The Faculty Research Awards 2026 recognized 54 scholars for their significant contributions across 27 academic domains. These awards highlight the top researchers from both public and private institutions, celebrating their excellence in various fields such as agricultural sciences, engineering, medicine, and social sciences.
- 54 researchers awarded across 27 domains
- Equal representation from public and private institutions
- Award includes citation and Rs 50,000 cash prize
- Selection based on publications, citations, and h-index from 2015 to 2025
- Top 1,000 researchers identified using a comprehensive evaluation process
Who received the Faculty Research Awards 2026?
Fifty-four researchers were honored for their outstanding work in 27 different academic domains. The awardees come from a variety of institutions, including the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Amity University, University of Hyderabad, IIT Kharagpur and Bombay, IIM Mumbai, and many others. The awards were presented by Professor GD Yadav, a distinguished scientist and academic leader.
What disciplines were covered by the awards?
The awards span a wide range of disciplines such as agricultural and biological sciences, arts and humanities, computer science, medicine, engineering, physics, psychology, veterinary sciences, and more. This diversity reflects the broad spectrum of research excellence across Indian academic institutions.
How were the awardees selected?
The selection process was rigorous and objective. Researchers considered had to be affiliated with academic institutions and have at least 10 publications between 2015 and 2025. The evaluation used data from respected sources like Stanford University’s top 2% scientists list and Research.com.
The main criteria included publication counts, citation counts, and the h-index, with weights of 33.5%, 31.6%, and 34.9% respectively. This composite scoring ensured a balanced assessment of both productivity and impact.
What is the significance of recognizing both public and private institutions?
The awards equally recognize scholars from public and private institutions to encourage high-quality research across all sectors. This approach supports the growing number of private institutions contributing to India’s research landscape.
Who is Professor GD Yadav?
Professor GD Yadav, who presented the awards, is the founding vice-chancellor of the Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT) Mumbai and serves as Emeritus Professor of Eminence there. He is President of the Indian Chemical Society, Vice-President of the Indian National Science Academy, and a fellow of multiple prestigious science academies worldwide.
What are some examples of awardees and their domains?
| Researcher | Institution | Domain |
|---|---|---|
| Ravi Pandiselvam | Indian Agricultural Research Institute | Agricultural and Biological Sciences |
| Pramod K. Nayar | University of Hyderabad | Arts and Humanities |
| Sheshadri Chatterjee | IIT Kharagpur | Business, Management and Accounting |
| Debabrata Maiti | IIT Bombay | Chemistry |
| Neeraj Kumar | Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology | Computer Science |
| Nikhil Tandon | All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi | Medicine |
| Prema P. Nedungadi | Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham | Social Sciences |
How does the evaluation process ensure fairness?
The evaluation uses a weighted scoring system combining publication volume, citation impact, and h-index to provide a comprehensive view of each researcher’s contributions. Data was collected from a reputable database covering 27 broad domains and 334 subjects, ensuring a broad and fair comparison.
What is the broader impact of these awards?
By recognizing top researchers, the Faculty Research Awards motivate scholars to continue producing high-quality research. They also highlight the growing research capabilities of Indian academic institutions, fostering a culture of excellence and innovation.
