The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) has named Pragasen Pillay, professor in Concordia's Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, the recipient of the 2027 Nikola Tesla Award. He is recognized for his contributions to the "modeling, design, and application of electric machines in industrial, transportation, and renewable energy applications," according to IEEE.
The Nikola Tesla Award honours engineers for their outstanding contributions to the use and generation of electric power, including technological advances, scope of application, inventive contributions, as well as leadership.
"This recognition reflects the kind of research excellence we strive for at the Gina Cody School: work that advances engineering knowledge while addressing real challenges in industry, transportation and energy," says Mourad Debbabi, dean of the Gina Cody School of Engineering and Computer Science. "Professor Pillay's contributions to the field and his commitment to training the next generation of engineers and researchers exemplify our mission to generate meaningful change through research and education."
Four decades of research
An IEEE Life Fellow, Pillay has spent four decades researching electrical machines, motor drives, energy efficiency and renewable energy systems. His work has ranged from improving the efficiency and performance of industrial motors to developing electric machines and drives for electric vehicles and renewable energy applications.
At Concordia, where he has been a professor since 2008, his research has included the design and performance of special electrical machines, advanced magnetic materials, electric vehicle propulsion and methods for testing and emulating electrical machines.
His work has also been closely connected with industry. Pillay held successive Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC)/Hydro-Québec Senior Industrial Research Chairs from 2009 to 2020, supporting research on electrical machines for renewable energy and the design and performance of special electrical machines. He has led or collaborated on projects funded by NSERC, Hydro-Québec, Innovation en énergie électrique (InnovÉÉ) and other public and industry partners.
Graduate training has been another major part of Pillay's academic career. He has supervised or co-supervised dozens of master's and doctoral students at Concordia and other universities.
Pillay's career has crossed several countries and academic institutions. Before joining Concordia, he was a professor at Clarkson University in New York and held academic positions at the University of New Orleans and Newcastle University in England. He has also maintained a long association with the University of Cape Town, where he has served as an adjunct professor and honorary professor.
His previous honours include the IEEE Industry Applications Society Outstanding Achievement Award in 2015. In 2008, the president of South Africa awarded him the Order of Mapungubwe, the country's highest civilian honour, for his contributions to energy conservation.
Learn more about Concordia's Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.
