IIT Madras professor Thalappi Pradeep elected to european academy of engineering

Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras professor Thalappil Pradeep has been elected as a full member of the European Academy of Engineering (EAE), becoming the third Indian to receive the distinction. The academy is headquartered in Gothenburg, Sweden, and includes several Nobel Laureates, Fields Medalists and Turing Award Laureates among its members.

The recognition comes for Pradeep's pioneering contributions to nanoscience and water purification, particularly his work on affordable clean-water technologies. His research has helped enable millions of people across India to access safe drinking water free from contaminants such as arsenic and pesticides.

C.N.R. Rao and Biman Bagchi of the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, are the previous two Indian scientists to have been members of the EAE. The academy brings together scientists and engineering experts globally to provide independent expertise on major global, regional and national challenges.

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Recognition for nanoscience and water technologies

Pradeep is internationally recognised for developing nanomaterials, molecular systems and affordable technologies. His research combines fundamental discoveries in nanoscience with scalable technologies aimed at addressing the challenge of access to safe drinking water.

Congratulating Thalappil Pradeep, IIT Madras Director 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 contributions in these areas are very significant. The Institute is very proud of this recognition.”

Pradeep also founded the International Centre for Clean Water (ICCW), which works to accelerate the translation of laboratory discoveries into technologies aimed at creating a water-secured world.

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Thalappil says recognition strengthens resolve

Commenting on the recognition, 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." He also said that the recognition strengthens his resolve to pursue new discoveries addressing real societal challenges.

He further added, "It is also a reflection of the growing recognition of India and its leadership in science and technology on the global stage.” His research extends beyond water purification to areas including nanomaterials, microdroplets, ice chemistry, clusters, surfaces and spectroscopy, spanning fundamental chemistry, materials science and engineering.