Three professors from the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) have been honoured with the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar 2025 — India’s highest recognition for outstanding contributions in science, technology, and innovation. The award celebrates individuals and teams whose pioneering research has strengthened the nation’s scientific capabilities and inspired future generations.
This year’s awardees from IIT Madras include Prof. Thalappil Pradeep, Prof. Mohanasankar Sivaprakasam, and Prof. Shweta Prem Agrawal, underscoring the institute’s leadership in driving transformative research that addresses national priorities while advancing global frontiers in science and engineering.
Recognising Excellence in Science and Technology
Instituted by the Government of India, the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar honours exemplary achievements across diverse disciplines of science and technology. It is conferred in four categories — Vigyan Ratna (VR), Vigyan Shri (VS), Vigyan Yuva – Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar (VY-SSB), and Vigyan Team (VT).
For 2025, Prof. Thalappil Pradeep, Department of Chemistry, IIT Madras, received the Vigyan Shri award for his pioneering research in nanotechnology and sustainable clean water solutions. His work has positioned India as a global leader in low-cost, scalable nanomaterial-based filtration technologies.
In the Vigyan Yuva – Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar (VY-SSB) category, the Government of India recognised two faculty members from IIT Madras. Prof. Mohanasankar Sivaprakasam from the Department of Electrical Engineering was honoured for his innovative work in healthcare technologies, while Prof. Shweta Prem Agrawal from the Department of Computer Science and Engineering was recognised for her contributions to computational research.
IIT Madras Reinforces Its Research Leadership
Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras, said, “We are immensely proud to see our colleagues from IIT Madras honoured with the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar 2025. This recognition celebrates not only their individual brilliance but also the spirit of innovation and dedication that defines our institution. Their achievements reaffirm IIT Madras’ commitment to advancing science and technology for the nation’s development and serve as an inspiration to our entire academic community.”
Inspiring the Next Generation of Innovators
The recognition of three IIT Madras faculty members in a single year highlights the institute’s growing impact on India’s scientific landscape. IIT Madras has built a strong ecosystem of research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and innovation-driven education. Through this, the institute continues to nurture scientists and technologists who are shaping the nation’s future. As reported by msn.com, by blending academic excellence with social relevance. The institute remains at the forefront of India’s efforts to transform scientific discoveries into real-world solutions for sustainable and inclusive growth.
