MIT Manipal Researchers Successfully Complete Indian Scientific Expedition

MIT Manipal proudly celebrates the successful completion of the Indian Scientific Expedition to Antarctica (October 2025 – April 2026) by researchers from the School of Civil and Chemical Engineering.

Dr. Aditya Udayraj Joshi, Assistant Professor (Senior), conducted geological investigations on Antarctic rocks to uncover evidence of the ancient connection between India and Antarctica as part of the Gondwana supercontinent. Between November 2025 and February 2026, he collected over 100 rock samples from islands surrounding the Bharati station in the Larsemann Hills region of Eastern Antarctica. Using advanced analytical techniques, the research aims to develop the first microscopic atlas of rocks from this region, contributing significantly to Antarctic geological studies.

Mr. Santhosh Prabhu and Mr. Runkob Srimani, Dr. TMA Pai Scholars from the School of Civil and Chemical Engineering, investigated the presence of emerging contaminants such as perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) and pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCPs) in the polar environment. Their research involved collecting more than 400 samples, including lake water, seawater, sea ice, snow, soil, mosses, and wastewater, from the Indian research stations Maitri and Bharathi between November 2025 and April 2026.

Their work provides valuable insights into human-induced impacts on pristine polar ecosystems and contributes to strengthening environmental monitoring and policy frameworks for polar regions.

The projects were co-led by Dr. K. Balakrishna, Dean of the School of Civil and Chemical Engineering. Both projects were funded by the Ministry of Earth Sciences, while the expedition was conducted by the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research, Goa.

MIT Manipal congratulates all the researchers on this remarkable achievement, which further reinforces the institute’s commitment to impactful global research and scientific exploration.