Prof. G. D. Yadav, an eminent chemical engineer and Chairman of the Board of Governors at Laxminarayan Innovation Technological University (LITU), Nagpur, has been selected as the 2026 Danckwerts Lecturer—one of the most prestigious global honours in the field of chemical engineering. Prof. Yadav is also widely recognized for his leadership as the former Vice-Chancellor of the Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT), Mumbai, where he played a pivotal role in advancing research and innovation in chemical sciences.
A Prestigious Global Lecture in Chemical Engineering
The Danckwerts Lecture is jointly instituted under the aegis of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) and the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE), with support from Elsevier. The award honours globally distinguished contributions to chemical engineering research and practice. Importantly, the lecture is delivered annually on an alternating basis between the United States and the United Kingdom, making it one of the most internationally recognized platforms in the discipline.
Lecture to Be Delivered at AIChE Annual Meeting 2026
As part of the recognition, Prof. Yadav will deliver the 2026 Danckwerts Lecture at the AIChE Annual Meeting, scheduled to take place in Minneapolis, USA, from November 8–12, 2026. The invitation carries full international recognition, and the organisers will cover travel and associated expenses, underscoring the global stature of the award.
Continuing a Distinguished Indian Legacy
The honour carries special significance for India’s chemical engineering community. Notably, the inaugural Danckwerts Lecture in 1988 was delivered by Padma Vibhushan Prof. M. M. Sharma, a legendary figure in chemical engineering and a mentor to generations of scientists. This connection highlights a distinguished academic lineage linking some of India’s most influential chemical engineers.
Tribute to Prof. Peter V. Danckwerts
The lecture commemorates Prof. Peter V. Danckwerts, a pioneering figure in chemical engineering science and the doctoral advisor of Prof. M. M. Sharma. Prof. Danckwerts made seminal contributions to reaction engineering and mass transfer, areas that continue to shape modern chemical engineering research. Beyond his academic achievements, he was also honoured with the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his bravery during the Second World War.
Prof. Yadav Expresses Gratitude
Prof. Yadav expressed deep gratitude, describing the recognition as both a personal honour and a tribute to India’s strong academic heritage in chemical engineering. He said the award is “a humbling honour that reflects the strength of India’s chemical engineering tradition and the enduring legacy of great teachers.”
Recognising Contributions to Sustainable Chemical Technologies
Prof. Yadav’s selection highlights his outstanding contributions to catalysis, green chemistry, sustainable chemical processes, and emerging net-zero technologies. His work has also significantly advanced green hydrogen research and environmentally sustainable industrial processes, areas that are becoming increasingly important in the global transition toward cleaner energy and sustainable manufacturing.
A Moment of Pride for India’s Scientific Community
The recognition brings pride not only to ICT Mumbai and the institutions Prof. Yadav has led, but also to the broader Indian scientific and engineering community. It reinforces India’s growing influence in global chemical engineering research, innovation, and sustainable technology development.
