In a moment of national pride, Professor Subhabrata Sen from Shiv Nadar University, Delhi–NCR, has become the first Indian to receive the prestigious 2025 Horizon Prize (Perkin Prize) from the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC). This award, introduced in 2020, recognizes contributions to physical organic chemistry that redefine scientific boundaries.

The Award-Winning Innovation: Alternate Electrode Electrolysis (AEE)

Professor Sen’s team was honored for developing Alternate Electrode Electrolysis (AEE), a revolutionary process in organic electrosynthesis. This method uses a microcontroller to alternate reactions between two pairs of electrodes, a design that enhances efficiency, consistency, and sustainability in chemical processes. Traditional methods often rely on toxic chemicals and inefficient energy use. AEE solves this by maintaining constant currents, minimizing waste, and facilitating cleaner, faster reactions. 

AEE is more than a lab breakthrough—it’s a leap toward green chemistry. The system enables scalable applications in pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, CO₂ reduction, and more by eliminating hazardous materials and improving reaction control. 

The Path Behind the Prize: Sen’s Journey

Sen was born in Kolkata in 1972, pursued a PhD at the University of Missouri–Columbia (2001), and did postdoctoral studies at Colorado State University. After working in industry at Pfizer and GVK Biosciences, he joined Shiv Nadar University as a professor of chemistry. His team, comprising Subhankar Bera, Debajit Maiti, Suchismita Rath, and others, worked tirelessly to engineer the AEE system, overcoming technical challenges in electrode and circuit design. 

About the Horizon (Perkin) Prize

The Horizon Prizes, including the Perkin Prize, were launched by the RSC in 2020 to recognize transformative work in chemistry. Named after Sir William Henry Perkin, famed for discovering synthetic dye, the award celebrates breakthroughs in physical organic chemistry. It is open to interdisciplinary teams, with winners receiving a trophy, a video profile, and global recognition. Sen’s team was selected from a rigorous international shortlist by the RSC’s Faraday Prize Committee, highlighting the global impact and originality of their work. This marks the first time an Indian team has won the Horizon/Perkin Prize since its inception.

Looking Ahead: From Lab to Global Labs

Sen’s next goal is to create a plug-and-play AEE instrument, making the technology accessible and reliable for chemists in labs and factories worldwide This aligns with a broader shift toward environmentally conscious research and scalable green manufacturing. Professor Subhabrata Sen exemplifies India’s scientific spirit—bridging rigorous research, meaningful impact, and a global outlook. His journey from Kolkata to worldwide acclaim reflects not just personal excellence but the promise of Indian innovation. As AEE moves toward industrial adoption, Sen’s achievement reaffirms that with perseverance and vision, Indian science can lead the world.