New Delhi, August 14: India celebrates another significant achievement in the field of science. Professor Thalappil Pradeep from IIT Madras has been elected as a full member of the European Academy of Engineering, based in Gothenburg, Sweden. He received this honor for his pioneering contributions in nanoscience, water purification, and low-cost clean drinking water technologies.
Professor Pradeep has been recognized with prestigious awards such as the Padma Shri and the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize for his contributions to science. The European Academy of Engineering brings together leading scientists and engineers from around the world, including several Nobel laureates, Fields Medalists, and Turing Award winners. Established in 1992, the academy aims to advance science and engineering while providing expert advice on public health, education, and evidence-based policy-making.
Notably, Professor Pradeep is the third Indian scientist to become a full member of this esteemed academy, following renowned scientists Professor C.N.R. Rao and Professor Biman Bagchi from the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru. The academy also includes many scientists of Indian origin working in Europe and America.
IIT Madras stated that Professor Pradeep’s scientific work extends beyond laboratories and research papers. He has played a crucial role in developing affordable water purification technologies using nanotechnology. This technology has been implemented in India to provide safe drinking water free from hazardous pollutants like arsenic and pesticides. His research exemplifies how cutting-edge science can bring about significant changes in the lives of ordinary people when applied effectively.
Internationally recognized for his work on nanomaterials, molecular systems, and cost-effective technologies, Professor Pradeep’s research has linked fundamental nanoscience to practical applications that can be widely utilized. A major goal of his research has been to find scientific solutions to one of the world’s most pressing challenges: ensuring safe drinking water for everyone.
He has also established the International Centre for Clean Water, which focuses on transforming scientific discoveries in laboratories into technologies that can ensure water security in the future. Professor V. Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras, congratulated Professor Pradeep, emphasizing the importance of converting nanoscience and clean water technology into affordable engineering solutions for a large country like India. He noted that Professor Pradeep’s contributions in these fields are vital, and the institution takes pride in this international recognition.
In response to this achievement, Professor Thalappil Pradeep expressed that being elected to the European Academy of Engineering is a tremendous honor. He stated that this recognition strengthens his resolve to conduct new scientific research that addresses real social issues. He also reflected on it as a testament to India’s growing recognition and leadership in the global science and technology arena.
It is noteworthy that Professor Pradeep’s scientific research extends beyond water purification. His work spans several fields, including nanomaterials, microdroplets, ice chemistry, molecular assemblies, surfaces, and spectroscopy. Just before his election to the European Academy of Engineering, he was also selected for the J.C. Bose Fellowship from the National Research Foundation, a prestigious research honor for senior scientists and engineers in India. This marks his third five-year term under the J.C. Bose Fellowship, previously known as the J.C. Bose Fellowship.
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