Research Scientist at Lion Elastomers, United States
Dr. Sayan Basak is an accomplished polymer scientist currently serving as a Research Scientist at Lion Elastomers, USA. He specializes in emulsion and anionic polymerization and is deeply involved in transferring laboratory-scale innovations into pilot-scale and industrial production. His strong foundation in polymer engineering, coupled with impactful postdoctoral and industrial research experiences, positions him as a distinguished figure in the advanced materials domain. With a passion for translational polymer science, Dr. Basak continually contributes to bridging the gap between academic innovation and industrial utility.
Profile
Scholar
Education
Dr. Basak holds a Ph.D. in Polymer Engineering from the University of Akron, Ohio, USA, awarded in 2023. His doctoral research titled “Structure-Property Relationships of High Cis 1,4 Polybutadiene-Based Shape Memory Polymers” earned him the prestigious Doctoral Scholar Award, reflecting his academic excellence and technical depth. He earned his Bachelor of Technology in Polymer Science and Technology from the University of Calcutta in 2019, where he completed a thesis on thermo-responsive self-healing blends under the mentorship of Prof. A. Bandyopadhyay. His academic journey showcases a consistent focus on polymer science with an emphasis on high-performance and stimuli-responsive materials.
Experience
Dr. Basak’s postdoctoral tenure at ETH Zurich and Empa, Switzerland, was supported by the ETH Domain Fellowship, where he led projects on single-atom catalyst-based polyethylene synthesis and confinement space polymerization. He also worked as a Research Investigator at Syngene International (Biocon Ltd., India), where he led a team focused on living polymerization and scale-up processes. Notably, he developed strategies to polymerize 1,3-butadiene with styrene and acrylates, contributing significantly to process optimization and earning the Biocon-Syngene Excellence Award. Prior to his doctoral studies, he was a Research Assistant and Teaching Assistant at the University of Akron, assisting in fluid mechanics courses and developing materials for lubricants, actuators, and elastomers.
Research Interest
Dr. Basak’s research interests span a broad spectrum of polymer science, including living polymerization, polymerization kinetics, and the structure-property relationship of advanced functional polymers. He has explored confinement space polymerization, catalyzed polymerization of polyolefins, and self-healing materials. His work also delves into biomedical polymers, including the synthesis of polymer-protein conjugates and biocompatible systems. He maintains a strong interest in experimental polymer physics, particularly rubber elasticity, phase transitions, and thermal/morphological behavior of polymers, applying these principles in both high-performance materials and bio-related domains.
Awards
Dr. Basak’s research excellence has been acknowledged through multiple accolades. He was awarded the ETH Postdoctoral Fellowship and was also selected for the prestigious Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship (MSCA-PF) supported by Science Foundation Ireland, which he declined in favor of the ETH position. He received the Royal Society of Chemistry’s Outstanding Peer Reviewer Award in 2024 and was a recipient of the RSC Researcher Development and Travel Grant. Additionally, he earned the Biocon-Syngene Excellence Award for his industrial contributions. His growing reputation is further supported by memberships in esteemed professional bodies, including AMRSC and MIMMM.
Publication
Dr. Basak has several impactful publications in peer-reviewed journals, reflecting his versatility across both fundamental and applied polymer science:
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Basak, S., et al. (2023). Structure–property relationships in shape memory polybutadiene. Polymer, cited by 18 articles.
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Basak, S., et al. (2022). Cationic polymerization of 1,3-cyclohexadiene: Mechanistic insights. Macromolecules, cited by 14 articles.
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Basak, S., et al. (2022). Epoxidation of polycyclohexadiene: Synthesis and scale-up. Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research, cited by 12 articles.
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Basak, S., et al. (2021). Thermo-responsive self-healing behavior in TPU/EVA blends. Journal of Polymer Science, cited by 9 articles.
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Basak, S., et al. (2021). Shape memory elastomers: A multiscale approach. Smart Materials and Structures, cited by 11 articles.
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Basak, S., et al. (2020). Click-chemistry functionalization of elastomers. Reactive and Functional Polymers, cited by 10 articles.
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Basak, S., et al. (2020). Polymer confinement: Theory and reactor design. Chemical Engineering Journal, cited by 8 articles.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Dr. Sayan Basak exemplifies the qualities of a “Distinguished Scientist” through his unwavering commitment to scientific innovation, academic rigor, and industrial applicability. His expertise in polymerization processes, materials development, and reactor design has significantly advanced both theoretical understanding and practical implementation in polymer science. With strong publication records, prestigious fellowships, and industrial accomplishments, Dr. Basak stands out as a highly deserving candidate for this award. His contributions not only push the boundaries of research but also foster interdisciplinary collaboration and industrial transformation in material sciences.