IIT-Madras Professor Named to US Engineering Academy

Professor Thalappil Pradeep from the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has been elected to the United States National Academy of Engineering (NAE). This accolade marks him as the 23rd foreign member from India to receive this honor. The induction ceremony is scheduled to take place during the NAE’s annual meeting on September 29, 2024.

According to a statement by IIT-Madras, Professor Pradeep’s election is in recognition of his significant contributions to cluster chemistry and the development and implementation of cost-effective drinking water solutions. Membership in the NAE is considered one of the highest professional distinctions for an engineer.

Expressing his gratitude for the recognition, Professor Pradeep, who serves as a faculty member in the Department of Chemistry at IIT Madras, attributed his success to the dedication of his team and the unwavering support of his institution and country. He emphasized the interdisciplinary nature of science, which has played a crucial role in his achievements.

Professor Pradeep is renowned for his pioneering work in nanotechnology applications for clean water. He has played a key role in the development of ‘water-positive’ materials capable of removing toxic contaminants such as arsenic and uranium from water. These technologies have received national approval and are being implemented across India. He is also working to extend the reach of these solutions to other countries.

Having completed his B.Sc and M.Sc from Calicut University, Professor Pradeep obtained his PhD in chemical physics from the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru. He has held various visiting positions at esteemed institutions around the world, including Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, University of California, Berkeley, Purdue University, and EPFL, among others.

Professor Pradeep’s extensive research contributions are reflected in his impressive publication record of 550 papers and over 100 patents. He has been recognized both nationally and internationally, receiving prestigious awards such as the Padma Shri and the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize in India, as well as international honors like the Eni Award, VinFuture Prize, and Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz International Prize for Water.