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- Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam

#researcher

Star Citizens

Six Young Researchers Earn Infosys Prize 2026 for Ideas Shaping Tomorrow!

Six researchers under the age of 40 have won the prestigious Infosys Prize 2026, earning recognition for their outstanding contributions to science, technology, economics and the humanities. Their work spans fields ranging from climate change and wireless communication to human health, mathematics and quantum physics.Announced by the Infosys Science Foundation (ISF), the awards celebrate exceptional research that expands knowledge and addresses some of the world's most important challenges. Each winner will receive a gold medal, a citation and a prize purse of USD 100,000.Meet the Six Researchers Making a DifferenceThe six laureates were selected by international panels of distinguished scholars and experts. Here is a look at their remarkable contributions.1. Karthik Sastry – EconomicsAn Associate Professor at Princeton University, Karthik Sastry has been recognised for his research on climate change, technological innovation and economic fluctuations. His work explores how societies can adapt to climate challenges through technological progress, offering valuable insights for future policymaking.2. Swarun Kumar – Engineering and Computer ScienceAn Assistant Professor at Carnegie Mellon University, Swarun Kumar is pushing the boundaries of wireless technology. His research explores how wireless networks can do more than transmit information. They can also sense their surroundings and interact with the physical world, opening new possibilities in connectivity, sensing and automation.3. Gautam Bhatia – Humanities and Social SciencesLegal scholar Gautam Bhatia has been recognised for his influential work on constitutional law and social justice. Through five books and several academic articles, he explores how law can help build a fairer, more equal and humane society.4. Isha Jain – Life SciencesAn Associate Investigator at the Gladstone Institutes and Assistant Professor at the University of California, San Francisco, Isha Jain has made important discoveries in oxygen biology. Her research has revealed how excess oxygen can contribute to tissue damage in certain mitochondrial diseases. She is also exploring new treatment approaches for inherited metabolic disorders.5. Riddhipratim Basu – Mathematical SciencesAn Associate Professor at ICTS-TIFR in Bengaluru, Riddhipratim Basu has made significant contributions to probability theory and statistical physics. His research has solved longstanding mathematical problems and advanced understanding of complex systems.6. Manoj Kumar Joshi – Physical SciencesAn experimental physicist at the Singapore University of Technology and Design, Manoj Kumar Joshi is developing programmable quantum machines using trapped ions. His work is helping scientists study complex quantum systems and explore possibilities beyond the capabilities of conventional computers.Encouraging the Next Generation of ResearchersEstablished in 2009, the Infosys Prize has become an important platform for recognising research excellence. Since 2024, it has focused on honouring researchers below the age of 40, encouraging promising talent early in their careers. The achievements of its past laureates offer an inspiring legacy. Several have gone on to receive prestigious international honours, including Nobel Prizes and Fields Medals.By recognising these six researchers, the Infosys Science Foundation is celebrating not just individual achievements but also the power of curiosity, scientific inquiry and fresh ideas to address complex challenges. Their work is a reminder that today's research can become tomorrow's solutions.

