Abstract:        Jesuit charism is ‘seeing God in everything and seeking everything in God’. In the spirit of Counter-Reformation initiated by the Founder of the Jesuit Order, the Jesuits strive for counter-culture in every way possible and needed. Even in conducting research, both scientific and social, the Jesuits keep ever in focus the need of the society. Their knowledge-seeking should benefit the common man and woman leading to fullness of life. They take all efforts to make the society they live in a better society. One such means is development and promotion of multidisciplinary research that finds social relevance especially in the area of energy and environment. It is an attempt to make the globe ecofriendly through their research based on bioethics, namely their research would concentrate on constructive progress in the society. In this paper the research content and methodology of LIFE (Loyola Institute of Frontier Energy), a pioneer in multidisciplinary research at Loyola College in Chennai, is presented.

Introduction:

Today one talks about nano-technology – The advancement in science and technology is progressing very fast. As Jesuits we have the choice whether to take up scientific research for the sake of promoting science and technology or we concentrate on areas that would be relevant, meaningful and effective for the people. We have chosen the second one, namely science with social relevance. Scientific research and the subsequent findings would be useful for the people. So far we have chosen research areas with such focus.

Thich Nhat Hanh when explaining the art of living in the present quotes the Buddha saying:

Do not pursue the past.

Do not lose yourself in the future.

The past no longer is.

The future has not yet come.

We do research in the present with social relevance in mind – Our research findings should help the society get better in some way. The GC 34 speaks of Jesuit research as:

‘The Society, sensitive to present needs and challenges, must insist on the necessity not only for each one’s ongoing acquisition of knowledge but also on the ongoing development of each one’s personal capacity to analyze and evaluate, in our circumstances of rapid change, the mission which he has received’ (34 GC 396).

In order to ensure this

‘Jesuits have been engaged in university teaching, research and scholarly publication almost since the foundation of the Society’ (34 GC 404).

GC 34 throws the challenge: “As Jesuits, we seek knowledge for its own sake and at the same time must regularly ask ‘knowledge for what?’” (34 GC 409). (Here we could replace ‘knowledge’ by ‘scientific research’).

Further GC 34 fosters multidisciplinary research:

‘Jesuit universities will promote interdisciplinary work; this implies a spirit of cooperation and dialogue among specialists within the university itself and with those of other universities’ (34 GC 413).

Thus the object and focus of research is the need of the present through multidisciplinary method. This has to be promoted by Jesuit scientists.

LIFE (Loyola Institute of Frontier Energy):

Today any research, to make meaningful impact, has to be borderless. An effective research is frontier-research, in the sense research today encompasses many discipline and requires multi-expertise. And hence the need of the hour is integrated approach to research leading to social development paving the way for social relevant research. Having this in view a few researchers from the faculties of physics, chemistry, and biology came together to conduct multidisciplinary research with the focus on energy and environment of the society. Thus Loyola Institute of Frontier Energy (LIFE) was founded in 1995. Ever since LIFE has grown a lot and LIFE is perceived as a pioneer institute in the area of promoting multidisciplinary research.

Right now 25 research scholars are working for their doctoral degrees and in the current academic year 27 papers have been published in national and international research journals. LIFE brings out a quarterly journal, by name ‘Convergence’, carrying articles of research. Whenever India Today places Loyola in the first place, on all India level, regarding Science mentions the contribution of LIFE for the growth of scientific and multidisciplinary research. The recent NAAC visit also has placed on record the impact of LIFE on research. The characteristic feature at LIFE is that all the research scholars and the members of the research team meet every Wednesday and one of the research scholars would present his/her research findings and it would be discussed. This is very helpful not only to broaden one’s knowledge but also one could discuss the problem from various aspects and at critical time we need others’ interpretation to get a clearer picture of the data obtained in research. LIFE has so far brought out 6 books mainly containing the proceedings of the major symposia and conferences.

