The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) recently revealed the winners of the highly esteemed Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prizes for 2022. These prestigious awards recognize the exceptional work of scientists in India who are under the age of 45. However, last year’s awards were postponed as the government aimed to reform the selection process. Although the committee responsible for suggesting changes has completed its work, the specific recommendations have not been disclosed. Nevertheless, the winners for this year were chosen based on the existing selection process. Let’s take a closer look at the remarkable scientists who received this esteemed recognition in their respective fields.
Physical Sciences
Basudeb Dasgupta from the Department of Theoretical Physics at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) in Mumbai has been acknowledged for his contributions to the study of neutrinos and dark matter. Neutrinos are abundant particles in the universe and can provide valuable insights into celestial events. Basudeb’s research explores the behavior of neutrinos and their interactions with other neutrinos, shedding light on phenomena like star explosions and the creation of elements in stars. Additionally, he has made significant advancements in understanding the composition of dark matter.
Anindya Das from the Department of Physics at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bengaluru is also making significant strides in the field of subatomic particles. His research focuses on a unique group of particles called Anyons, which have the potential to revolutionize quantum computing. By working with two-dimensional graphene, Anindya aims to detect the presence of Anyons and harness their extraordinary properties.
Chemical Sciences
AT Biju from the Department of Organic Chemistry at IISc in Bengaluru has been recognized for his work on synthesizing biologically important compounds using environmentally friendly methods. Traditionally, transition metals like iron and copper have been used as catalysts in chemical reactions. However, these metals have detrimental effects on the environment. Biju’s innovative approach involves developing transition metal-free methods that are both efficient and eco-friendly, opening up new possibilities for drug synthesis.
Debabrata Maiti from the Department of Chemistry at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay shares a similar goal with AT Biju. Debabrata focuses on activating carbon-hydrogen (C-H) bonds in organic chemistry to create new compounds. By utilizing transition metals and finding suitable ligands, Debabrata has made significant advancements in selective C-H activation, making the process more efficient and environmentally friendly.
Biological Sciences
Ashwani Kumar from the Molecular Mycobacteriology Laboratory at CSIR-Institute of Microbial Technology in Chandigarh has made groundbreaking discoveries in understanding the behavior of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), the bacteria responsible for tuberculosis. Ashwani’s research has shed light on the ability of Mtb cells to switch between active and inactive states, and the formation of biofilms that protect them from antibiotics and the immune system. These findings have the potential to accelerate the development of new drugs for more effective TB treatment.
Maddika Subba Reddy from the Laboratory of Cell Death and Cell Survival at the Centre for DNA Fingerprinting Diagnostics in Hyderabad has made significant contributions to our understanding of protein interactions within cells. By identifying protein complexes that maintain cellular stability, Maddika’s research provides valuable insights into the origins of human diseases and potential therapeutic interventions.
Engineering Sciences
Dipti Ranjan Sahoo from the Department of Civil Engineering at IIT Delhi is dedicated to designing earthquake-resistant buildings. His research involves developing new designs, energy-dissipating devices, and high-strength construction materials. By incorporating structural fuses that absorb earthquake energy, Dipti aims to minimize the risk of building collapse. Additionally, he has proposed optimized design solutions for concrete-filled steel tubular composite columns, making construction faster and more cost-effective.
In conclusion, the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prizes for 2022 have recognized exceptional scientists in various fields of science. These awards not only celebrate their outstanding contributions but also highlight the importance of scientific research and innovation in India. The winners’ groundbreaking work will undoubtedly pave the way for further advancements in their respective disciplines.
Contents
What is the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize?
The Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize is a prestigious science award given in India to outstanding scientists under the age of 45.
Why were the awards withheld last year?
The awards were withheld last year to implement reforms in the selection process.
What are Anyons?
Anyons are a unique group of particles that have the potential to revolutionize quantum computing.
What is the focus of AT Biju’s research?
AT Biju focuses on using environmentally friendly methods to synthesize biologically important compounds.
What is Maddika Subba Reddy’s contribution to the field of biological sciences?
Maddika Subba Reddy has made significant contributions in understanding protein interactions within cells, providing insights into the origins of human diseases.
