IIT Kharagpur’s Abhijit Mukherjee Wins ‘2025 Applied Hydrogeology Award’
In a remarkable achievement for Indian academia, Professor Abhijit Mukherjee from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur has been awarded the prestigious ‘2025 Applied Hydrogeology Award’ by the International Association of Hydrogeologists (IAH). This accolade marks him as the first Indian scientist to receive this honor, recognizing his groundbreaking research on global groundwater challenges.
A Moment of Pride for IIT Kharagpur
The award ceremony took place in Melbourne, Australia, where the IIT administration expressed immense pride in Professor Mukherjee’s accomplishment. The institution extended heartfelt congratulations, highlighting the honor brought to both IIT Kharagpur and India on the global stage.
About Professor Abhijit Mukherjee
Professor Mukherjee is a distinguished faculty member in the Department of Geology and Geophysics and the School of Environmental Science and Engineering at IIT Kharagpur. The Applied Hydrogeology Award is presented annually to scientists who have made significant contributions to the field of applied hydrogeology, particularly in addressing pressing global issues related to groundwater.
Research Contributions
In his citation, the IAH lauded Professor Mukherjee as a highly respected academician with an outstanding research record. His work primarily addresses critical hydrogeological challenges faced by low- and middle-income countries, showcasing the global impact of his research. His pioneering investigations into groundwater pollution and hydrogeochemical processes have significantly advanced scientific understanding in various areas, including:
- Groundwater quality
- Public health
- Environmental sustainability
- Resource management
Previous Honors and Recognition
Professor Mukherjee’s contributions to the field have not gone unnoticed. He has received numerous national and international accolades, including:
- The National Geoscience Award by the President of India in 2014
- The Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize, India’s highest science award, in 2020
Moreover, he is the first Indian scientist to be elected as a Fellow of both the Geological Society of America and the American Geophysical Union, further underscoring his esteemed position in the scientific community.
Establishment of the Rs 75 Crore Tech Junction Endowment Fund
In addition to Professor Mukherjee’s award, IIT Kharagpur has launched a significant initiative aimed at fostering technological advancement in India. A Rs 75 crore Tech Junction Endowment Fund has been established, initiated by the alumni of the 2001 batch of the institution. This fund aims to provide long-term financial stability to the IIT Kharagpur Technology Junction and promote the democratization of technology education.
Details of the Endowment Fund
The establishment of the fund was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed during the institute’s Global Alumni Meet. Key signatories included:
- Prof. Siddharth Mukherjee, Dean of Alumni Affairs
- Professor Suryakant Pal, Dean of Research and Development
- Sameer Kumar and K.V. Prashant, along with other alumni from the 2001 batch
Objectives of the Fund
The primary objective of the Rs 75 crore endowment fund is to:
- Support Research, Innovation, Skill Development, and Entrepreneurship (RISE)
- Ensure the continuity and expansion of talent development programs
- Provide grants for national technology competitions and innovation workshops
- Support early-stage startups addressing critical national problems
Current Initiatives Supported by the Fund
The IIT Kharagpur Technology Junction program is currently funded by the Institute of Eminence (IoE) grant, which will invest Rs 26.72 crore over the next 12 months in the following key projects:
- Pre-PG Internship Grant: Aimed at nurturing research talent.
- Platinum Jubilee Talent Hunt: Designed to identify innovative talent at the national level.
- Young Entrepreneur Grant: Focused on supporting startups working on critical national issues.
The newly established endowment fund will ensure the sustainability of these initiatives beyond the current funding period, paving the way for a self-sustaining institutional innovation ecosystem.
Conclusion
Professor Abhijit Mukherjee’s recognition as the recipient of the ‘2025 Applied Hydrogeology Award’ not only highlights his significant contributions to hydrogeology but also enhances the reputation of IIT Kharagpur as a leading institution in scientific research. The establishment of the Rs 75 crore Tech Junction Endowment Fund further signifies a commitment to fostering innovation and technological advancement in India.
Note: The information presented in this article is based on the latest updates available as of January 15, 2026.