12 Nov 2026
Star Citizens

Mohammad Soif Ahmed Faced Extreme Hardships : What He Achieved Next Is Insane

The story of Mohammad Soif Ahmed is not just about academic success; it is about ambition and the power of hope. Born in the rural district of Murshidabad, Ahmed grew up in a world where even basic facilities like electricity were a luxury. As a child, his nights were lit not by bulbs, but by a lantern for general light and a small lamp reserved only for studying. Today, that same boy is preparing to join Imperial College London as a postdoctoral researcher under the prestigious Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Fellowship. The journey from dim light to cutting-edge research is nothing short of extraordinary.A Childhood Rooted in Simplicity and StruggleAhmed spent much of his early life in the Raninagar area of Murshidabad, living with his maternal grandparents in a joint family. Resources were limited, but the environment was rich in support and shared learning. His schooling began at a government primary school where classrooms didn’t have walls. Instead, lessons took place under a mango tree, with students sitting on jute mats. For many, such conditions might feel like a disadvantage. For Ahmed, it became a foundation of resilience. Life at home was equally simple. Meals depended on what was locally available—raw bananas, jackfruit, leafy vegetables. Breakfast, as he recalls, was often just a biscuit or sattu. Yet, these hardships never felt like barriers. They were simply a way of life.Learning Together, Growing TogetherOne of the most beautiful aspects of Ahmed’s childhood was the culture of collective learning. In a house with multiple school-going children, education was not an individual task—it was a shared responsibility. If he struggled with mathematics, he turned to his uncle. For English, his aunt would step in. This informal system of peer learning created not just academic growth but emotional strength. Despite limited resources, the children in the family consistently performed well in school. Ahmed himself rose from being a second-rank student to securing the top position from Class 8 onwards. It was a reminder that talent does not depend on privilege; it depends on persistence.A Turning Point: Stability and OpportunityLife began to change when Ahmed’s father secured a job as a school teacher. This brought financial stability and, for the first time, electricity into their home. It may seem like a small change, but for a student who had spent years studying under a lantern, it was life-changing. Ahmed completed his schooling at Raninagar High School before moving to Kolkata for higher secondary education. This transition exposed him to better opportunities and a broader academic environment. For his parents, especially his father, this move was a step towards a brighter future.Discovering Science and Overcoming FearInterestingly, Ahmed’s academic journey was not without its struggles. While physics always fascinated him, chemistry was once his weakest subject. Organic chemistry and complex concepts intimidated him to the point of fear. But instead of giving up, he worked consistently to improve. By the time he completed Class 12, he had not only overcome his fear but also scored the highest marks in chemistry. This transformation reflects a deeper truth: weaknesses can become strengths when approached with patience and effort. Ahmed’s academic dedication led him to clear the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE), opening the doors to IIT Hyderabad, where he pursued a PhD in physics. This marked his first major step outside West Bengal and into the world of advanced research. His work focused on optics and spectroscopy, studying how semiconductor materials respond to light, especially under ultrafast laser conditions. This research has real-world applications in improving technologies like solar cells, LEDs, and photodetectors. In simple terms, Ahmed is working on understanding light to build a brighter future literally.Global Exposure and Prestigious RecognitionDuring his PhD, Ahmed earned the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship, which allowed him to conduct research at the University of Bern. This was his first major international exposure and a significant milestone in his career. Currently, he is a postdoctoral researcher at IMDEA Nanosciencia in Spain, working on semiconductor materials using advanced terahertz spectroscopy. His achievements reached new heights when he secured the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Fellowship, one of the most competitive research fellowships in the world. With a grant worth nearly ₹3 crore, this opportunity will allow him to lead his own research project in London. Despite his global success, Ahmed’s aspirations remain deeply connected to India. His long-term goal is to return and become a faculty member at an IIT or another top research institution. More importantly, he wants to give back to Murshidabad, a region that still lacks strong educational and healthcare infrastructure. His vision is not just personal success but collective progress. For every student studying under difficult conditions, his story sends a clear message: your circumstances do not define your future; your determination does. And sometimes, even the faintest lamp can light the path to extraordinary destinations.

3 Apr 2026
Star Citizens

A Mother, A Research Scholar, An Idli Stall Owner - Revathi Vijayan Does It All!

In a quiet corner of Kerala, when most homes begin to wind down for the night, one woman’s journey is only just beginning. Revathi Vijayan is not just running an idli stall, she is rewriting what ambition looks like for women who were once told to shrink their dreams. A research scholar by day and a street-side entrepreneur by night, her life moves between two worlds that rarely meet: academia and survival. But for Revathi, these worlds don’t clash, they coexist, fuel each other, and quietly challenge every stereotype placed upon women after marriage. Where society often expects pauses, she chose persistence. Where doubt could have lived, she built discipline. Her story begins not with comfort but with a refusal, the refusal to let her education end where tradition expected it to.Breaking the Script Written for HerRevathi’s journey was never meant to be this way. Like many women, marriage and motherhood came with the silent assumption that her academic life would fade into memory. But she resisted that narrative with quiet defiance. After completing her graduation studies, she returned to academics with a sharper hunger, eventually topping her postgraduation and clearing the NET exam on her very first attempt. These were not just achievements; they were statements. Statements that a woman’s intellect does not dim after marriage, that motherhood does not erase ambition. Yet, behind these milestones was a more pressing reality: education demands resources. And when financial constraints stood in her way, Revathi did not step back. Instead, she stepped out onto the streets.Fresh Moon: Where Hustle Meets HeartAs the sun sets, “Fresh Moon” rises. What began as a modest roadside idli stall soon transformed into something much larger, a symbol of dignity, resilience, and fearless entrepreneurship. From 5 PM until past midnight, Revathi serves more than just food; she serves a narrative of self-reliance. With over ten varieties of idlis, from classic comfort to inventive combinations, her stall attracts customers not just for taste but for the story behind it.Running a late-night business as a woman comes with its own set of unspoken risks, yet she chose courage over comfort. Over time, her small setup grew, expanding to multiple locations and employing others. In every plate she serves, there is strategy. In every hour she works, there is sacrifice. And in every step she takes, there is a quiet revolution unfolding.A Woman Who Refused to Choose Just One LifeRevathi’s life is not divided; it is layered. Between 11 AM and 3 PM, she is immersed in research, books, and academic pursuit. By evening, she transforms into a business owner, managing operations, customers, and the relentless pace of entrepreneurship. And in between all this, she is a mother, a daughter, and a partner, roles that often demand as much as they give. But instead of choosing one identity over another, she chose all of them. That choice, in itself, is radical. In a world that often asks women to compromise, Revathi stands as a reminder that multiplicity is power.Her journey is not loud, but it is deeply transformative. It tells every woman watching that ambition does not have an expiry date, that resilience can be built in the most unexpected places, and that sometimes, the brightest futures are cooked up under the soft glow of a roadside stall at midnight.

