Professor Rajasekhar Balasubramanian (Civil and Environmental Engineering) has been elected a Fellow of The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) under the scientific division of Earth, Climate and Environmental Sciences.
The fellowship recognises Prof Balasubramanian’s contributions to atmospheric chemistry, including his pioneering work on aerosol measurement techniques, urban air quality, and the environmental and health impacts of airborne particles. His research has shed light on the complex effects of wildfire emissions on urban air quality in Southeast Asia, informing both science and policy.
Beyond his research, Prof Balasubramanian has been a dedicated advocate for sustainability education and public outreach, making a lasting impact on environmental science in Singapore and the region.
Commenting on his election, Prof Balasubramanian said, “Being elected a TWAS Fellow is a great professional honour. It reflects not only my own scientific contributions, but also the creativity, dedication, and hard work of the many students, postdoctoral fellows, and collaborators with whom I have had the privilege of working over the years.”
Based in Trieste, Italy, TWAS is a global science academy and an affiliated programme unit of UNESCO that recognises and supports outstanding scientists who have made significant contributions to advancing science and sustainable development worldwide.
In a letter, the President of TWAS, Prof Quarraisha Abdool Karim, said Prof Balasubramanian’s election as fellow was “a clear recognition of your outstanding contribution to science and its promotion in the developing world”.
The new class of TWAS Fellows will be formally inducted at the next TWAS General Conference in 2026.
