IIT Madras professor receives prestigious Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize

Professor Rajnish Kumar of the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has been awarded the prestigious Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize, which honours those who advance human knowledge by making remarkable contributions in their field of expertise.

The award recognizes Professor Kumar's outstanding contributions to the knowledge of clathrate hydrate nucleation and growth, CO2 sequestration in solid hydrates, and methane recovery from marine gas hydrates, emphasising the significance of his research in tackling environmental concerns.

Since 1985, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has given this prize to significant contributors in many scientific and technological sectors.

Research Commitment At IIT Madras

"Dr. Rajnish Kumar's recognition with the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize for 2022 is a testament to his exceptional contributions to research," said Professor V Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras. Professor Kamakoti praised his dedication to expanding knowledge and reaffirmed IIT Madras' belief in the power and influence of research.

A Journey Of Outstanding Success

Professor Rajnish Kumar is a well-known scholar in the Department of Chemical Engineering, with over a decade of expertise in research and teaching.

His remarkable citation record, numerous research articles, and designation as a 'Highly Cited Researcher' in Engineering demonstrate a longstanding commitment to knowledge advancement and innovation. Professor Kumar acknowledged his thanks, saying, "I am extremely honoured to receive the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize-2022 in Engineering Sciences," and attributed his honour to hardworking students, colleagues, and financial agencies.

Dreaming Of A Sustainable Future

Professor Kumar's research on alternative energy resources and sustainable solutions, ranging from CO2 capture to water purification, exemplifies his quest of novel approaches to global environmental concerns.

His dedication to expanding carbon capture, utilisation, and sequestration programs keeps IIT Madras at the forefront of important research paths.

What is the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize and to whom it is given?

The Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize for Science and Technology (SSB) is an annual science award given by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in India for notable and outstanding applied or fundamental research in biology, chemistry, environmental science, engineering, mathematics, medicine, and physics. The medal acknowledges excellent Indian work in science and technology, as determined by the CSIR awarding committee. It is India's most prestigious award in multidisciplinary science. The prize is named after Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar, the first Director of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research. It was first given in 1958.

Any Indian citizen up to the age of 45 who is working in research in any field of science and technology is eligible for the prize. The prize is granted solely on the basis of contributions made in India during the five years preceding the award year. The award includes a citation, a trophy, and a monetary prize of 5 lakh (US$6,300). In addition, participants receive Rs. 15,000 every month until they reach the age of 65.