1 Apr 2026
Star Citizens

Meet the Nilgiris Scientist Who’s on the World’s Top Scientists List — Three Years in a Row!

Hailing from the scenic Nilgiris district in Tamil Nadu, Dr. Ashokkumar Veeramuthu has become a beacon of Indian scientific excellence. For the third consecutive year (2023, 2024, 2025), he has been included in the World’s Top Scientists list, jointly published by Stanford University, USA, and Elsevier Publishers. This rare achievement underscores not only his individual brilliance but also India’s growing impact in environmental and health research on the global stage. Dr. Ashokkumar’s journey reflects the power of persistent effort and purpose-driven research. A student of local government schools in the Nilgiris, he transformed early curiosity into a career focused on practical solutions that address both societal needs and environmental sustainability. Focus on Environment and Human HealthDr. Ashokkumar’s research spans multiple domains, but his central focus has always been the intersection of science, society, and sustainability. His key areas of work include microalgae-based clean fuels, harnessing algae to produce renewable energy; plastic waste management, developing innovative techniques to convert plastic into usable materials; and sustainable waste systems, designing practical solutions for managing waste across different regions and economies. By tackling these challenges, Dr. Ashokkumar contributes to both environmental protection and human health, emphasizing science that directly benefits society. His work is notable for bridging the gap between academic research and practical, implementable solutions, a quality that sets him apart in the global scientific community.Academic and Global CollaborationsCurrently, Dr. Ashokkumar serves as Professor and Head at the Centre for Waste Management and Renewable Energy, Saveetha University (SIMATS), Chennai. His academic career is marked by extensive international collaborations. He holds visiting professorships at Chulalongkorn University (Thailand), University Technology Malaysia, and several top universities in South Korea. These collaborations enable him to create joint research projects, particularly in waste recovery and renewable energy. By linking Indian research with global networks, Dr. Ashokkumar strengthens India’s position in Asian and international scientific research, highlighting the importance of collaboration in solving worldwide environmental issues. Beyond the Stanford-Elsevier recognition, Dr. Ashokkumar has received numerous accolades, including the Brain Pool Visiting Global Scientist Award from the National Research Foundation of Korea. This award is given to scientists who make significant contributions to sustainable and applied research worldwide. He has also authored over 130 research papers in leading international journals and has established collaborations with more than 18 universities globally. Such achievements underline his consistent efforts in producing research that is both academically rigorous and socially impactful.His success is a source of pride and inspiration for students and researchers across India. Moreover, his work directly touches people’s lives. From cleaner energy alternatives to improved waste management systems, the outcomes of his research have practical implications for communities, emphasizing the relevance of science in everyday life. By connecting research with real-world solutions, Dr. Ashokkumar demonstrates how science can serve society, not just the lab or academic publications.A Model for Future ScientistsDr. Ashokkumar Veeramuthu’s repeated recognition by Stanford University and Elsevier highlights India’s rising influence in global scientific research. His achievements serve as a blueprint for young Indian scientists, especially those from small towns, showing that excellence, persistence, and social commitment can yield international recognition. As environmental and health challenges grow more pressing worldwide, scientists like Dr. Ashokkumar demonstrate how local talent can provide global solutions. Dr. Ashokkumar Veeramuthu exemplifies the power of perseverance, passion, and purpose-driven research. By integrating environmental and health science with practical solutions, he continues to make a lasting impact on the world, inspiring both India and the international scientific community.

