The Faculty Research Awards 2026 in arts and humanities have recognised distinguished researchers from the University of Hyderabad and the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai. These awards highlight significant academic contributions in the fields of arts and humanities from both public and private institutions.
- Prof. Pramod K. Nayar from the University of Hyderabad won the public category award.
- Dr. Samta P. Pandya from TISS Mumbai won the private category award.
- The awards include a citation and a cash prize of Rs 50,000.
- Professor GD Yadav presented the awards.
Who is Prof. Pramod K. Nayar and what is his research focus?
Prof. Pramod K. Nayar is a Senior Professor in the Department of English at the University of Hyderabad. He also holds the UNESCO Chair in Vulnerability Studies. His research covers English colonial writing on India, literary and cultural theory, human rights and literature, and literature related to the climate crisis.
He is a fellow of the Royal Historical Society and the English Association. Prof. Nayar has authored numerous books and scholarly publications. In 2018, he received the Visitor’s Award for Best Research in Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences.
His scholarly output includes 73 publications, 421 citations, and an H-index of 17. The University of Hyderabad accounts for 81.8% of his scholarly work.
Who is Dr. Samta P. Pandya and what does her research involve?
Dr. Samta P. Pandya is an Associate Professor at the Centre for Social Justice and Governance, School of Social Work, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai. Her research focuses on social work perspectives and practice, social service organisations, volunteerism, gender issues, and social justice.
She has contributed extensively to research in social work, including studies on social service, women, ageing, and faith-based organisations. Tata Group India accounts for 100% of her scholarly output.
What does the Faculty Research Award include?
The award includes a citation and a cash prize of Rs 50,000. It was presented by Professor GD Yadav, the Founding Vice-Chancellor of the Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT) Mumbai, who continues to be associated with ICT as Emeritus Professor of Eminence.
Prof. Yadav is President of the Indian Chemical Society and Vice-President of the Indian National Science Academy. He is a fellow of 10 Indian and foreign science academies. Notably, he is the second Indian to become a fellow of the US National Academy of Inventors and the only Indian fellow in the Canadian Academy of Engineering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What fields do the Faculty Research Awards 2026 cover?
A: The awards cover research contributions in arts and humanities, recognising both public and private sector researchers.
Q: How are the awardees selected?
A: Awardees are selected based on their scholarly output, impact, and contributions to their respective fields.
Q: Who presented the Faculty Research Awards 2026?
A: Professor GD Yadav, a distinguished academic and scientist, presented the awards.
