Yuva Scientist Award 2025 Goes to Sai Gautam Gopalakrishnan at IISc

Dr Sai Gautam Gopalakrishnan, associate professor of materials engineering at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, has been conferred the prestigious “Manohar Parrikar Yuva Scientist Award 2025”. The recognition honours his outstanding contributions to computational materials science, a field at the forefront of innovation in advanced materials research.

Prestigious Recognition in Indian Science

The Manohar Parrikar Yuva Scientist Award is among the most coveted honours for young researchers in India. The award, instituted to commemorate former Defence Minister and Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, carries a citation and a cash prize of ₹5 lakh — the highest monetary value among national science and technology awards. The announcement was made ahead of the “Manohar Parrikar Vigyan Mahotsav”, where the formal presentation will take place in December.

Selection from Leading Research Institutions

This year, the award received 50 applications from scientists representing top national institutions. A rigorous selection process led by a committee chaired by eminent nuclear scientist Dr Anil Kakodkar shortlisted 10 candidates for the final interview. Dr Gopalakrishnan’s pioneering work in materials modelling and computational analysis of complex alloys stood out for its potential impact on sustainable technologies and industrial innovation.

Research Contributions and Impact

At IISc, Dr Gopalakrishnan leads a research group focusing on computational materials engineering, exploring how atomic-level simulations can guide the design of new materials for energy storage, transport, and manufacturing. His work integrates artificial intelligence with materials design, enabling faster discovery of advanced compounds with practical applications across aerospace, electronics, and renewable energy.

Exam Oriented Facts

• The Manohar Parrikar Yuva Scientist Award 2025 was conferred on Dr Sai Gautam Gopalakrishnan of IISc Bengaluru.
• The award carries a cash prize of ₹5 lakh, the highest in Indian science and technology honours.
• The selection committee was chaired by eminent scientist Dr Anil Kakodkar.
• The award will be presented at the Manohar Parrikar Vigyan Mahotsav in December 2025.

Encouraging Innovation Among Young Scientists

The Yuva Scientist Award aims to inspire young researchers to pursue excellence in applied science and technology. Through this recognition, the Goa government and national scientific bodies highlight the importance of fostering innovation in areas critical to India’s technological self-reliance and global scientific leadership.