Dr. Ananth graduated from the AC College of Technology with a gold medal in Chemical Engineering. He obtained his Ph. D degree in Chemical Engineering in the area of Molecular Thermodynamics from the University of Florida, USA in 1972.

He joined IIT Madras as a faculty in the Department of Chemical Engineering in 1972. He has held various senior positions such as Head of the Department, Dean of Academic Courses and Dean of Academic Research. In December 2001 he took over as Director. He has been one of key persons associated with the preparation of The Strategic Plan of IITM – Vision 2010.Dr. Ananth was a Visiting Professor in Princeton University (1982-83) and in the University of Colorado (1990-91). He was a Visiting Scientist in the National Institute of Standards and Technology, Boulder, Colorado (1990-91)

He has several publications in international journals and is a referee for many journals in Chemical Engineering. He has been awarded the Herdillia prize for excellence in basic research in Chemical Engineering by the IIChE and the R.W. Fahien Alumni Award for “Distinguished Professional Contributions” for the year 2003 by the Chemical Engineering Department of University of Florida, USA.

He is a Fellow of Indian Institute of Chemical Engineers and the Indian National Academy of Engineering. He is currently Member of the Scientific Advisory Committee to Cabinet (SAC-C) and of the National Manufacturing Competitiveness Council (NMCC); Chairman, Academic Committee for Engineering Education, Govt. of Kerala.

Here is the podcast with Dr. M S Ananth