Asima Chatterjee

Born: 23 September 1917

Died: 22 November 2006

She was an Indian organic chemist noted for her work in the fields of organic chemistry and phytomedicine.
Her most notable work includes research on vinca alkaloids, the development of anti-epileptic drugs, and the development of anti-malarial drugs.
She also authored a considerable volume of work on medicinal plants of the Indian subcontinent.
She was the first woman to receive a Doctorate of Science from an Indian university.
She joined the Lady Brabourne College of the University of Calcutta and founded the department of chemistry there.
In 1954, She joined the University College of Science of the University of Calcutta, as a reader in pure chemistry.
She was a Premchand Roychand Scholar of the University of Calcutta.
From 1962 to 1982, she was the Khaira Professor of Chemistry, one of the most prestigious and coveted chairs of the University of Calcutta.
In 1972, she was appointed as the Honorary Coordinator of the Special Assistance Programme to intensify teaching and research in natural product chemistry, sanctioned by the Indian University Grants Commission.
In 1960, she was elected a Fellow of the Indian National Science Academy, New Delhi.