Cryptography is a beautiful branch of mathematics which guarantees the art of secret keeping. In today’s world of big data, there is a serious conflict between utility and privacy. The prime example of this conflict comes from the field of medicine — the abundance of genetic data today makes it possible to imagine a future where medicines can be personalized, but developing this capability requires running algorithms on large scale genetic data which is highly sensitive, and may compromise the privacy of individuals. Another such example is the raging privacy debates pertaining to the biometric database in India (Aadhaar).

The research of Prof. B.S. Murty revolves around the development bulk nanostructured materials, their fundamental understanding and establishing the industrial applications of these exciting materials. His group works both on structural and functional nanomaterials developed by top-down approaches. This group has developed a variety of nano coatings for various applications. Complex materials developed by non-equilibrium processes has always been the underlying theme of his group’s research. Bulk metallic glasses is one such area, wherein his group has made notable contributions. Most recently, his group has been attempting to understand the complexity of a new class of materials, called "high entropy alloys".

Prof Ashok Jhunjhunwala has made enormous contribution in academic area. His research areas are optical communication, computer network, wireless communication, decentralized solar and Electric Vehicles, where he has significantly contributed in various dimensions. Over the last few decades he has looked at cost and affordability of various components of the Telecommunications and internet network, especially in Indian context. He has been involved on a variety of Technological and Business innovations in this direction, ranging from affordable technology for Rural India to high quality products for urban India. As the Telecom network expanded, Dr. Jhunjhunwala has attempted to lead India in developing CorDECT Wireless Local Loop (WiLL), driving telecom to rural areas and in shaping electronics and telecom manufacturing policy for India. He believes innovations in electric motor and drive technologies, battery systems and cooling systems would enable India become a leader in this segment.

Professor Pradeep’s work is in the area of molecular materials and surfaces. The materials and phenomena he discovered have implications to clean environment, affordable clean water and ultrasensitive devices. Some of his discoveries have been translated to viable products and several of his recent findings have immense scope for the benefit of the world at large and developing world in particular. Along with such studies, he pursued fundamental problems of relevance to the science of ice surfaces. For studies of ultrathin surfaces of molecular solids such as ices, he developed unique instrumentation, an important aspect of his research.