Chennai, Aug 14: Indian Institute of Technology Madras Prof. Thalappil Pradeep has become the third Indian to be elected as a full member of the European Academy of Engineering, headquartered in Gothenburg, Sweden. There are several Nobel Laureates, Fields Medallists and Turing Award Laureates as members of the academy.
This is in recognition of his pioneering contributions to water purification and nanotechnology with profound societal impact. His work has enabled millions of people across India to access safe drinking water free of contaminants such as arsenic and pesticides.
Renowned scientists Prof. C.N.R. Rao and Prof. Biman Bagchi of the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, are the previous two Indian scientists to be members of the European Academy of Engineering. There are several scientists of Indian origin in the academy who are working in Europe and USA.
The European Academy of Engineering brings together leading scientific and engineering experts from around the world to provide independent expertise on major global, regional and national challenges. Founded in 1992, the Academy works towards advancing science and engineering, public health, education and evidence-based policy.
Prof. Thalappil Pradeep is internationally recognised for developing nanomaterials, molecular systems and affordable technologies and his research has combined fundamental discoveries in nanoscience with scalable technologies aimed at addressing one of the world’s most pressing challenges — access to safe drinking water.
Congratulating Prof. Thalappil Pradeep, IIT Madras Director Prof. V. Kamakoti said, “Nanoscience and Clean water technologies leading to affordable engineering solutions at scale with high societal impact is very important for a large country like Bharat. Prof. Pradeep’s contribution in these areas are very significant. The Institute is very proud of this recognition to him.”
He also founded the International Centre for Clean Water, which works to accelerate the translation of laboratory discoveries into technologies for a water-secure world.
Commenting on the recognition, Prof. Thalappil Pradeep, Institute Professor and Deepak Parekh Institute Chair Professor, Department of Chemistry, IIT Madras, said,
“I am deeply honoured to be elected to the European Academy of Engineering. This recognition strengthens my resolve to pursue new discoveries that can address real societal challenges. It is also a reflection of the growing recognition of India and its leadership in science and technology on the global stage.”
Prof. Pradeep’s research extends beyond water purification to nanomaterials, microdroplets, ice chemistry, clusters, surfaces and spectroscopy, placing his work at the intersection of fundamental chemistry, materials science and engineering.
The EAE election comes soon after another major recognition for Prof. Thalappil Pradeep. He was recently selected for the Anusandhan National Research Foundation J. C. Bose Grant, one of India’s prestigious research recognitions for senior scientists and engineers. This marks his third five-year term under the J. C. Bose recognition, which was earlier known as the J. C. Bose Fellowship.
His distinguished honours include the Padma Shri, Vigyan Shri, Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize, TWAS Prize in Chemistry, Eni Award and VinFuture Prize. He is also a Fellow of several leading national and international academies. The 2023 Eni Award, also considered as the Nobel Prize in energy and environment recognised Prof. Pradeep’s work linking nanoscience with practical solutions for clean water.