Personal research:

Already for my doctoral dissertation, carried out at Boston College (USA), I wanted to choose an area that would throw light on something useful for India. I was impressed by the similarity in structure of hemoglobin, chlorophyll, and phthalocyanine (a blue-dye material). Chlorophyll and hemoglobin are energy carriers – The former brings out oxygen from carbon-dioxide and the latter removes carbon-dioxide from the body and brings in oxygen. But not much study has been done to understand the working mechanism. Hence I chose phthalocyanine which is similar in structure to hemoglobin and chlorophyll with the idea: if I could understand phthalocyanine I can understand how the other two work.

Phthalocyanine is a blue-dye material and is an organic semiconductor – I grew crystals (0.1 x 0.5 x 4 mm) and studied their optical, electrical and thermal properties. I could not only grow the crystals successfully for the first time but also could propose the existence of multi-band-gap system in organic semiconductors. Since organic materials would cost much less than the usual inorganic semiconductors such as Silicon and Germanium, I thought phthalocyanine family could be used for solar-cell application. I also adopted electrolyte electroreflectance method to accurately determine the band-gap of organic materials. Growing phthalocyanine crystals in an atmosphere of iodine vapour increased the photoconductivity of the material at least by five orders of magnitude. The study of thin films of phthalocyanine is very much done and application-oriented research is on the increase. I have been a visiting scientist at Boston College since 1993 – During summer I could spend for about 6 to 8 weeks on my on-going research project. I was a Visiting Professor at Stuttgart University for a year (1998-99) to study organic thin film transistors.

Another area of my research, actually as a hobby, is the study of inter-relatedness between religion and science. Issues such as creation or evolution, entropy and original sin, flow of time (whether linear or circular), possibility of life beyond death from scientific perspectives are some of the papers published. Recently these research findings were edited and put together in the form of a book and the book has come out a couple of months ago with the title ‘God of the Atoms’.

Research proposals carried out at LIFE:

I would like to cite a couple of doctoral research projects done at LIFE that have the need in the society in focus.

1. Effect of industrial effluent on fish:

The industrial effluent, especially from leather tanneries, affects very much the environment. For example, chromium used in leather-seasoning when let out gets into the soil the ground-water gets contaminated. Heavy metals such as lead, mercury, chromium and other toxic elements are ingested by fish and they become embedded into the fish protein. When such fish is consumed by human beings the heavy metals get into the human system and they have to be removed by the kidneys which eventually would fail. This study was carried out in LIFE.

An artificial situation was created for the fish, after getting acclimatized to the lab conditions, the fish was fed with sub lethal amount of toxic heavy metal ions such as mercury chloride. The fish ingest the fluid and after a few days the fish protein is isolated and the electric conductivity was carried out. Since protein is a semiconductor the conductivity of such fish protein indicated an increase in photoconductivity depending on the presence of heavy metal ions in the sample. The conductivity indicated the level of toxic heavy metal ion present in the fish – And this way the effluent nature could be monitored. Also the conductivity of fish protein varies depending on the pH of the fluid – With minimum conductivity at the extreme values of acid or base as well as normal water but then reaching a maximum for the medium level of acid or base. At either extreme of acid or base the fish dies. In order to interpret the data we had many a discussion among the research team of physics, chemistry, and biology.

1. Co-Crystallization for reaping the maximum of solar radiation:

Phthalocyanine absorbs solar radiation in the visible and infra-red region whereas anthracene absorbs solar radiation mostly in the ultra-violet region. But if both were put together, taking into consideration their molecular size and compatibility of crystal constants, they would absorb the solar radiation in the entire range. Attempt was made successfully to form one crystal (co-crystal) from both the materials.

Anthracene melts at 150^oC whereas phthalocyanine has no melting point but decomposes around 385^oC.  A three-zone furnace, keeping one region around 150^oC and the other around 380^oC while the third region was kept at a suitable temperature range, was designed (For this gadget the patent is pending with the Government of India). The outcome was a homogeneous crystal which could absorb the solar radiation in infrared, visible and ultraviolet regions. This method would be very useful in preparing solar cells that would absorb effectively in the entire region of solar spectrum. Here is an area where industry-institute relationship could make the findings useful for the common people to bring out useful devices.

