Prof. Saptarshi Basu,
Pratt and Whitney Chair Professor in Mechanical Engineering,
Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore

Fundamentals to Applications: Odyssey of Multiphase Systems

Abstract: In this talk, we talk about fundamental research involving multiphase systems across a gamut of application domains ranging from gas turbines to healthcare. We will show how fundamental research can be utilized to develop products and technology innovations in a bottom up approach. We will speculate how the future will be shaped by merging fundamental sciences with newer frontiers like machine learning.

Speaker Bio: Prof. Saptarshi Basu completed his Ph.D. from University of Connecticut in 2007 before joining University of Central Florida as an assistant professor. In 2010 he relocated to India and joined the prestigious Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore, where he is the INAE and Pratt and Whitney Chair Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering.

Prof. Basu primarily works on multi-phase systems, especially droplets at multiple length and timescales across multiple application domains, ranging from surface patterning to combustion. He has completed extensive research on the transmission of aerosols relating to COVID-19, and on the efficacy of facemasks. His research marries fundamental aspects of classical fluid mechanics like vortex dynamics and swirling flows and the more interdisciplinary aspects of interface transport of droplets in multiphase systems.

Prof. Basu is a fellow of Indian National Academy of Engineering, National Academy of Sciences, ASME, Institute of Physics, Royal Aeronautical Society, West Bengal Academy of Science and Technology and Royal Society of Chemistry. He is the recipient of a DST Swarnajayanti Fellowship in Engineering. Prof. Basu also received the Distinguished Alumnus Award from University of Connecticut, K.N Seetharamu Medal and prize from ISHMT and Rajib Goyal Prize in Applied Sciences. Prof. Basu also is a co-founder of a biotech startup specializing in AI-based Point-of-Care diagnostics, and a technical advisor to a tech startup involved in micro-gas turbines.

Prof. Basu serves as an editor or guest editor of several journals including scientific reports, Experiments in Fluids, and European Physical Journal Special Topics. His research is funded by the Department of Defence, Indian Space Research Organization, Department of Science and Technology, Indo-German Science and Technology Center, Indo-US Clean Energy Center, the National Science Foundation, and industries like Siemens and Tata Motors. Additionally, Basu has guided more than 24 Ph.D. students over his career.