Thalappil Pradeep

Thalappil Pradeep is the second Institute Professor at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IITM) and holds the Deepak Parekh Institute Chair Professor position in the Department of Chemistry. With academic training from the University of Calicut, Indian Institute of Science (IISc), UC Berkeley, and Purdue University, his research focuses on molecular and nanoscale materials for environmental applications.

• Education: University of Calicut (B.Sc.), Indian Institute of Science (M.Sc. & Ph.D.), UC Berkeley (Postdoc), Purdue University (Postdoc)

His work in molecular materials and nanotechnology has led to groundbreaking innovations in drinking water purification, including commercialized technologies for pesticide and arsenic removal that serve millions. He has authored over 550 scientific papers and holds 120 patents, with a strong emphasis on translating laboratory discoveries into real-world solutions through seven co-founded companies.

• Research Trends: Development of affordable nanotechnology-based water filters, atomically precise nanocluster assemblies, plasmonic materials, and metal recovery chemistry

Among numerous accolades, he has received the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize, Padma Shri, VinFuture Prize, and Eni Award. He is a fellow of all major Indian science academies, TWAS, AAAS, and The African Academy of Sciences.

• Scientific Awards: Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize (2008), Padma Shri (2020), TWAS Prize in Chemistry (2018), VinFuture Prize (2022), Eni Award (2023)

Pradeep actively contributes to academic leadership through editorial board memberships in journals like ACS Nano and Environmental Science & Technology. His philanthropy includes supporting a village school with 500 students, demonstrating his commitment to education access.