In the evolving story of India’s transition toward sustainable energy and advanced manufacturing, Pradip Dutta stands out as a scholar whose work bridges rigorous science with national and global impact.
Early Academic Foundations of Pradip Dutta: Building Excellence Through Education
The academic journey of Pradip Dutta reflects a consistent pursuit of excellence across India’s most prestigious institutions and leading global universities.
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B.Tech. in Mechanical Engineering (1983) – IIT Kharagpur
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M.Tech. in Mechanical Engineering (1987) – IIT Madras
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M.Phil. (1990) – Columbia University, New York
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Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering (1992) – Columbia University, New York
This strong academic foundation enabled Pradip Dutta to develop a rare blend of theoretical depth and practical engineering insight. His exposure to international research environments at Columbia University significantly shaped his interdisciplinary approach to thermal sciences and energy systems.
Global Exposure and Early Career
Before returning to India, Pradip Dutta gained valuable international experience as:
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A National Research Council (NRC) Fellow at the Naval Postgraduate School, California
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A faculty member at Columbia University
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A faculty member at Tennessee Technological University
These early career experiences enriched his understanding of cutting-edge research methodologies and strengthened his resolve to contribute meaningfully to India’s scientific ecosystem.
Pradip Dutta: A Defining Chapter at the Indian Institute of Science
In 1996, Pradip Dutta joined the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, marking the beginning of a transformative chapter in his professional life. Over the years, he has played multiple roles that extend far beyond conventional academic boundaries.
Current Roles and Leadership (2026)
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Professor (HAG), Department of Mechanical Engineering, IISc
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Professor, Interdisciplinary Centre for Energy Research (ICER), IISc
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Principal Investigator, National Centre for Clean Coal Technologies (NCCR&D)
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Co-Director, SHELL-IISc Programme on Net-Zero Technologies
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Consortium Lead, SERIIUS (Solar Energy Research Institute for India and the United States)
Through these positions, Pradip Dutta has helped align academic research with national energy priorities, industrial collaboration, and global sustainability goals.
Departmental and Institutional Leadership
From 2015 to 2020, Pradip Dutta served as Chair of the Department of Mechanical Engineering at IISc, guiding one of India’s most respected engineering departments through a period of growth, modernization, and increased global engagement.
He has also been instrumental in creating and nurturing large-scale collaborative platforms, including:
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Co-founder, National Facility for Semisolid Forming
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Co-Director, General Motors–IISc Collaborative Research Lab
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Co-Lead, Indo-US Clean Energy Consortium SERIIUS
These initiatives underscore his belief that impactful research emerges at the intersection of academia, industry, and policy.
Research Vision: Engineering a Sustainable Energy Future
The research portfolio of Pradip Dutta is both broad and deeply integrated, unified by a central mission: decarbonizing energy systems while enhancing efficiency and reliability.
Core Research Areas
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Solar Thermal Technologies
Advanced solar receivers and high-temperature thermal energy storage systems designed for industrial and utility-scale applications. -
Next-Generation Power Cycles
Development of supercritical CO₂-based power cycles for higher efficiency and lower emissions. -
Thermal Energy Storage and Thermal Batteries
Phase-change materials, adsorption-based storage, and multifunctional thermal batteries. -
Hydrogen Storage and Carbon Capture
Sorption-based hydrogen storage solutions and innovative carbon capture technologies. -
Cooling Technologies for Electrification
Active and passive cooling systems for EV batteries, motors, and power electronics. -
Heat Transfer in Manufacturing
Thermal processes in materials processing, solidification, and semisolid forming for lightweight manufacturing.
Through these research themes, Pradip Dutta has consistently addressed real-world challenges while advancing fundamental science.
Publications and Academic Influence
Few scholars in thermal sciences command the academic influence of Pradip Dutta.
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250+ peer-reviewed journal and conference papers
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Web-based books for undergraduate and postgraduate education
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NPTEL course materials on Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer
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Multiple book chapters in advanced engineering texts
His work is widely cited and respected, serving as a foundational reference for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers alike.
Teaching Excellence and Mentorship
Beyond research, Pradip Dutta is deeply committed to education. His teaching philosophy emphasizes clarity, rigor, and relevance to real-world energy challenges.
Key Courses Taught
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Thermodynamics
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Convective Heat Transfer
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Computational Heat Transfer and Fluid Flow
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Thermal Management of Electronics
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Renewable Energy Technologies
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Design and Analysis of Thermal Systems
Generations of students credit Pradip Dutta for inspiring critical thinking, interdisciplinary curiosity, and ethical engineering practice.
Editorial Leadership and Scholarly Service
Pradip Dutta’s influence extends into global scholarly publishing through his editorial roles:
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Subject Editor, Applied Thermal Engineering (Elsevier)
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Associate Editor, Thermal Science and Engineering Progress (Elsevier)
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Associate Editor, IEEE Transactions on Components and Packaging Technology
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Former Associate Editor, ASME Journal of Electronic Packaging
These positions reflect the trust placed in his judgment by the international research community.
Pradip Dutta: Awards, Fellowships, and National Recognition
The achievements of Pradip Dutta have been recognized by virtually every major scientific and engineering body in India and abroad.
Major Honors
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J.C. Bose National Fellowship (2017–present)
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Fellow, ASME
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Fellow, ASTFE
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Fellow of all four Indian National Academies: INSA, IASc, NASI, INAE
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Distinguished Alumnus, IIT Kharagpur
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Distinguished Alumnus, IIT Madras
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INAE Outstanding Teacher Award
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VASVIK Award for Industrial Research
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IISc Alumni Award for Excellence in Engineering Research