Chairman at Network of Researchers on the Chemical Evolution of Life (NoRCEL), United Kingdom
Dr. Sohan Jheeta is an Independent Research Scientist and Science Communicator with expertise in prebiotic chemistry, astrochemistry, and astrobiology. He earned his PhD in Experimental Studies in Prebiotic Chemistry from The Open University, UK, in 2010, supervised by Professor Nigel J. Mason OBE. Dr. Jheeta has published over 40 peer-reviewed papers, authored five book chapters, and delivered more than 120 presentations globally, including 19 keynote speeches. His research focuses on the emergence of life on Earth, and he has been actively involved in outreach across Africa, promoting astroscience education. Dr. Jheeta is also the founder of several international educational networks and has made significant contributions to astrochemistry and astrobiology.
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Dr. Sohan Jheeta completed his PhD in Experimental Studies in Prebiotic Chemistry at The Open University, UK in 2010, under the supervision of Professor Nigel J. Mason OBE. His doctoral research focused primarily on astrochemistry, exploring the chemical processes in space that could lead to the formation of prebiotic molecules. Prior to his PhD, Dr. Jheeta earned a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant scientific field, further honing his interest in chemistry and its application to astrobiology. His educational journey has been marked by a deep commitment to understanding the origins of life, with his research continuing to expand into astrobiology and astrophysics. Through his rigorous academic training, Dr. Jheeta has developed a multidisciplinary approach, bridging chemistry, biology, and space science to investigate life’s potential emergence beyond Earth.
Work Experience š¼:
Dr. Sohan Jheeta has extensive experience as an Independent Research Scientist and Science Communicator. With a strong background in astrochemistry and prebiotic chemistry, he has contributed to over 40 peer-reviewed publications, including influential papers in international journals. Dr. Jheeta has delivered 120+ presentations worldwide, including 19 keynote speeches at major international conferences. Since 2015, he has been actively involved in science outreach across Africa, delivering inspirational talks in schools, polytechnics, and universities in countries like Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa. Additionally, Dr. Jheeta has established several international research networks, such as NoRCEL and the Astroscience Exploration Network, further advancing global collaborations in astrobiology and prebiotic chemistry.
Skills š
Dr. Sohan Jheeta possesses a wide range of skills that have made him a leading figure in astrochemistry, prebiotic chemistry, and science communication. His expertise includes experimental studies in prebiotic chemistry, astrobiology, and astrophysics. He is skilled in scientific writing, with over 40 peer-reviewed papers and numerous book chapters to his name. Dr. Jheeta excels in public speaking and outreach, having delivered over 120 presentations worldwide, including keynote speeches at international conferences. Additionally, he is adept at establishing international research networks, such as NoRCEL and the Astroscience Exploration Network, to foster global collaboration and promote science education. His leadership and project management skills have significantly contributed to the advancement of research in the chemical emergence of life and related fields.
Research Interests:
Dr. Sohan Jheeta’s research interests lie at the intersection of astrochemistry, prebiotic chemistry, astrobiology, and astrophysics. His work primarily focuses on understanding the chemical processes that may have led to the emergence of life on Earth, exploring prebiotic RNA synthesis and the role of electron-induced chemistry in the formation of key biological molecules. Dr. Jheeta investigates the potential for life beyond Earth, contributing to the field of astrobiology by studying chemical reactions in space environments. He is particularly interested in the irradiation of molecules in interstellar ices and their role in prebiotic chemistry, using experimental models to simulate early Earth conditions. His research also extends to promoting astroscience education, especially in Africa, and fostering international collaborations to further the study of the origins of life across the cosmos.
š PublicationsĀ
Title: Electron induced chemistry: a new frontier in astrochemistry
- Authors: NJ Mason, B Nair, S Jheeta, E SzymaÅska
- Journal: Faraday Discussions
- Volume: 168, Pages: 235-247
- Cited by: 92
- Year: 2014
Title: The irradiation of pure CH3OH and 1:1 mixture of NH3: CH3OH ices at 30 K using low energy electrons
- Authors: S Jheeta, A Domaracka, S Ptasinska, B Sivaraman, NJ Mason
- Journal: Chemical Physics Letters
- Volume: 556, Pages: 359-364
- Cited by: 49
- Year: 2013
Title: Prebiotic RNA synthesis by montmorillonite catalysis
- Authors: S Jheeta, PC Joshi
- Journal: Life
- Volume: 4, Issue 3, Pages: 318-330
- Cited by: 43
- Year: 2014
Title: Mars: new insights and unresolved questions
- Authors: HG Changela, E Chatzitheodoridis, A Antunes, D Beaty, K Bouw, …
- Journal: International Journal of Astrobiology
- Volume: 20, Issue 6, Pages: 394-426
- Cited by: 39
- Year: 2021
Title: Thermal condensation of glycine and alanine on metal ferrite surface: Primitive peptide bond formation scenario
- Authors: MA Iqubal, R Sharma, S Jheeta, Kamaluddin
- Journal: Life
- Volume: 7, Issue 2, Article: 15
- Cited by: 36
- Year: 2017
Title: The landscape of the emergence of life
- Authors: S Jheeta
- Journal: Life
- Volume: 7, Issue 2, Article: 27
- Cited by: 28
- Year: 2017
Title: Electron irradiation of solid nitrous oxide
- Authors: B Sivaraman, S Ptasinska, S Jheeta, NJ Mason
- Journal: Chemical Physics Letters
- Volume: 460, Issues 1-3, Pages: 108-111
- Cited by: 27
- Year: 2008
Title: De novo nucleic acids: a review of synthetic alternatives to DNA and RNA that could act as bio-information storage molecules
- Authors: KG Devine, S Jheeta
- Journal: Life
- Volume: 10, Issue 12, Article: 346
- Cited by: 25
- Year: 2020
Title: The irradiation of 1:1 mixture of ammonia: carbon dioxide ice at 30 K using 1 keV electrons
- Authors: S Jheeta, S Ptasinska, B Sivaraman, NJ Mason
- Journal: Chemical Physics Letters
- Volume: 543, Pages: 208-212
- Cited by: 23
- Year: 2012
ConclusionĀ
Dr. Sohan Jheetaās pioneering work in astrochemistry, astrobiology, and prebiotic chemistry, along with his commitment to science outreach, positions him as an outstanding candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. His extensive academic research, global contributions, and educational outreach efforts have had a lasting impact on the scientific community and society. His ability to bridge research and communication demonstrates a rare combination of academic excellence and social responsibility, making him a true leader in his field.