Tara Prasad Dasgupta joined The UWI family in 1974 as a lecturer in physical chemistry in the Faculty of Natural Sciences (now Faculty of Science and Technology). Within six years of joining The UWI he was named the first Professor of Inorganic Chemistry. He later served as the Head of the Department of Chemistry for the period of 1992-2002 and under his leadership, the research infrastructure of the Department was significantly improved with state of the art equipment that helped contribute to vibrant research programmes.

Always a man of science, Professor Dasgupta’s research interests included: Inorganic Reaction Mechanisms which extended to Synthesis and Reactivity of Novel Polynuclear Complexes; Electron Transfer involving Biological Reductants; Toxic substances in Foods; Degradation of pesticides in tropical ecosystems; and Nitric Oxide releasing compounds and their biological applications - to name a few. Through his work, the Department of Chemistry gained regional and international recognition for its outstanding research work in Reaction Mechanisms with over 100 papers published in this field. He supervised over 50 graduate students (35 Ph.D. and 18 M.Phil) and forged critical partnerships with local, regional and international entities e.g. Tanuad International, which brought regional and international expertise, capacity and recognition to The UWI.

Professor Dasgupta was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry, London and Caribbean Academy of Sciences, as well as the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry. His eminence in the field of science earned him an invitation from the Noble Prize Committee of Sweden to nominate candidates for this prestigious award. For three consecutive years, he received The UWI Vice-Chancellor’s award and Principal’s award for his outstanding research work. He is included in several biographical reference books such as Who’s Who in the World, Who’s Who in the Commonwealth, International Book of Honour, Men of Achievement and Personalities in the Caribbean.

Professor Dasgupta served the Faculty and the UWI Mona community in numerous other capacities, including: Head of the Electronics Unit in the Faculty, Head of the Jamaica Racing Commission (JRC) Testing Laboratory and as manager of the Mechanical Engineering Workshop on campus. In 1995 Professor Dasgupta established The UWl's Pesticide Research Laboratory to help monitor the levels of pesticides in agricultural products and organic pollutants in the environment. He was most recently involved in the creation of The Centre for Advanced Research in Renewable Energy (CARRE) and the construction of the Caribbean region’s first Net Zero Energy Building (NZEB) located on the Mona campus of The UWI.

Leading up to his retirement (September 2006) in addition to his duties in Chemistry, he contributed to the School of Education (B. Ed Secondary Distance Project).

Following his retirement, the title of “Professor Emeritus” was conferred upon him by The University of the West Indies (2009) and in 2013 the title of “Honorary Research Fellow”. The Jamaican Government conferred the Honour of the order of Distinction in the rank of Commander (CD) in recognition of his significant contribution to science, education and research in 2013 and in 2019, he was presented with the Musgrave Silver Medal, again in recognition for his many contributions to science, education and research.

He was a Founding Member of the Caribbean Academy of Sciences, Jamaica - an independent non-profit charitable organization legally registered with the Government of Jamaica for promoting science and technology in Jamaica (founded in 2010), and he was a former President of the regional Caribbean Academy of Sciences.

The significance of Prof Dasgupta’s contribution to science and his lifetime of work at The UWI is second to none.

The Faculty of Science and Technology salutes a true UWI scholar and friend!

We extend sincere condolences to his family and friends.