23 Oct 2025
Star Citizens

Good News

India at the Frontiers of Physics: IISER Pune Scientists Among Global Laureates of 2025 Breakthrough Prize

The world of science recently witnessed one of its grandest recognitions — the 2025 Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics, often dubbed the “Oscars of Science.” Among the celebrated names this year are faculty members and alumni from the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune, who were part of the global CMS collaboration at CERN, Switzerland.Professors Seema Sharma and Sourabh Dube, along with 23 former and current research team members from IISER Pune, are co-laureates of this prestigious honour as part of the Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS) experiment — one of four major collaborative projects at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), operated by CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research.What Is the Breakthrough Prize?Established in 2013 by tech visionaries including Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan, the Breakthrough Prize celebrates scientists whose work reshapes our understanding of the universe. This year’s ceremony, held in Santa Monica, California, honoured exceptional achievements in Physics, Life Sciences, and Mathematics.The Fundamental Physics prize recognised four massive LHC collaborations — CMS, ATLAS, ALICE, and LHCb — for their contributions to the discovery and analysis of subatomic particles, especially the Higgs Boson, and ongoing exploration of physics beyond the Standard Model.IISER Pune’s Role in a Global MissionThe CMS collaboration is among the largest scientific endeavours in history, involving over 5,500 researchers from 241 institutions across 54 countries. As part of this global powerhouse, IISER Pune’s contribution has stood out, not just for its scientific rigour but also for fostering future-ready researchers.Prof. Sourabh Dube’s group focuses on searching for physics beyond the Standard Model — tackling some of the biggest questions in particle physics, such as unexplained mass hierarchies and unknown forces. His research on the type-III Seesaw model and vector-like leptons has helped place strong global constraints on these theoretical frameworks.Meanwhile, Prof. Seema Sharma’s group is on the hunt for new elementary particles, addressing enduring mysteries like dark matter, matter-antimatter asymmetry, and the hierarchy problem — all crucial to deepening our understanding of the universe’s origin and structure.Training Tomorrow’s Physics TrailblazersThe award is not just a nod to faculty leadership, but also a celebration of the young minds trained at IISER Pune. Several PhD students and alumni who contributed to the CMS experiment were included among the awardees — a rare and inspiring recognition for early-career scientists.“It is heartening that the PhD students are included in the awardees list – their dedication is crucial to the success of the experiments,” said Prof. Dube. He also emphasised how students from IISER Pune have gone on to impact diverse sectors — from international research projects to industries like satellite communication and financial tech.As the Breakthrough Prize 2025 honours the giants of scientific thought, India stands tall among them, thanks to the quiet brilliance emerging from its labs. This isn’t just a recognition; it’s a signal that India is no longer just participating in global science — it's helping lead it.

8 May 2025
Good News

Global News

Meet the Physicist Who Writes Wikipedia Biographies to Celebrate Women Scientists

Jessica Wade, a physicist at Imperial College London, is not content with just working in a male-dominated laboratory. In her mission to promote gender equality in science, she spends her evenings writing biographies on Wikipedia about women researchers who have been overlooked. She believes that celebrating and honoring the achievements of women scientists is a crucial step towards encouraging more women to pursue careers in science. As a physicist, Wade is involved in developing carbon-based semiconductors for energy-efficient devices. However, she is disheartened by the lack of diversity in her field. Wade realizes that the underrepresentation of women in science not only affects the opportunities available but also impacts the questions asked, the directions taken, and the societal benefits derived from scientific innovations. Recognizing Wikipedia's wide reach as a platform for disseminating knowledge, Wade embarked on a personal mission to address the gender gap on the platform. Since 2018, she has written nearly 2,000 biographies, dedicating one hour each night to this effort. Her goal is to ensure that the online world recognizes the contributions of women scientists. Wade's contributions have had a profound impact. She shed light on the oceanographic research of climatologist Kim Cobb and celebrated the achievements of mathematician Gladys West, whose calculations led to the development of GPS. Through her work, Wade emphasizes the importance of acknowledgement and representation, helping these women gain recognition and inspiring others in the process. Wade is now part of a network of women editors and conducts workshops to empower others to contribute. Wade's dedication and determination highlight the power of individual efforts to address gender disparities in science and pave the way for a more inclusive future.

11 May 2023
Global News

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