Organic Chemist and Phytomedicine Researcher Professor of Chemistry, University of Calcutta
Indian chemist who pioneered drug development from medicinal plants; first Indian woman to earn a D.Sc.
108 years
1917-09-23
M.Sc. in Chemistry Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry (First Indian woman to earn a Doctorate in Science from an Indian university)
University of Calcutta
Full Name: Asima Chatterjee
Nickname: Asima Di
Country/State: India
Date of Birth: 1917-09-23
Languages Known: English, Bengali, Hindi
Zodiac Sign: Libra
Food Habit: Not Public
Religion: Hindu
Hobbies: Scientific research Teaching and student mentorship Botanical studies and plant-based medicine development
School: Early education in Kolkata
College: University of Calcutta
Degrees Obtained: M.Sc. in Chemistry Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry (First Indian woman to earn a Doctorate in Science from an Indian university)
Height: 170 cm
Weight: 70 kg
Parents: Father: Indra Narayan Mukherjee Mother: Kamala Devi
Siblings: Not Public
Marital Status: married
Wife: Prof. Baradananda Chatterjee
Children: 1
Current Position: Organic Chemist and Phytomedicine Researcher Professor of Chemistry, University of Calcutta
Skills:
Net Worth: Not Public
Awards & Achievements: First woman in India to receive a Doctorate of Science Pioneered development of plant-derived medicines Contributed to anti-epileptic and anti-malarial drug research Recipient of major national scientific honours Elected Fellow of prestigious science academies Inspired women scientists across India
Asima Chatterjee was a revolutionary Indian chemist known for her groundbreaking work on medicinal plants. Born in 1917 in Kolkata, she showed early academic brilliance and pursued higher studies in chemistry at the University of Calcutta. She became the first Indian woman to be awarded a D.Sc. (Doctorate of Science) from an Indian university, a historic milestone in the field of science education.
Her research focused on naturally occurring alkaloids and plant-based medicines. She developed key scientific contributions toward anti-epileptic and anti-malarial drugs using Indian medicinal plants. Her work played an important role in strengthening India’s self-reliance in drug discovery and pharmaceutical science.
She served as a long-time faculty member at the University of Calcutta, mentoring numerous students who later became leading scientists. Through her career, she became a global icon of scientific perseverance, women empowerment, and indigenous medicinal innovation.
Continues to be celebrated as one of India’s most influential women scientists
Her medicinal plant research remains referenced in natural product chemistry
Featured in educational textbooks and science history programs for inspiring future scientists
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