Computational Chemistry and Molecular Discovery

Anoop Ayyappan

Professor, Digital University Kerala

I work in computational chemistry and molecular discovery, with interests spanning chemical space exploration, molecular and nanocluster structure prediction, reaction discovery, and methods that connect machine learning with quantum chemistry. My group develops automated, reliable workflows for exploring structures, properties, and reactivity across complex chemical systems.

Anoop Ayyappan, Professor, Digital University Kerala
Research opportunities

Prospective PhD students

Applications are welcome from candidates with an interest in computational chemistry and machine learning who wish to pursue doctoral research at Digital University Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.

Contact me Apply now
Research programme

Research

Computational chemistry across structure, reactivity, and molecular discovery.

Chemical space explorationDiscovery strategy
Systematic generation and global optimisation of candidate structures, aggregates, and reaction pathways.
Machine learning and quantum chemistryMethod development
Bringing surrogate models and electronic-structure methods together where speed is useful but chemical accuracy remains essential.
Clusters, molecules, and materialsScientific scope
Research spanning nanoclusters, catalysis, prebiotic chemistry, molecular structure, and materials-oriented problems.
Automated and reliable workflowsResearch style
Building computational approaches that are exploratory, reproducible, and useful across chemically complex systems.

My research brings together molecular structure prediction, reaction discovery, and method development in computational chemistry. A recurring theme is to replace ad hoc exploration with automated workflows that generate candidates systematically, optimise them globally, accelerate search with machine learning where helpful, and return to quantum chemistry for chemically meaningful validation.

Publications

A curated mix of recent papers and representative earlier work.

Engagements

Conferences, invited talks, and teaching-focused workshops.

Academic engagement

A compact view of recurring conference participation, invited talks, and workshop-led teaching activity.

About

A shorter professional profile with the essentials surfaced first

At a glance

Roles, memberships, and service

  • Current role
    Professor at Digital University Kerala, leading computational chemistry and machine-learning-enabled molecular discovery efforts.
  • Professional memberships
    NASI, CRSI, and WATOC.
  • Board of studies
    Chair of the Board of Studies at the School of Digital Sciences, Digital University Kerala; member of the Board of Studies in the chemistry departments at Kannur University and Nirmala College (Autonomous), Muvattupuzha.
  • Editorial roles
    Journal of Molecular Graphics and Modelling and Indian Journal of Chemistry.
  • Academic administration
    Former Controller of Examinations.
  • Recognition
    Linus Pauling Lecture Award (2021), School of Chemical Sciences, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam.
Career path

Experience and training

  • 2023-present
    Professor, Digital University Kerala.
  • 2016-2023
    Associate Professor, IIT Kharagpur.
  • 2012
    Visiting Professor, University of Muenster, Germany (SFB858).
  • 2010-2016
    Assistant Professor, IIT Kharagpur.
  • 2009-2010
    Postdoctoral fellow, University of Bonn with Prof. Frank Neese.
  • 2006-2009
    Postdoctoral fellow, MPI KoFo Muelheim with Prof. Walter Thiel.
Postdoctoral research topics
  • University of Bonn
    Computational study of asymmetric hydrogenation using local correlation methods; titanocene-catalyzed ring opening reactions of epoxides and oxaphosphiranes.
  • MPI KoFo Muelheim
    Computational studies on rhodium-catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation using monodentate phosphorus ligands; carbon(0) complexes; cyclophenic N-heterocyclic carbenes; gold-alkyne complexes.

Education

  • 1999-2005
    PhD, University of Hyderabad with Prof. E. D. Jemmis.
  • 1996-1998
    MSc Chemistry, School of Chemical Sciences, M. G. University.
  • 1993-1996
    BSc (Chemistry), Nirmala College, Muvattupuzha.
Earlier education
  • 1991-1993 Pre-Degree, Nirmala College, Muvattupuzha, Kerala.
  • 1988-1991 High School, St. Sebastians High School, Anicade, Muvattupuzha, Kerala.
  • 1985-1988 U. P. School, Teachers Training Institute, Muvattupuzha, Kerala.

Contact

anoop.a@duk.ac.in
+91 471 278 8027
Official page duk.ac.in/personnel/anoop-ayyappan
Office Room 32, Ground Floor
Kerala University of Digital Sciences, Innovation and Technology (Digital University Kerala)
Technopark Phase IV, Pallipuram, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695317