A University of Exeter professor and solar energy expert has been honoured for his services to education at a prestigious national awards ceremony organised by the UK’s Indian community.

Professor Tapas Mallick, chair in clean technologies at the Environment and Sustainability Institute (ESI) at the university’s Penryn campus, was presented with his trophy at the British Indian Awards.

Professor Mallick was selected from seven high profile finalists in the category of services to education at the recent event in Leicester for his work in clean energy research and pioneering projects that have brought electricity to rural Indian villagers.

As well as being academic lead in renewable energy in the College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences, Professor Mallick is also visiting professor of mechanical engineering in the Indian Institute of Technology in Madras. Over the last nine years he has secured research funding of over £6 million for research collaboration with a range of international partners. He is author of more than 190 research articles, holds two patents on solar technology and has given over 80 academic presentations in 13 countries.

Professor Mallick said: “I was very surprised and extremely honoured to win this award, particularly as I was shortlisted alongside some very high profile contenders from other top UK universities. I was born and brought up in a remote village in India, where there was no electricity during my schooling, so being educated in a high profile educational institute, going on to work for one of the top universities in the UK and receiving this award have all been totally unexpected. I am grateful to all of those who are associated with this journey.”