Baerlocher India has presented its annual Academic Excellence Awards to Prof. Shashank Mhaske, Head of the Department of Polymer Engineering and Surface Technology and Varad Maske, a student recognized for his academic achievements and excellence in polymer engineering for their contribution to polymer science. The award was presented at the occasion of 91st Foundation Day of the Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT).

The ceremony was presided over by Padma Bhushan Prof. J. B. Joshi, Chancellor of ICT Mumbai, alongside Prof. A. B. Pandit, the Vice-Chancellor. The event was attended by ICT faculty, students, renowned alumni, and members of Baerlocher team, creating an atmosphere of excitement and celebration.

Vivek Kale, SBU Head of PVC Additives, highlighted Baerlocher India’s commitment to fostering academic brilliance. Kale spoke about Baerlocher’s vision behind instituting the Academic Excellence Awards—to recognize and nurture the finest talents in the academic world and further strengthen the synergy between industry and academia.

The prestigious Dr. Michael Rosenthal Best Teacher Award was presented to Prof. Shashank Mhaske, Head of the Department of Polymer Engineering and Surface Technology. This award, a tribute to Prof. Mhaske's unwavering dedication to teaching and his significant contributions to polymer research, was bestowed by Chancellor Prof. J. B. Joshi. The audience applauded Prof. Mhaske's ability to inspire the next generation of engineers and his influential role in advancing the field.

In a similar vein, the Dr. Tobias Rosenthal Best Student Award was conferred upon Varad Maske, an exemplary student recognized for his academic achievements and excellence in polymer engineering. The award was presented by Vice-Chancellor Prof. A. B. Pandit, who highlighted Mr. Maske’s hard work, innovative thinking, and exceptional promise as a future leader in the field. His achievements were celebrated by the gathered dignitaries, peers, and faculty members.  

Baerlocher’s Academic Excellence Awards conceptualized by Jayen Modi, Managing Director, Baerlocher India Additives, were instituted last year in honour of two of the company’s most influential figures—Dr. Michael Rosenthal and Dr. Tobias Rosenthal—whose contributions have left an indelible mark on the global additives industry.

Dr. Michael Rosenthal, who took over leadership of Baerlocher from his father, Dr. Christian Rosenthal, in 1980, is credited with transforming Baerlocher into a global powerhouse, recognized for its innovation and excellence. In recent years, the leadership baton has passed to Dr. Tobias Rosenthal, whose dynamic approach and focus on technology, digitisation and sustainability is set to further elevate Baerlocher’s position in the global market.