The Bernal Institute was honoured to host Professor A. B. Pandit, Vice Chancellor and Director of the Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT) Mumbai, for a special three‑day visit from Wednesday, 14 January, to Friday, 16 January 2026. The visit formed part of the Institute’s annual JD Bernal Lecture Series, bringing world‑leading researchers to the University of Limerick to share expertise across disciplines central to Bernal’s mission.
Professor A. B. Pandit is one of India’s most distinguished chemical engineers, widely recognised for pioneering research on cavitation phenomena, sonochemistry, and multiphase reactors. A Fellow of several prestigious academies including the US National Academy of Engineering, The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS), INSA, INAE, and IASc, he has contributed extensively to the development of sustainable technologies in areas spanning industrial wastewater treatment, hydrodynamic cavitation reactors, nanomaterials synthesis, biochar valorisation, and life-cycle assessment. With over 450 international publications, an H-index exceeding 100, and more than 50 patents, Professor Pandit’s work exemplifies the interface of fundamental transport phenomena and impactful technological innovation. His leadership at ICT Mumbai, has helped shape the direction of chemical engineering education and research in India.
The event commenced on Wednesday, 14 January, with a lively afternoon reception at 3pm, welcoming researchers, students, members of the university community and the wider general public. At 4pm, Professor Pandit delivered the first of two lectures, titled:
“Chemical Process Management: Way to the Era of Sustainability”
Held in the AD2‑010 lecture theatre of the Analog Devices Building, the talk explored the essential role of environmental management in achieving long‑term sustainable development. Professor Pandit discussed global challenges such as water scarcity, population‑driven resource pressures, and the need for environmentally conscious industrial practices. The talk highlighted environmental management which focuses on maintaining natural resources such as biomass, water and open land. It also explored recent approaches towards realising clean water and clean energy.
Designed for a general audience, the lecture provided an accessible yet comprehensive introduction to how scientific research can drive sustainable progress across sectors.
The second lecture took place the following morning on Thursday, 15 January, beginning with tea and coffee at 11:15am. At noon, Professor Pandit delivered an in‑depth research‑focused seminar titled:
“From Pollution to Solution: Harnessing Pyrolysis for Waste Management"
This specialist session provided an overview of the scope, and outcomes of research carried out on waste valorization through pyrolysis, with a strong focus on sustainable resource recovery. It included experimental investigations on biomass and plastic pyrolysis, individually and together, to identify synergistic effects between different feedstocks. The talk also covered process modelling and simulation for performance evaluation, and sustainability assessments using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Techno-Economic Analysis (TEA) to establish environmental and economic feasibility.
On Friday, 16 January, Professor Pandit spent the day engaging directly with Bernal Institute members, early‑career researchers, and postgraduate students. These interactions opened space for scientific dialogue, mentorship, and exploration of potential collaborative projects. His discussions provided valuable insights into emerging research directions and fostered opportunities for international partnership between ICT Mumbai and the Bernal Institute.
Professor Pandit’s visit was a significant highlight of the 2026 JD Bernal Lecture Series, aligning closely with the Institute’s focus on sustainability, advanced materials, chemical processes, and energy transformation. His expertise and thoughtful engagement enriched the research community and inspired new avenues for future collaborations across the Bernal Institute.
The Bernal Institute extends its sincere thanks to Professor A. B. Pandit for his contributions and looks forward to building on the connections and ideas formed during his visit.