Current research projects:

A few research projects have been proposed for the present and future research at LIFE. Research scholars have started working on it under my guidance. They are in the area of

1. Organic thin film transistor;
2. Organic light emitting diode; and

iii. Extraction and characterization of chlorophyll.

We hope to make progress in these proposed areas since they are very much promising and we would be enriching our output by collaborative research.

1. Organic thin film transistor:

Though there is much work going on around the globe on organic thin film transistor, there is very little work taking place in India. Pentacene is chosen as the active layer for the organic thin film transistor – This could be fabricated with inorganic insulator and later an suitable organic insulator would be tried out. This would be very helpful to bring out organic thin film transistor. The proposal has been sent in as a research project to DST (Department of Science and Technology), Delhi.

1. Organic light emitting diode:

This is another interesting area to work on. So far there is only inorganic light emitting diodes in the commercial world. But much work is taking place to produce organic light emitting diodes. The advantage with organic materials would be that some of them are dye materials and they would be used for desired colour of light when fabricating light emitting diodes.

1. Extraction and characterization of chlorophyll:

The greenness (chlorophyll) in the plant converts solar energy, in the presence of water and CO₂, into glucose/carbohydrates. But it is very difficult to duplicate the chemical reaction in the lab. However, some have attempted to extract chlorophyll from the plants and study the material. We propose to extract chlorophyll first from the plants and then to ascertain the structure (For example, the chlorophyll from algae would be structurally slightly different from that from plants). Then attempt would be made to grow single crystal in order to study the photoconductivity of chlorophyll. LIFE is well-equipped for photoconductivity studies. Then material or chemicals with similar structure would be tried in order to increase the photoconductivity. If this proves successful we would not only know the energy conversion process, we could also make better solar cells. Further, hemoglobin which is similar in structure to chlorophyll would be also studied having medical application in mind since hemoglobin also functions as energy carrier in human system. Hemoglobin removes CO₂ from the system and brings in oxygen that is very much needed for survival of human beings especially for the brain.

Social-relevance research at LIFE:

Much of research project at LIFE is related to practical use and for the good of common people. It is our hope that such research would enrich the quality of our life. The following are social relevant projects carried out at LIFE:

1. Disaster preparedness:

After the tsunami disaster two years ago Loyola College in collaboration with CORDAID initiated the disaster preparedness programme, with special reference to Pulicat (an island off Chennai), and entrusted to LIFE. This is a project of Rs 1.25 crores and it is done in collaboration with NGOs as well. The island is geographically studied and the aquatics in the adjacent lake are also studied. The needs of the people are taken care of and the people are well informed to meet with any eventuality related to natural disaster such as floods, fire, earth-quake, tsunami etc. There is effective rapport built with the people and the working relation with the NGOs is commendable. Dr Selvanayagam, Director of LIFE, is in charge of the project.

1. Storm water drain Management:

Making use of Geological Information System (GIS) the map of Chennai is thoroughly studied and proposal is given to the Chennai Corporation with regard to measures to be taken in the event of floods in the cosmopolitan city. The Chennai Corporation is able to get an idea where there would be floods when there is heavy rain and the officials would be able to deal with the situation effectively.

Further, storm water system in the city needs to be properly mapped, managed and monitored. The storm water can be a potential source for ground water recharges during the rainy season. Down stream accumulation or dissipation of pollutants is also the result of storm water systems. Bacteria and virus are often associated with storm. Dr Vincent, member of the LIFE research team, is studying the city along with his research scholars

1. to bring out the Storm Water Drain Map of the Chennai Corporation Area;
2. to provide digital data base to facilitate easy updating and monitoring of storm water drainage;

iii.        to identify sensitivity areas for ground water recharge potential, flood and sedimentation possibilities;

1. to sensitize storm water network in relation with public health issues especially for mapping mosquito breeding places;
2. to understand the biological components of storm water system with reference to bacteria, viral and nutrient enrichment problems.

