Six exceptional scholars honored for their extraordinary contributions to scientific research in India in six categories. Two women among six winners of the Infosys Prize 2024
Bengaluru: The Infosys Science Foundation (ISF) announced the winners of the esteemed “Infosys Prize 2024”, celebrating groundbreaking research and intellectual contributions. This year’s awards highlight an exciting new focus on early-career researchers under 40, aiming to foster the next generation of leaders in science and scholarship. The six laureates, including two women, were selected for their transformative work across diverse fields: Economics, Engineering and Computer Science, Humanities and Social Sciences, Life Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, and Physical Sciences.
ISF President Kris Gopalakrishnan emphasized the foundation’s commitment to uplifting young scientists whose work shapes society’s future. “The Infosys Prize plays a pivotal role in recognizing brilliant minds whose contributions impact the world. This year’s focus on young researchers underlines the promise of paradigm-changing ideas. We congratulate the laureates, whose achievements symbolize a bridge between science and society and inspire future generations of innovators,” he said.
The 2024 Infosys Prize Winners and Their Achievements
- Economics: Prof. Arun Chandrasekhar of Stanford University was honored for his work on social and economic networks. By analyzing networks across Karnataka villages, he provides insights that are critical for shaping development policies in India and beyond.
- Engineering and Computer Science: Prof. Shyam Gollakota from the University of Washington received the prize for pioneering innovations in affordable, smartphone-based healthcare tools and battery-free communication. His work promises impactful solutions for healthcare accessibility in low-income regions.
- Humanities and Social Sciences: Dr. Mahmood Kooria, Lecturer at the University of Edinburgh, was recognized for his research on maritime Islam, particularly around Kerala. His studies illuminate the influence of Islamic law on trade and cultural transformations along the Indian Ocean.
- Life Sciences: Prof. Siddhesh Kamat of IISER Pune was awarded for his studies on bioactive lipids and their receptors, providing insights into cell functions and disease mechanisms, which could inform future treatments.
- Mathematical Sciences: Prof. Neena Gupta from the Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata, was celebrated for her work on the Zariski Cancellation Problem, a long-standing puzzle in algebraic geometry, adding valuable insights to this challenging field.
- Physical Sciences: Prof. Vedika Khemani of Stanford University was honored for her contributions to quantum matter, including the discovery of time-crystals, which hold exciting potential for quantum computing.
A Tradition of Excellence and Influence
Since 2009, the Infosys Prize has celebrated researchers making significant strides in science and humanities. Many previous laureates have gained global recognition, winning awards such as the Nobel Prize and the Fields Medal, and advancing their work to create societal impact. This year’s laureates join a legacy of visionaries whose contributions continue to inspire the scientific community and society at large.
As India’s largest private-sector science and research award, the Infosys Prize not only highlights individual accomplishments but also signifies ISF’s broader mission: to encourage Indian researchers to push the boundaries of innovation and to inspire young minds to pursue a path in science and research.
