Dr. Amrutha A S

• 05/2025 – Present: Assistant Professor, Poornaprajna Institute of Scientific Research (PPISR), Bengaluru, INDIA
• 07/2022 – 03/2025: Assistant Professor, Laboratory of Smart Molecules, Research Institute for Electronic Science (RIES), Hokkaido University, JAPAN
• 05/2021 – 06/2022: Postdoctoral Researcher, Institute for Chemical Reaction Design and Discovery (ICReDD), Hokkaido University, JAPAN
• 04/2018 – 03/2020: Postdoctoral Researcher, Research Institute for Electronic Science (RIES), Hokkaido University, JAPAN
• 10/2013 – 09/2016: Ph.D. in Life Science, Hokkaido University, JAPAN
• 06/2012 – 08/2013: Research Associate, R&D Department, Apotex Pharmachem India Pvt. Ltd., Bengaluru, INDIA
• 07/2010 – 05/2012: M.Sc. Organic Chemistry, Mangalore University, Karnataka
• 07/2007 – 05/2010: B.Sc. (Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics), SDM College, Ujire, Karnataka

Awards, Fellowships, and Research Grants

• ANRF Prime Minister Early Career Research Grant (PM-ECRG), INDIA (3 Years) as PI
• Best Oral Presentation Award at the International Conference on SmartChem 2026: CHAINS organized by Department of Chemistry, St. Joseph’s University, Bengaluru (Jan 2026)
• Silver Award, 10th Hokkaido University Cross-Departmental Symposium Research Grant (2024) as Co-PI
• Encouragement Award, 10th Hokkaido University Cross-Departmental Symposium Research Grant (2024) as PI
• Bronze Award, 9th Hokkaido University Cross-Departmental Symposium Research Grant (2023) as PI
• Best Poster Award, 19th RIES-HOKUDAI International Symposium, Hokkaido University, JAPAN (2018)
• Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) Scholarship, JAPAN (2013–2016)
• Syngenta Gold Medal for securing First Rank in M.Sc. Organic Chemistry, Mangalore University (2012)
• JNCASR Summer Research Fellowship (2011)
• IASc–INSA–NASI Summer Research Fellowship (2009)

Professional Service

• Member, Chemical Society of Japan (2014-2016, 2023-2025).
• Member, Indian Scientists Association in Japan (ISAJ) (2023-2025)
• Convenor, Indian Scientists Association of Japan (ISAJ) Hokkaido 2024 Symposium, held on Dec 13, 2024, at Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan.
• Gave invited talks at Indian Embassy in Japan (2024), Mangalore University (2026)

About The SMART Lab

The Smart Molecular Approaches for Responsive Technologies (SMART) Lab focuses on developing innovative molecular systems that respond to external stimuli, particularly light, to perform specific functions. Our research combines organic synthesis, photochemistry, and chemical biology to create intelligent molecules capable of precisely controlling biological processes and material properties. By developing light-responsive molecules, therapeutics, and materials, we aim to address challenges in healthcare, chemical biology, and sustainable technologies while advancing the fundamental understanding of molecular function and control.

Molecular Photoswitches

We design and synthesize novel molecular photoswitches that reversibly change their structure upon exposure to visible light. These molecules provide a platform for controlling chemical and biological processes with high precision using non-invasive light stimulus.

Photopharmacology

We develop light-responsive therapeutic molecules whose biological activity can be switched ON or OFF using light. This approach offers precise control over drug action and has the potential to reduce side effects and improve treatment outcomes.

Optical Control of Biological Functions

Our research explores the use of photoswitches to regulate biological processes, including protein function, enzyme activity, and molecular motor movement. Light serves as a non-invasive tool to control these systems with excellent spatial and temporal precision.

Smart Functional Materials

We are interested in developing light-responsive materials that can change their properties upon irradiation. Such materials have potential applications in controlled release systems, sensing, energy storage, and other advanced technologies.

Current Areas of Research

• Photoswitches
• Photopharmacology
• Chemical Biology

1. ANRF Prime Minister-Early Career Research Grant (PM-ECRG) 2025 (PI, 3 years)
2. Silver Award, 10th Hokkaido Univ. Cross-Departmental Symposium Research Grant (Co-PI, 2024)
3. Encouragement Award, 10th Hokkaido Univ. Symposium Grant (PI, 2024)
4. Bronze Award, 9th Hokkaido Univ. Symposium Grant (PI, 2023)

1. Best Poster Award, 19th RIES-HOKUDAI International Symposium (2018)
2. MEXT Scholarship, Government of Japan (2013–2016)
3. Syngenta Gold Medal for First Rank in M.Sc. (2012)
4. JNCASR Summer Research Fellowship (2011)
5. IASc-INSA-NASI Summer Research Fellowship (2009)
6. Multiple National-Level Awards in student science fests and competitions