1. Environmental Pollution:

The impact on organisms due to pesticide and heavy metals used in agriculture and industries especially on aquatics is studied systematically. This helps very much not only to monitor various environmental areas but also is helpful to monitor the concerned authorities with regard to measures to be taken to reduce environmental pollution.

1. Biotechnology:

In the age of biotechnology LIFE makes inroads with regard to shock-proteins. Animals develop new protein to withstand adverse conditions in nature. In a similar way synthesis of gene is researched in order to incorporate it into animals in order to enable them protect themselves.

1. Awareness Programmes:

Programmes are organized for college as well as school teachers and also children to make themselves familiar with their own environment and to act consciously to protect the environment. Such programmes aiming at creating ecofriendly environment is very much appreciated and are in much demand as well.

1. Electroplating:

LIFE also has established effective industry-institute relationship. Electroplating in an area where the research needed for industries are carried out in LIFE. This way we are able to render service to the society through the industries which produce the wares needed for the people. Coating to avoid erosion and corrosion is studied. Dr Nagaraja, member of the LIFE research team, is not only carrying out the research along with his research scholars but he is also a consultant to a few companies. The industry-institute relation gives the researchers impetus to do more and better. This helps one not only to know the needs in the society but also the know-how to meet with such demands.

1. Sensors:

Other research that Dr Nagaraja is busy with are humidity sensors and gas sensors. This is very much is demand from industries and for application oriented needs. Further solid electrical conductivity and metal organic chemical vapour deposition using volatile metallo-organic matter is studied. In addition, analytical chemistry related to pharmaceutical application is researched on. Fr John Pragasam is working on synthesizing and testing sensor materials – Dr Nagaraja and Fr John Pragasam collaborate in research proposal.

1. Air Pollution:

Fr B. Jeyaraj is working on air pollution. He is studying the uptake of SO₂, CO₂, H₂S with different oxidants such as Ozone, H₂O₂. These studies would help create awareness on need for cleaner atmosphere and also this would lead to much industry-institution collaboration in research.

Other features of LIFE:

There are other features that make LIFE unique with regard to social relevant and multidisciplinary research:

1. LIFE brings out an interdisciplinary quarterly by name ‘Convergence’ with focus on energy and environment and importance is given to inter-disciplinary original research. I am the Editor-in-Chief and Dr Selvanayagam is the editor of the journal.
2. LIFE has signed memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Indira Gandhi Cenre for Atomic Research (IGCAR) at Kalpakkan and Helini Chemicals at Chennai for collaborative research. LIFE enjoys good rapport and collaboration with Indian Institute of Science (IIT), Crystal Growth Centre at Anna University, Central Leather Research Institute – all at Chennai. Occasionally we get in touch with other national research centres such as Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore and research labs abroad.

• The members of the research team are consultants to Government (especially on environment) and industries (Gemini colour lab, TVS-Lucas, Food-industries) – This enriches the research experience and we are able to share our expertise with other agencies.

1. LIFE houses the centralized instrumentation centre for Loyola College. This is a boon for researchers to get things done without much difficulty and delay.
2. LIFE has already obtained three patents (two in chemistry and one in zoology) and one in Physics is patent-pending.
3. Currently five projects are in progress in LIFE.

So far LIFE has organized an international and six national conferences on relevant themes. Recently LIFE conducted a ‘Brainstorming Session on Multidisciplinary Research’ in the beginning of December 2006. Invited research scholars were able to interact effectively during the two-day session – The outcome would be passed on to the Government and other agencies for further measures as way of implementation and promotion of multidisciplinary research. On Jan 11^th and 12^th 2007 LIFE would organize a national conference on ‘Environmental Biosensors’. This would be very helpful for researchers as well as for funding agencies to know the need in the society and to act accordingly.

Conclusion:

LIFE is very much progressing on the line of people-oriented research especially in the area of energy and environment. The methodology is multi-disciplinary in nature and hence much could be accomplished. The strength of LIFE is well-motivated and highly competent and strongly socially oriented research team. It is hoped that the outcome from LIFE would benefit the humankind for the betterment of life. The basis of research is bioethics, namely the research should benefit the society at large and it should help for making the environment more ecofriendly.