The government announced 33 Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskars, which include 18 Vigyan Yuva Puraskars for young scientists and 13 Vigyan Shri Puraskars and a Vigyan Team award that went to Team Chandrayaan-3.
Earlier this year, the government had instituted the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskars.
Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar (RVP):
A new set of awards introduced by the Government of India in the field of Science, Technology, and Innovation.
Objective: To recognize the notable and inspiring contributions made by scientists, technologists, and innovators individually or in teams in various fields of science, technology, and technology-led innovation.
It is one of the highest recognitions in the field of science, technology, and innovation in India.
Eligibility Criteria:
Scientists, technologists, and innovators from government or private organizations, as well as individuals not affiliated with any organization, who have made notable contributions through groundbreaking research, innovation, or discoveries in any science, technology, or technology-led innovation field, are eligible for the awards.
Individuals of Indian origin residing abroad, who have made exceptional contributions benefiting Indian communities or society, are also eligible.
Scientists will be considered across 13 domains, including Physics, Chemistry, Biological Sciences, Mathematics & Computer Science, Earth Science, Medicine, Engineering Sciences, Agricultural Science, Environmental Science, Technology & Innovation, Atomic Energy, Space Science and Technology, and Others.
Each domain or field will be represented, ensuring gender parity as well.
Award Categories:
Vigyan Ratna (VR): Awarded for lifetime achievements and significant contributions in any field of science and technology. Up to 3 awards are given each year.
Vigyan Shri (VS): Recognizes outstanding contributions in any field of science and technology. Up to 25 awards are given each year.
Vigyan Yuva-Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar (VY-SSB): Given to young scientists up to 45 years old for exceptional contributions in any science and technology field. Up to 25 awards are given each year.
Vigyan Team (VT): Awarded to a team of three or more scientists, researchers, or innovators for exceptional collaborative work in any science and technology field. Up to 3 awards for teams of three or more.
Nomination and Selection:
All nominations for the RVP awards are reviewed by the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar Committee (RVPC), chaired by the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India.
The awards ceremony for all categories to take place on August 23 (National Space Day), with each award comprising a Sanad (certificate) signed by the President of India and a medal.
Key Awardees of the 2024 Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar:
Vigyan Ratna: Awarded to G. Padmanabhan for his lifetime contributions to biological sciences, especially his research on malaria parasites. He is a former director of the Indian Institute of Science and has previously been honored with the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan.
Vigyan Team: The Chandrayaan-3 Team received the Vigyan Team award for their successful mission landing India's first spacecraft on the Moon in 2023, marking a significant achievement in India's space exploration efforts.
Vigyan Shri:
Annapurni Subramaniam for her work on the formation and evolution of star clusters and galaxies.
Jayant Bhalchandra Udgaonkar for his contributions to biology.
Naba Kumar Mondal for his research in particle physics.
Vigyan Yuva:
Vivek Polshettiwar for his innovations in carbon capture technologies.
Urbasi Sinha for her research in quantum science.
Roxy Mathew Koll for his work in climate science.
