[They chose France series #2] Amanullah Sk joins the Marseille Institute of Molecular Sciences
After a PhD in Kolkata, India, and postdoctoral fellowships in France and in Switzerland, Amanullah Sk is joining the Marseille Institute of Molecular Sciences for his research on the catalytic conversion of nitrogen oxides to ammonia. He tells us more about his background, his motivations to apply to the CNRS, and his prospects for the coming years.
Could you tell us a little about your background and research topics?
I am originally from Kolkata (formerly Calcutta), an historic city in eastern India. I completed my Bachelor's degree in Chemistry at Presidency College, Kolkata, followed by a Master's in Chemistry from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur. I then pursued a Ph.D. in Inorganic Chemistry at the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science (IACS), Kolkata, under the supervision of Prof. Abhishek Dey. My doctoral research focused on understanding why nature has evolved different heme cofactors1 and how their structures influence their reactivity.
Following my Ph.D., I went to France for the first time and joined the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) at Paris-Saclay as a postdoctoral researcher. Collaborating with Prof. Ally Aukauloo and Dr. Winfried Leibl, I investigated intermediates involved in electro- and photo-catalytic CO₂ reduction reactions. Subsequently, I transitioned from homogeneous to heterogeneous chemistry and moved to ETH Zurich, Switzerland, as a Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) Postdoctoral Fellow. There, I worked with Prof. Christophe Copéret on understanding the surface sites generated on graphitic carbon nitride.
I then joined the Marseille Institute of Molecular Sciences (iSm2 – Aix-Marseille Université/Centrale Méditerranée/CNRS) as a CNRS research fellow in November 2024. I am currently working on oxide of nitrogen, collectively known as NOx. Nitrous oxide (N2O) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) are among the most prevalent air pollutants. Similarly, nitrite (NO2-) and nitrate (NO3-) are responsible for polluting the water bodies, causing eutrophication2 . My goal is to develop a catalytic system for the reduction of those NOx to ammonia. My approach integrates artificial enzymes (obtained through directed evolution) with synthetic molecular model systems, bridging biological and chemical catalysis.
What motivated your application to the CNRS?
My motivation for applying to the CNRS stems from its reputation as a world-leading research institution dedicated to scientific excellence and innovation. I am particularly drawn to its interdisciplinary approach, which fosters collaboration across various fields and enables groundbreaking discoveries, as my own project is inherently merging biology and chemistry.
Honestly, I would have hesitated to pursue this research topic – despite its urgency and the significant impact of NOx on health and the environment – without the security and resources that the CNRS provides. The supportive research environment at CNRS has given me the confidence to take on this challenging project.
How are you settling in France?
Having spent over a year in Paris when I was a postdoctoral researcher, I was already familiar with its collaborative and supportive work environment. The people here are incredibly helpful, making it easy for me to navigate administrative processes, find accommodation, and settle in, despite being a foreigner with limited French language skills. I never felt like I was far from home, which I attribute to the welcoming nature of the French people.
Do you still have ongoing projects with India?
I currently have an ongoing collaborative project on electrocatalytic oxidation of C-H bonds with my Ph.D. supervisor at the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Kolkata. This project, which is expected to be completed soon, is also in collaboration with another research group at University of Michigan, USA. However, I anticipate establishing new collaborations in the future using my strong network in India. I am looking forward to utilizing the opportunity to apply for the CEFIPRA High Impact Scientific Research Network proposals, which are designed to promote Indo-French collaborative networks.
What are your prospects for the coming years?
In the coming years, I aim to engage in innovative research and interdisciplinary collaborations. My goal is to contribute to impactful projects addressing global challenges related to climate change, publish in high-quality journals, and expand my professional network through national and international collaborations. I am aiming for the ANR starting grant, Programme Jeunes Chercheuses et Jeunes Chercheurs (JCJC), as well as the ERC starting grant to secure financial support. Additionally, I am open to exploring new opportunities that align with my long-term career goals in both academia and industry.
Editor: CD
- 1Heme cofactors enable these proteins to perform various essential biological functions, such as oxygen transport and storage (hemoglobin, myoglobin), electron transfer in the respiratory chain (cytochromes)...
- 2Eutrophication is the accumulation of nutrients in a terrestrial or aquatic environment. In aquatic environments, it is characterized by the excessive growth of plants and algae. Their high consumption of oxygen leads to the impoverishment and even death of the aquatic ecosystem.
“They chose France”
“They chose France” is a series that aims to highlight the careers of foreign researchers recruited in CNRS Chemistry laboratories in 2024.