The Infosys Science Foundation (ISF) announced the winners of the Infosys Prize 2024 in six categories—Economics, Engineering and Computer Science, Humanities and Social Sciences, Life Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, and Physical Sciences. The event took place at ISF’s office in Bengaluru, highlighting the foundation's commitment to recognizing exceptional research talent.
This year, the foundation made a notable shift by choosing laureates who are under 40 years old, as opposed to the previous threshold of 50. This focus emphasizes the importance of early recognition of emerging talent in pushing the boundaries of knowledge and innovation. Justifying this change, Kris Gopalakrishnan, President of the Infosys Science Foundation stated that it is meant to give the new laureates more runway.
Kris Gopalakrishnan remarked, “The Infosys Prize has played a pivotal role in recognizing brilliant minds whose contributions are shaping the future of research and science. This year, we refocused to reward early career researchers under the age of 40, recognizing their immense potential and the promise of paradigm-changing work. On behalf of the Infosys Science Foundation, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the winners of the Infosys Prize 2024, whose achievements reflect the vital connection between science and society, inspiring the next generation of innovators.”
The winners of Infosys Prize 2024 are:
Economics: Arun Chandrasekhar, Professor at Stanford University, was awarded for his innovative work on social and economic networks, particularly through data collection and mapping in Karnataka, which enhances development economics policy insights.
Engineering and Computer Science: Shyam Gollakota, from the University of Washington, received recognition for his research on smartphone-based healthcare tools and battery-free computing that address societal needs.
Humanities and Social Sciences: Mahmood Kooria, Lecturer at the University of Edinburgh, was awarded for his pioneering studies on maritime Islam, focusing on its economic and cultural impacts along the Indian Ocean littorals.
Life Sciences: Siddhesh Kamat, Associate Professor at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Pune, was honoured for his research on bioactive lipids and their implications for cellular functions and human diseases.
Mathematical Sciences: Neena Gupta, Professor at the Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata, received the prize for her groundbreaking work on the Zariski Cancellation Problem in algebraic geometry.
Physical Sciences: Vedika Khemani, Associate Professor at Stanford University, was recognized for her contributions to theoretical and experimental quantum matter, notably the discovery of time-crystals.
Prior to the announcement, Mr N R Narayana Murthy, Founder, Infosys delivered a keynote address highlighting that our researchers too can invent stunning ideas in a conducive environment. Yet, ironically, the jury chose to reduce the age limit to under 40 years and of the six laureates, only two of them are based in Indian institutions, while the remaining four are affiliated with universities in the US and UK.
At Research Matters we had previously featured the two laureates based in India. Siddhesh Kamat from IISER Pune was awarded the EMBO Young Investigator Grant in 2019, while Neena Gupta from ISI Kolkata was the youngest recipient of the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award in the same year.
The decision to lower the age limit to 40 raises concerns for many in the academic community. A senior professor from the Indian Institute of Science noted that this shift might deprive deserving researchers working in India of opportunities to win such coveted awards, as many are just beginning their careers and establishing their labs while under this age.
The jury that selected this year’s laureates consisted of distinguished scholars and experts, ensuring a world-class evaluation process. The Infosys Prize continues to be a leading acknowledgment of excellence in science and research, championing the work of young and promising talent, although it raises critical questions about the opportunities granted to researchers based in Indian institutions.