Aniruddha Bhalchandra Pandit

Prof. Aniruddha Bhalchandra Pandit is a distinguished academic and researcher with an illustrious career spanning over three decades in the field of chemical engineering. Currently serving as the Vice Chancellor and UGC Professor at the Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT), Mumbai, he is renowned for his groundbreaking research in various interdisciplinary domains. A visionary leader and an exceptional scholar, Prof. Pandit has made significant contributions to advancing the applications of cavitation phenomena, environmental engineering, and energy resource optimization. Prof. Pandit began his academic journey with a B.Tech. in Chemical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology (BHU), Varanasi, in 1980, followed by a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from ICT in 1984. His career trajectory includes roles as a Research Associate at the University of Cambridge, Assistant Professor, and Scientist B, culminating in his current role as Vice Chancellor. His dedication to academic excellence is evident in his extensive teaching repertoire, including courses like Heat and Mass Transfer Operations, Multiphase Reactor Design, and Environmental Engineering. A prolific researcher, Prof. Pandit has authored 427 research publications, which have garnered 21,727 citations and earned him an h-index of 81, as per Scopus (2022). His research areas are diverse and impactful, encompassing cavitation phenomena, sonochemistry, industrial wastewater treatment, nanomaterial synthesis, and the application of biochar for soil fertility improvement. Notably, he has developed innovative technologies such as portable devices for heavy metal detection and microbial disinfection using hydrodynamic cavitation. His research has culminated in 34 patents, reflecting his commitment to translating academic findings into practical solutions. Additionally, he has mentored 61 Ph.D. and 94 Master’s students, fostering the next generation of chemical engineers. His contributions extend to 376 journal articles, 24 book chapters, and 25 conference proceedings, underscoring his dedication to knowledge dissemination. Prof. Pandit’s exceptional contributions have earned him numerous accolades, including the Sir J.C. Bose Fellowship from the Department of Science and Technology, the Vishwakarma Medal from INSA, and a Fellowship from The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS). These honors highlight his pioneering work and global recognition in chemical engineering and allied fields. His interest areas demonstrate a unique blend of chemical engineering fundamentals and emerging technologies. From developing advanced separation processes to life cycle assessment (LCA) studies and designing environmentally sustainable solutions, Prof. Pandit’s work aligns with global priorities. His expertise in using hydrodynamic cavitation for microbial fuel cells, protein modification, and enzyme immobilization further underscores his interdisciplinary approach. In addition to his research, Prof. Pandit is a passionate educator and a stalwart in academic administration. His leadership at ICT has fostered a culture of innovation and excellence, ensuring the institute’s position as a global hub for chemical engineering education and research.