Sir J.C. Bose

Acharya (Sir) J.C. Bose (1857-1937), the doyen of Indian science appointed as an officiating Professor of Physics in 1885 at the Presidency College, Kolkata. It is a rare event in the history of science that the work of a single investigator so profoundly affects many branches of knowledge. In 1894-95 he emerged as a research worker in the field of electromagnetic wave – now called microwave, one of the technologies that benefit the human race most even today. He developed galena detector, which is the first photo-voltaic cell in the world.

From the study of the response behavior of metal J.C. Bose preceded to the study of response behavior of plants whose sensitivity is intermediate between metal and highly organized animal organisms. As plants are not provided with elaborate structure like nervous system, Bose had to device various instruments (>100) for his experiments. They were very delicate and sensitive.

Bose Institute

Photograph taken in 1920

The Institute was formally opened on November 30, 1917. Bose delivered his address “The voice of life”, on this occasion he dedicated the Institute to the nation to revive once more the traditions of India which, so far, back as 25 centuries ago welcomed all scholars from the different quarters of the globe within precincts of its seats of learning at Nalanda and Taxila.

At present the Institute has two major campuses, one located at 93/1 Acharya P.C. Road near Raja Bazaar where the Bose Institute was originally founded (commonly known as Main Campus) and the other at Bagmari Road near Kankurgachi (commonly referred to as Centenart Campus, as it was built to commemorate the birth centenary of the founder). In addition, the Institute has few more campuses, like Astroparticle Physics Research Centre, High Altitude Research centre at Darjeeling and Rennovative Centre for Plant Biotechnology. 

The research work of Bose Institute centers on system response analysis and resource survey analysis integrating different branches of science to have a multidisciplinary approach for unveiling the mysteries of nature and utilization thereof. Pioneering work in the fields of photon-atom scattering, cholera toxin, improved plant types, microbial strains, understanding the process of gene expression, designing of drugs for the treatment of various diseases, biotechnology etc. had been part of scientific projection of this institute. The present generation of scientists is proud carriers of that torch of enlightenment and is also giving due importance to the national thrust area problems. Their contributions both in the fundamental and applied areas of science helping the nation as envision by the Founder of the Institute.