Infosys Science Foundation celebrated its 10-year milestone and six eminent professors were awarded the Infosys Prize 2018 across different categories of science and research. (Image: infosyssciencefoundation)

Infosys Science Foundation (ISF) celebrated its 10th anniversary and six eminent professors who were awarded the Infosys Prize 2018 across different categories of science and research, the software major's science foundation announced on November 13, 2018.

About the Infosys Prize

The Infosys Prize endeavors to elevate the prestige of science and research in India and inspire young Indians to choose a vocation in research.

The award is given annually to honour outstanding achievements of contemporary researchers and scientists across six categories: Engineering and Computer Sciences, Humanities, Life Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, Physical Sciences, and Social Sciences.

Each carries a cash award of rupees 65 lakh, a citation certificate, and a medallion.

The award intends to celebrate success in research and stand as a marker of excellence in these fields.

"India needs to cement its place as a hub for innovations across various fields of science," said Narayana Murthy, Trustee ISF, and Founder, Infosys.

Winners of 2018

1. Engineering and Computer Science

Navakanta Bhat, Professor, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore was awarded for his work on the design of novel biosensors based on his research in biochemistry and gaseous sensors that push the performance limits of existing metal-oxide sensors.

Navakanta Bhat devised gas sensors with ultra-precise detection accuracies necessary for space and environmental monitoring.(Image: infosyssciencefoundation)

Bhat devised gas sensors with ultra-precise detection accuracies necessary for space and environmental monitoring, especially useful for India's growing space, atomic energy, and security programmes.

2. Humanities

Kavita Singh, Dean, School of Arts & Aesthetics, Jawaharlal Nehru University, was awarded for her illuminating study of Mughal, Rajput and Deccan art.

Kavita Singh was awarded for her illuminating study of Mughal, Rajput and Deccan art.(Image: infosyssciencefoundation)

Singh's work showed the significance of museums in highlighting the social impact of art and thereby relates visual culture to large contemporary questions of secularity, modernity, and political conflict.

3. Life Sciences

Roop Mallik, Associate Professor, Department of Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research was awarded for his work on molecular motor proteins, which are crucial for the functioning of living cells.

Roop Mallik was awarded for his work on molecular motor proteins, which are crucial for the functioning of living cells.(Image: infosyssciencefoundation)

Mallik identified and measured forces, needed to transport large particles inside cells, and demonstrated their role in fundamental processes such as targeting pathogens for their destruction and moving lipid droplets for fatty acid regulation in the liver.

4. Mathematical Sciences

Nalini Anantharaman, Professor and Chairman of Mathematics, Institute for Advanced Study, University of Strasbourg, France was awarded the prize in Mathematical Sciences for her work related to 'Quantum Chaos.'

Nalini Anantharaman was awarded the prize in Mathematical Sciences for her work related to 'Quantum Chaos.'(Image: infosyssciencefoundation)

The quantum world is one of the deepest secrets of the universe and mathematics is the language that helps us understand this world, ISF said.

Mathematicians and physicists have been trying to unravel the mysteries of this subatomic world for decades.

5. Physical Sciences

In the field of Physical Sciences, SK Satheesh, Professor, Centre for Atmospheric & Oceanic Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, was awarded for his pioneering scientific work in the field of climate change.

SK Satheesh was awarded for his pioneering scientific work in the field of climate change.(Image: infosyssciencefoundation)

His studies on black carbon aerosols, the dark, light absorbing, microscopic particles in the air which greatly influence the energy balance of the atmosphere over the Indian subcontinent, have enabled a better understanding of the role of these particles on climate change, precipitation, and, human health in the Indian subcontinent.

6. Social Sciences

The Infosys Prize 2018 for Social Sciences was awarded to Sendhil Mullainathan, professor of Computation and Behavioral Science, the University of Chicago in the US for his path-breaking work in behavioural economics.

The Infosys Prize 2018 for Social Sciences was awarded to Sendhil Mullainathan for his path-breaking work in behavioural economics.(Image: infosyssciencefoundation)

Mullainathan's research has had a substantial impact on diverse fields such as development, public finance, corporate governance, and policy design.

A significant part of this work is relevant to India, ISF said.

How are the nominees selected?

The nomination cycle of the Infosys Prize.(Image: infosyssciencefoundation)

The nominees should be Indian residents (Indian citizens and non-Indians who have been residing in India for at least three years at the time of nomination) who have done world-class work in India

They should be 50 years of age or less as on October 31, 2018 (born on or after November 1, 1968). However, in exceptional cases, especially for women who have taken a break in their career, the jury may consider candidates up to the age of 55 (born on or after November 1, 1963)

A jury comprising of eminent leaders in each of these fields, evaluates the achievements of the nominees against the standards of international research, placing the winners on par with the finest researchers in the world

A six-member jury of renowned scientists and professors selected the winners from 244 nominations received in six categories

When was the first prize given?

"The thought to establish the Infosys Science Foundation came about around the 25th anniversary of Infosys" - Mr. K. Dinesh, President, Board of Trustees, Infosys Science Foundation. #InfosysPrizeAt10 pic.twitter.com/GJqnsVCTqZ Infosys Prize (@InfosysPrize) November 13, 2018

The Infosys Prize in Mathematics was first given in 2008. Following the establishment of the Infosys Science Foundation, the Infosys Prize was given in four other categories.

The ISF announced a sixth category - the Infosys Prize in Humanities - in January 2012.

Also read | Who is Akshay Venkatesh, the Indian who won the Nobel Prize for math?

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