JS Sandhu received his BSc from Punjab University, and MSc (1965) and PhD degrees in Chemistry from Punjabi University, Patiala. He did his postdoctoral work at Indiana University Bloomington with E Compaign in the area of synthetic organic chemistry. Thereafter, he worked as Instructor in the Chemistry Department, Punjabi University, Patiala; shifted to Regional Research Laboratory (RRL), Hyderabad and worked with GS Sidhu, joined Ranbaxy Labs Pvt Ltd (1973) to initiate their R&D Laboratory at Okhla, New Delhi; and joined as Head of Medicinal Chemistry Division (1976), RRL Jorhat where he became Director before his retirement in 2002. Since 2003, he is working as INSA Sr Scientist, Chemistry Department, Punjabi University, Patiala.

Academic and Research Achievements: Sandhu's notable contributions relate to researches on: (i) pesticides, (ii) industrial chemicals, and (iii) and drugs and pharmaceuticals, particularly bioorganic/biocatalysis. He guided the PhD work of 26 students, published 243 research papers, apart from some patents as well as reviews and books. His efforts in 1976 resulted in RRL Jorhat being recognized as a Research Center of the Dibrugrah University.

Other Contributions: Dr Sandhu has been Life Member of several learned bodies of the country like Chemical Society and Chemical Research Society of India.

Awards and Honours: Dr Sandhu was awarded gold medal by Ranbaxy Labs in 1976 for his outstanding contributions. He was also elected Fellow of the National Academy of Sciences (India), Allahabad.