Prof Madhavi Srinivasan Honoured with International Award for Excellence in Research in Engineering and Technology 2025
We are proud to share that Prof Madhavi Srinivasan, President’s Chair Professor at NTU Singapore and Professor, School of Materials Science & Engineering, has been recognised as one of only two global leaders awarded the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay International Award for Excellence in Research in Engineering and Technology 2025.
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The award, established in 2022, recognises outstanding research in engineering and technology across South and Southeast Asia, with emphasis on work that translates into real-world impact.
- Eco-friendly methods for recovering metals from lithium-ion batteries.
- Structural batteries that store energy while carrying mechanical loads.
She also serves as Executive Director of the Energy Research Institute in Nanyang Technological University Singapore, the NTU Sustainability Office, and Co-Director of SCARCE, a joint lab with CEA France on e-waste recycling.
"This recognition affirms the importance of engineering and technology research that goes beyond the lab to solve pressing challenges in sustainability. It is both an honour and a responsibility to continue driving innovation that delivers tangible benefits to society — and it reflects the dedication of the team working alongside me who have made this achievement possible."
On global trends shaping her field
When asked about the changing research landscape, she observed:
"We are seeing strong global momentum in the shift towards cleaner energy systems — from the adoption of electric vehicles to the integration of renewable sources and the growing push for circular-economy practices. Alongside this, there is increasing attention on next-generation batteries and scalable ways to recover and reuse critical materials."
Prof Madhavi’s research focuses on advancing next-generation batteries based on lithium, zinc, and sodium systems that offer improved performance and sustainability. The research also focuses on sustainable batteries where a closed-loop, circular-economy-inspired process is developed to extract critical metals from lithium-ion battery (LIB) waste and reuse them in producing anode and cathode materials for fresh LIB.
On preparing the next generation of researchers
Prof Madhavi also shared her reflections for students preparing to contribute to this fast-evolving field:
"Students today enter a rapidly evolving landscape marked by rising interest in renewable energy, battery technology, and recycling industries. Employers often value graduates who not only have strong foundations in materials science but also an awareness of the wider context of sustainability, supply chains, and global energy transitions.
At MSE, students have opportunities to engage in areas that reflect industry and research priorities — such as energy storage, green manufacturing, and e-waste recycling. Those pursuing advanced studies may also find value in connecting materials science with emerging fields like AI-driven materials discovery, advanced manufacturing, or life-cycle assessment. By building technical depth alongside adaptability and a mindset for impact, students can position themselves to contribute meaningfully to both research and industry efforts in sustainable technologies."
This recognition reaffirms NTU-MSE’s commitment to pioneering materials solutions for sustainability, clean energy, and circular economies, and underscores our faculty’s global leadership in translating science into societal impact.
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