Dr Bharat Bhanvase: From farmer’s son to leader in sustainable chemical engg

 

 

 

“Consistency and hard work is essential and not just the hard work, but smart hard work is the element which I think today’s youth researchers should incorporate in them which will lead them towards their vision,” Dr Bharat Bhanvase shared his thoughts in an exclusive conversation with ‘The Hitavada’ recently. Dr Bharat A Bhanvase, a Professor at Chemical Engineering Department and Dean, School of Chemical Engineering, Laxminarayan Innovation Technological University (LITU) , is a distinguished Chemical Engineer whose work bridges rigorous laboratory science and practical, industry-ready solutions. Born in Soundane village, Solapur, into a farming family, Dr Bhanvase’s ascent rooted in hard work, humility and curiosity illustrates how rural values and scientific ambition can combine to produce meaningful social impact. After early schooling in Soundane and Mohol and higher secondary studies in Solapur, he earned a B E in Chemical Engineering from Bharati Vidyapeeth College of Engineering, Pune. His research instincts deepened during doctoral work under Dr Shirish Sonawane, where he specialised in polymer nanocomposites.

 

Dr Bhanvase was determined to become a Chemical Engineer and continue working even after his retirement. Dr Bhanvase’s research portfolio focuses on wastewater treatment, turning waste into value-added products, process intensification, ultrasound-assisted processes, nanofluids, nanomaterials and polymer nanocomposites. Later, he shared his thoughts on the existing technology in India. “Technologies are developed in universities, however professors and scientists in India need to work on this. Our country’s scientists’ performance is incredible, but somewhere we need to develop technologies to achieve the best possible outcome of all time.” He emphasises practical outcomes: Research work, he did, is applicable to industry and serves the society. Recent projects include recovery of ammonia and minerals from low-grade sources and experimental work on carbon nanomaterials, each aimed at enabling cleaner, resource-efficient industrial processes.

 

“For me, being in the top 2 per cent scientist list is the most prestigious for all time,” Dr Bhanvase said. He added, “While visiting industries, I meet new people, I am always curious and look for an industrial issue they have and how I can provide the solution.” A Fellow of the Indian Institute of Chemical Engineers and the Maharashtra Academy of Sciences, he has been awarded the RTMNU Best Scientist Award (2017) and a SERB Young Scientist start-up grant (2015). Dr Bhanvase’s career is a testament to perseverance, practical creativity and the belief that research must serve both industry and society, an ideal he continues to advance through teaching, mentoring and applied innovation.