Pradip Songara

Pradip is a post-doctoral research scientist within the chemical ecology group (PCE) at Rothamsted Research. He uses his expertise in organic chemistry to synthesis authentic semiochemical standards for characterisation as well as developing sustainable methods for improved production of semiochemicals.

Prior to Rothamsted, he was working for the Royal Society of Chemistry as a publishing editor (materials and nanotechnology portfolio) where he managed journals such as RSC Advances, Nanoscale, and Journal of Materials Chemistry. He completed a MChem with Year in Industry at the University of Reading (First-Class Honours). Pradip completed his PhD at the University of Bristol (Synthesis CDT) under the supervision of Prof. Varinder K. Aggarwal FRS focusing on lithiation-borylation methodology to produce stereospecific tertiary stereocentres. He has also spent time in the pharmaceutical industry (GlaxoSmithKline and Eli Lilly) during both degrees.

Pradip's research interests include synthetic organic chemistry (methodology and catalysis), chemical biology, chemical ecology, molecular modelling, and developing ecologically inspired solutions for next generation pest management.