The Legacy and Prestige of Chair Professorships: A Tradition of Excellence at IIT Madras

An Institute is built on the strong foundation of academic excellence and research prowess of its faculty members. It is not just a reckoning factor to bring in brilliant students but it is also the pathway to make groundbreaking contributions to Science, Technology, Business, and Economy.

A Chair Professorship or an Endowed Chair is a means to this end. The tradition of Chair Professorships dates back to the early 16th century. The concept was first introduced in 1546 by King Henry VIII of England, who established the earliest endowed professorships. These prestigious positions have since evolved, providing financial support to outstanding scholars and making a lasting impact on academia. Over the centuries, renowned figures like Sir Isaac Newton were appointed to chairs that not only honored their exceptional contributions but also fostered epoch-making research in their fields.

Today, Chair Professorships continue to play a pivotal role in higher education institutions worldwide. These positions are designed to recognize and celebrate academic excellence while fostering an environment of collaboration, research, and innovation. At IIT Madras, the tradition of Chair Professorships holds great significance, as it brings together top talent to elevate the institution’s global standing and advance its mission of cutting-edge research and education.

A Chair Professorship is a highly prestigious recognition for distinguished faculty members who have demonstrated exceptional excellence in research, teaching, and in their professional journey. These positions are often funded through endowments and provide professors with the resources and platform to make a significant impact in their fields.

"Chair Professorships are enduring pillars of excellence that empower our faculty to push the frontiers of knowledge and innovation. At IIT Madras, these endowed positions not only recognize academic distinction but also create a lasting impact by fostering cutting-edge research and thought leadership. Through the generous contributions of our alumni and corporate partners, Chair Professorships strengthen the institute’s global stature and ensure that we continue to attract and retain world-class talent. Investing in these positions is an investment in the future of education, research, and societal progress." adds, Kaviraj Nair, CEO, Office of Institutional Advancement, IIT Madras.

Over the years, these professorships have attracted some of the most brilliant minds, ensuring that educational institutions stay at the forefront of knowledge and innovation. Chair Professorships today continue this tradition, helping institutions like IIT Madras bring world-class scholars and researchers to contribute to their academic community.

Notably, these positions are also seen as a way to honor the legacy of someone special—a beloved professor, mentor, or family member. Many contributors choose to endow these positions to celebrate the lives and work of those who have inspired them, ensuring their lasting impact in academia.

Mr. Anand Kripalu (1980/BT/EE) (DAA - 2022), MD & Global CEO, EPL Limitedan, reflects on the importance of transformational leadership in academia.

“The inspiration for the Kripalu Chair for Transformational Leadership came from my experience in business—where I have seen how one person could transform a business. Equally, we have all seen how one person, with the right intent and motivation, can transform a state or even a nation. In that context, I am delighted to have Prof Koshy Varghese as the inaugural occupier of the chair. I wish him the very best as he demonstrates transformational leadership in his chosen field.

Making a token contribution to institute this chair has been hugely rewarding and given me a deep sense of fulfilment. So as to repay, in a very small way, the enormous debt I owe to IIT Madras for making me what I am.”

This perspective underscores the profound impact that Chair Professorships can have—not only in shaping academic thought leadership but also in fostering innovation that transcends institutions and industries.

Chair Professorships at IIT Madras play a crucial role in fostering excellence in research, teaching, and industry collaborations. These positions provide faculty members with additional resources to explore groundbreaking ideas, mentor the next generation of researchers, and build interdisciplinary research programs. They also serve as a catalyst for attracting top-tier faculty and researchers, ensuring that the institute remains a global leader in academic and technological advancements.

Dr. Anand Rajaraman (1993/BT/CS) (DAA - 2013), Founding Partner, Rocketship.vc, reflects on the role of Chair Professorships in driving impactful research.

"Innovation and knowledge have the power to create lasting impact, and my alma mater, IIT Madras, has always been at the forefront of this transformation. Supporting a Chair Professorship is an opportunity to bring leading world-class researchers to IIT Madras, fostering collaboration that positions IITM at the frontlines of research, thereby benefiting both India and the world.

IIT Madras has played a defining role in my journey, and this is a small way to contribute to its legacy of excellence. I look forward to seeing the remarkable advancements that will emerge from this initiative."

Through these endowed positions, IIT Madras can strengthen its research infrastructure, develop strategic partnerships, and enhance its contributions to solving pressing global challenges. By establishing more Chair Professorships, the institute not only secures its future as a hub of innovation but also creates opportunities for meaningful engagement between academia, industry, and policymakers.

IIT Madras offers four distinct types of Chair Professorships, each catering to different levels of academic contribution and engagement.The Early Career Chair Professorship at IIT Madras

One of the most exciting opportunities at IIT Madras is the Early Career Chair Professorship. This unique initiative is designed to attract promising young faculty members to the institution, enabling them to launch transformative research and contribute to the institute’s academic growth. With a term of 1 to 3 years and periodic reviews based on performance, the Early Career Chair Professorship allows IIT Madras to support innovative scholars at a critical stage of their careers.

The Chair Professorship also offers a meaningful way to honor the legacy of someone special, whether it’s a professor who inspired you, a family member who believed in the power of education, or a specific field of research that you hold dear. By contributing to a Named Chair, donors create a lasting tribute that ensures the continued impact of their inspiration on future generations.

Chair Professorships are more than just prestigious titles, they represent a commitment to academic excellence, research, and innovation. Establishing and sustaining these positions at IIT Madras will ensure that the institution continues to attract and support top-tier faculty, fostering a culture of knowledge creation and impact-driven research. Overcoming the challenges in setting up these positions will require a collective effort from alumni, industry leaders, and philanthropists. However, the long-term benefits far outweigh the obstacles, making Chair Professorships a crucial element in shaping the future of IIT Madras and higher education worldwide.