NE EDUCATION BUREAU
CHENNAI, AUG. 7
Reaffirming its status as India’s powerhouse of cutting-edge innovation, IIT Madras has achieved a rare academic distinction with six of its distinguished professors being selected for the prestigious Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) J.C. Bose Grant. The coveted national honour, carrying ₹25 lakh annually for five years, recognises scientists whose pioneering research is shaping the future of science, engineering, healthcare, sustainability and technology while strengthening India’s global research leadership.
- Six eminent IIT Madras faculty to receive ₹25 lakh annually for five years to accelerate frontier research in science and engineering
- Breakthrough work spans clean water, affordable healthcare, optical communications, carbon capture, catalysis and assistive technologies
- Director V. Kamakoti says the national recognition reflects IIT Madras’ unwavering pursuit of research excellence and nation-building innovations
Congratulating the awardees, Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras, said the recognition reflects the institute’s unwavering commitment to conducting world-class research in critical technologies that address national priorities and global challenges.
Heartiest congratulations to our six distinguished faculty members on being offered the prestigious ANRF J. C. Bose Grant—one of India's highest recognitions for senior scientists and engineers.
Prof. Sujatha Srinivasan, Department of Mechanical Engineering; Prof. Thalappil… pic.twitter.com/bHnwoQ4zwU
— IIT Madras (@iitmadras) August 7, 2026
“The recognition reflects IIT Madras’ commitment to high-quality research in critical technologies.”
The six awardees collectively represent an extraordinary spectrum of scientific excellence.
Prof. Sujatha Srinivasan of the Department of Mechanical Engineering has earned international recognition for developing affordable assistive and rehabilitation technologies, including the NeoFly-NeoBolt prosthetic system and an innovative Standing Wheelchair, transforming mobility for persons with disabilities.
Prof. Thalappil Pradeep from the Department of Chemistry is globally acclaimed for his pioneering work in clean water technologies, nanomaterials and affordable purification systems, innovations that have enabled millions of people to access safe drinking water.
Prof. Deepa Venkitesh of the Department of Electrical Engineering is spearheading India’s first multicore optical fibre field testbed, pushing the frontiers of next-generation optical communications and photonics.
Prof. Jitendra S. Sangwai from the Department of Chemical Engineering has made significant contributions in carbon capture, utilisation and sequestration (CCUS), gas hydrates, and oil and gas engineering, research that is increasingly vital for sustainable energy and climate resilience.
Prof. Ramakrishnan Swaminathan of the Departments of Applied Mechanics and Biomedical Engineering is advancing medical science through innovative work in medical device design and informatics for evaluating brain and muscle functions, opening new possibilities in diagnosis and rehabilitation.
Prof. Sundargopal Ghosh, Department of Chemistry, is recognised for his pioneering research in transition metal boron chemistry, small molecule activation and catalysis, strengthening India’s capabilities in advanced chemical sciences.
The ANRF J.C. Bose Grant is among the country’s most prestigious research honours, enabling eminent scientists to pursue ambitious, high-impact investigations over an extended period. The selection of six IIT Madras faculty members in a single cycle underscores the institute’s growing stature as a global hub for transformational research and innovation.
