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Indian-origin physicist in the US using IIT and Berkeley expertise to tackle water and energy issues
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From Mumbai to Berkeley, Gadgil’s journey blends science with social impact through innovations in clean water, energy efficiency, and sustainability
Ashok Gadgil, born in 1950 in Mumbai, grew up fascinated by how science could solve real-world problems. His early curiosity led him to study physics at the University of Mumbai, and later pursue an M.Sc. at IIT Kanpur. Determined to apply science for human progress, he continued his academic journey at the University of California, Berkeley, where he earned his M.Sc. and Ph.D. in physics, reported timesofindia.indiatimes.com.
A scientist driven by purpose, Gadgil is best known for developing affordable technologies like UV Waterworks, the Darfur Stoves Project, and arsenic-removal systems that have improved millions of lives across India, Africa, and beyond.
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After completing his doctorate, Gadgil spent five years working with a nonprofit in India, where he experienced firsthand the challenges of unsafe water, sanitation, and energy scarcity
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These experiences shaped his vision of science as a tool for social good.
Back at UC Berkeley and the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Gadgil emerged as a global leader in development engineering. As a professor of civil and environmental engineering, he taught courses such as Design for Sustainable Communities and mentored students on solving large-scale societal challenges. His leadership extended to directing the Environmental Energy Technologies Division and the Development Impact Lab, bridging high-level research with ground-level solutions.
Among his life-changing innovations are:
- UV Waterworks – a low-cost ultraviolet purification system supplying safe drinking water in India and Africa.
- Darfur Stoves Project – fuel-efficient stoves co-designed with Sudanese women, reducing firewood use, emissions, and exposure to violence.
- ECAR (ElectroChemical Arsenic Removal) – a simple, low-voltage system providing arsenic-free water in affected regions like West Bengal.
Globally recognized for his contributions, Gadgil was elected to the U.S. National Academy of Engineering in 2013 and has authored over 213 research papers, cited thousands of times. His work embodies the intersection of scientific excellence and human empathy, proving that innovation can drive sustainable change.
From Mumbai classrooms to Berkeley laboratories, Gadgil’s legacy is one of science in service of humanity—transforming equations into life-saving solutions and inspiring future generations to use knowledge for global good.
