Indian scientist awarded membership in Russian science academy

MOSCOW: The Russian Academy of Sciences has granted the title of an honorary academician to Goverdhan Mehta, director of the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore.

He received the title, rarely awarded to foreigners, for 'his outstanding achievements in applied chemistry'.

The Presidium of the Russian Academy of Sciences gave Mehta a special diploma and a commemorative sign.

The ceremony took place at the 18th Mendeleev Congress underway in Moscow last week at which Mehta read his paper on molecular synthesis.

"Being an academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences is a very honourable recognition," Mehta said. "I will do my best to promote scientific cooperation between India and Russia."

Along with Mehta, eight Indian scientists attended the Russian-Indian symposium on organic chemistry week.

It was the first in a series of events to be held in the run up to 2009, celebrating the 175th birthday of Dmitry Mendeleev, the author of the famous periodic table.