] annulation reactions, conjugate addition reactions of organoboronic acids to activated alkenes, and palladium-catalyzed reductive arylation. His research also includes the enantioselective synthesis of β-substituted cyclic ketones and bicyclic tertiary alcohols using chiral cobalt complexes, contributing to advancements in modern synthetic chemistry.
His academic excellence has been recognised through several prestigious awards, including the DST Inspire Faculty Award (2016) from the Department of Science and Technology, India. He also received the National Science Council Fellowship (2011–2013) from Taiwan and the Outstanding Foreign Student Award (2009–2011) from National Tsing Hua University, highlighting his exceptional research contributions during his doctoral studies.
Dr Mannathan actively mentors doctoral researchers and currently supervises several Ph.D. scholars working on advanced topics in organic synthesis and catalytic chemistry. With his strong research background, global academic exposure, and dedication to mentoring young scientists, Dr S Mannathan continues to contribute significantly to research innovation, academic excellence, and the advancement of chemical sciences.
Prof. Ashay Kadam is a senior academic leader and globally acclaimed researcher in Finance with over two decades of experience across leading institutions in India, USA, UK, and Singapore. With a distinguished record in institution building, research leadership, and academic governance, he brings the strategic vision and execution capability to the PSB. Having graduated from IIT Bombay with Bachelor of Technology in Computer Science, and with a Post Graduate Diploma in Management (Information Systems) from IIM-Ahmedabad, he holds a PhD in Statistics and Operations Research, from Stern School of Business, New York University. His research has been published in reputed academic journals.
Prior to joining PSB, Prof. Ashay Kadam served as a Full Professor of Banking, Insurance and Financial Services at the Goa Institute of Management where he was known for integrating rigorous quantitative finance with public policy, and technology-led innovation, particularly in the domain of FinTech for social good. He played a key leadership role at GIM by strengthening research culture, advancing curriculum innovation, contributing to academic quality and governance, and most recently as the head of international relations. He was also the founder and Lead of the Community of Practice on FinTech for Social Good at GIM. Through his leadership of national and international conferences and policy forums, he has enhanced institutional visibility and fostered meaningful global and cross-sectoral engagement.
Previously, Prof. Kadam served as Full Professor of Finance at the Institute of Rural Management, Anand, at IFMR graduate school of business, Krea University and at IIM Udaipur, where he was responsible for launching the doctoral degree program in Finance. He was also Research Director of the Digital Identity Research Initiative (DIRI) at the Indian School of Business, Hyderabad, where he led a generously funded, interdisciplinary research centre at the intersection of finance, public policy, and digital technology.
Prior to relocating to India, he served as Senior Research Fellow at National University of Singapore, and held junior faculty positions at the City University, London, UK and at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA.
