Jnan Chandra Ghosh

Jnan Chandra Ghosh
D.Sc., F.N.I.
Jnan Chandra Ghosh
Born(1894-09-04)4 September 1894
Died21 January 1959(1959-01-21) (aged 64)
NationalityIndian
Other namesSir J. C. Ghosh
Jnanendra Chandra Ghosh
Alma materRajabazar Science College
(University of Calcutta)
Known forAnomaly of strong electrolytes
AwardsPadma Bhushan
Scientific career
FieldsChemistry
InstitutionsDhaka University
Indian Institute of Science
Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur
University of Calcutta
Academic advisorsPrafulla Chandra Ray
Signature

Sir Jnan Chandra Ghosh or Jnanendra Chandra Ghosh (4 September 1894 21 January 1959) was an Indian chemist best known for his contribution to the development of scientific research, industrial development and technology education in India. He served as the director of the newly formed Eastern Higher Technical Institute in 1950, which was renamed as IIT Kharagpur in 1951. He was also the director of the Indian Institute of Science Bangalore and Vice Chancellor of the University of Calcutta.

He was also known for his development of anomaly of strong electrolytes and the dissociation - ionization theory.

Ghosh's other important contributions include his extensive study of photocatalysts under the influence of polarised light and developments of Fischer–Tropsch reaction for the synthesis of hydrocarbons. Dr. Ghosh made contributions in the field of the application of Differential Thermal Analysis (D.T.A) as a tool for the systematic study of solid catalysts.

He also successfully guided research work on technical problems relating to the production from Indian raw materials of phosphatic fertilisers, ammonium sulphate, formaldehyde, potassium chlorate, etc. During his active career in building scientific research, technical education and industrial development, he was the Head of the Department of Chemistry at Dacca University, the Director of the Indian Institute of Science at Bangalore, the Director of the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, the Vice Chancellor of Calcutta University, and the Director-general of Industries and Supplies, Government of India.