Professor Thalappil Pradeep of IIT Madras has been elected a full member of the European Academy of Engineering (EAE), headquartered in Gothenburg, Sweden. He is the third Indian to receive the membership, after Prof. C.N.R. Rao and Prof. Biman Bagchi of IISc, Bengaluru.

The recognition is for his work in nanoscience and water purification, including technologies that have helped provide safe drinking water free of contaminants such as arsenic and pesticides. The EAE, founded in 1992, brings together scientists and engineers to provide expertise on global, regional and national challenges.

Congratulating Prof. 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.”

Prof. Pradeep, institute professor and Deepak Parekh institute chair professor in the Department of Chemistry, 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 founded the International Centre for Clean Water (ICCW), which works on translating research into water purification technologies. His research also covers nanomaterials, microdroplets, ice chemistry, clusters, surfaces and spectroscopy.

He was recently selected for the Anusandhan National Research Foundation J.C. Bose Grant, marking his third five-year term under the recognition. His honours include the Padma Shri, Vigyan Shri, Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize, TWAS Prize in Chemistry, Eni Award and VinFuture Prize.

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