The International Heat Pipe Conferences and Symposia (IHPC&S) committee is honored to support and share an important initiative led by the Department of Mechanical Engineering at IIT Kanpur: the establishment of the Sameer Khandekar Memorial Lecture Series.
This initiative pays tribute to the legacy of Prof. Sameer Khandekar, a distinguished researcher and valued member of the global heat pipe community, whose untimely passing in December 2023 left a profound impact on colleagues, collaborators, and students worldwide.
To commemorate his contributions, IIT Kanpur proposes the creation of a permanent endowment of ₹50 lakhs. The annual returns will fund a distinguished lecture series that will bring leading researchers, industry experts, and innovators to IIT Kanpur each year, fostering the exchange of cutting-edge knowledge in phase-change thermofluidic systems and related fields.
Prof. Khandekar was widely recognized for his pioneering work in pulsating heat pipes and energy systems, combining deep theoretical understanding with advanced experimental approaches. His collaborations extended across major international institutions and agencies, including ISRO and BARC, as well as partners in Europe, the United States, and Australia, significantly strengthening global research networks in thermal sciences.
Beyond his scientific achievements, he was a dedicated mentor and an advocate for holistic student development, actively supporting academic, cultural, and social initiatives. His legacy reflects a rare combination of technical excellence, creativity, and human values.
The Sameer Khandekar Memorial Lecture Series aims to continue this legacy by inspiring future generations, promoting international collaboration, and advancing research in areas central to the heat pipe and two-phase heat transfer community.
The IHPC&S committee encourages alumni, colleagues, and well-wishers to contribute to this initiative and help establish a lasting tribute to Prof. Khandekar’s enduring impact on the field.
For more information or to contribute, please visit: https://iitk.ac.in/dora/givingback/sameer-khandekar-memorial-lecture-series.php
