Author – Ritesh Ranjan: Global recognition honours his pioneering work in nanotechnology, affordable water purification and technologies with major societal impact
Prof. Thalappil Pradeep of the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has been elected as a full member of the European Academy of Engineering (EAE), headquartered in Gothenburg, Sweden. He is the third Indian scientist to receive this distinction, following renowned researchers Prof. C.N.R. Rao and Prof. Biman Bagchi of the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru.
The recognition honours Prof. Pradeep’s pioneering contributions to nanotechnology, water purification and affordable clean-water solutions. His research has helped enable millions of people across India to access drinking water free from harmful contaminants, including arsenic and pesticides.
A prestigious global academy
Founded in 1992, the European Academy of Engineering brings together leading scientists and engineers from across the world. Its members include Nobel laureates, Fields Medallists and Turing Award winners. The academy provides independent scientific and engineering expertise on major global, national and regional challenges, while promoting evidence-based policy, education, public health and technological development.
Prof. Pradeep’s election reflects the international importance of research that combines fundamental scientific discovery with practical engineering solutions. His work demonstrates how advances in nanoscience can be translated into affordable technologies for communities facing serious water-quality challenges.
Nanoscience for safe drinking water
Prof. Pradeep, Institute Professor and Deepak Parekh Institute Chair Professor in the Department of Chemistry at IIT Madras, is internationally recognised for developing nanomaterials, molecular systems and scalable technologies.
His research has focused on creating advanced materials capable of removing toxic pollutants from water. By combining chemistry, materials science and engineering, his team has developed solutions designed to be affordable, efficient and suitable for large-scale use.
He also founded the International Centre for Clean Water (ICCW) at IIT Madras Research Park. The centre works to accelerate the transformation of laboratory discoveries into practical technologies that can help build a water-secure world.
Congratulating Prof. Pradeep, Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras, said nanoscience and clean-water technologies that produce affordable engineering solutions are particularly important for a large country such as India. He added that the institute was proud of Prof. Pradeep’s global recognition.
A wide-ranging research portfolio
Although clean water is one of his most visible areas of impact, Prof. Pradeep’s research extends across several fields. His work includes nanomaterials, microdroplets, ice chemistry, molecular clusters, surfaces and spectroscopy.
This interdisciplinary research has placed him at the intersection of fundamental chemistry, materials science, environmental technology and engineering. Such cross-disciplinary approaches are increasingly important for solving complex challenges such as pollution, climate change, water scarcity and sustainable development.
Recognition builds on a distinguished career
The EAE election comes soon after Prof. Pradeep was selected for the ANRF J. C. Bose Grant, marking his third five-year term under the prestigious recognition, formerly known as the J. C. Bose Fellowship.
His other major 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, often described as a major global honour in energy and environmental research, recognised his work linking nanoscience with practical clean-water technologies.
Prof. Pradeep said the EAE recognition strengthened his resolve to pursue discoveries that address real societal challenges. His election is also a significant moment for Indian science, highlighting the country’s growing leadership in research, innovation and technology with global impact.
Conclusion
Prof. Thalappil Pradeep’s election as a full member of the European Academy of Engineering marks another major milestone for Indian science and IIT Madras. As only the third Indian scientist to receive this distinction, his recognition highlights the global significance of research that combines scientific innovation with measurable societal impact. His pioneering work in nanotechnology and affordable water purification has demonstrated how advanced science can address critical challenges such as water contamination and access to safe drinking water. The honour further strengthens India’s position in global research and underscores the importance of translating laboratory discoveries into scalable technologies that improve lives.
FAQs
1. Who is Prof. Thalappil Pradeep?
Prof. Thalappil Pradeep is an Institute Professor and Deepak Parekh Institute Chair Professor in the Department of Chemistry at IIT Madras. He is internationally known for his research in nanotechnology, water purification, molecular systems, materials science and environmental technologies.
2. Why was Prof. Thalappil Pradeep elected to the European Academy of Engineering?
He was elected in recognition of his pioneering contributions to nanotechnology, affordable clean-water technologies and engineering solutions with significant societal impact.
3. How many Indians have been elected to the European Academy of Engineering?
Prof. Thalappil Pradeep is the third Indian scientist to receive the distinction, following Prof. C.N.R. Rao and Prof. Biman Bagchi.
4. What is Prof. Thalappil Pradeep best known for?
He is particularly known for developing nanomaterials and scalable technologies capable of removing harmful contaminants such as arsenic and pesticides from drinking water, helping make safe water more accessible and affordable.
5. What major awards has Prof. Thalappil Pradeep received?
His major honours include the Padma Shri, Vigyan Shri, Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize, TWAS Prize in Chemistry, Eni Award and VinFuture Prize. He has also received the ANRF J. C. Bose Grant and is a Fellow of several national and international academies.