The Faculty Research Awards 2026 in engineering have recognised outstanding researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi) and Saveetha School of Engineering, Chennai. These awards highlight their important contributions to engineering fields such as power systems, manufacturing processes, and composite materials.
- Prof. Bijaya Ketan Panigrahi from IIT Delhi was awarded under the public category.
- Dr. T. Sathish from Saveetha School of Engineering was awarded under the private category.
- Both researchers have made significant advances in their respective areas, including microgrid control, advanced manufacturing, and waste-to-fuel technologies.
- The award includes a citation and a cash prize of Rs 50,000.
- The awards were presented by Professor G. D. Yadav, a distinguished scientist and academic leader.
Who is Prof. Bijaya Ketan Panigrahi and what are his research contributions?
Prof. Bijaya Ketan Panigrahi is a faculty member in the Department of Electrical Engineering at IIT Delhi. His research focuses on power systems, machine intelligence, and evolutionary computing. Specifically, he works on microgrid control and optimisation, advanced battery technologies, power-system optimisation, smart grids, and energy management. Notably, 93.8% of his scholarly output is affiliated with IIT Delhi, reflecting his strong contribution to the institute's research profile.
What are Dr. T. Sathish's areas of expertise and achievements?
Dr. T. Sathish is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Saveetha School of Engineering, Chennai. He holds degrees including B.E., M.Tech., and Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering. His expertise lies in manufacturing processes, composite materials, and supply chain management. His research covers advanced manufacturing, composite materials, and waste-to-fuel technologies. Dr. Sathish has contributed extensively through research publications, technical books, patents, and academic supervision. He was recognised among the top 2% of scientists worldwide in the 2020 composite research ranking by Stanford University and Elsevier. Over 80% of his research output is affiliated with Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Science.
What does the Faculty Research Award include and who presented it?
The Faculty Research Award carries a citation and a cash prize of Rs 50,000. It was presented by Professor G. D. Yadav, who is the Founding Vice-Chancellor of the Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT) Mumbai and currently serves as an Emeritus Professor of Eminence there. Prof. Yadav is also President of the Indian Chemical Society, Vice-President of the Indian National Science Academy, and a Fellow of ten Indian and foreign science academies. He is the only second Indian to become a fellow of the US National Academy of Inventors and the only Indian fellow in the Canadian Academy of Engineering.
Why are these awards significant for engineering research in India?
These awards recognise the impactful research contributions of faculty members in both public and private institutions, encouraging innovation and academic excellence. Highlighting work in areas such as smart grids, advanced manufacturing, and sustainable technologies supports India’s progress in engineering and technology development. The recognition also motivates researchers to continue advancing knowledge and practical solutions in their fields.
