ISF Announces Winners of Infosys Prize 2024 in Six Categories
Bengaluru, Thursday - The Infosys Science Foundation (ISF) has announced the winners of the Infosys Prize 2024 in six categories, recognizing outstanding contributions and achievements of contemporary researchers and scientists. This year's awards carry a cash reward of $100,000 each, which will be bestowed upon recipients who have demonstrated exceptional excellence in their respective fields.
The winners of the Infosys Prize 2024 are:
- Arun Chandrasekhar from Stanford University in Economics
- Shyam Gollakota from the University of Washington in Engineering and Computer Science
- Mahmood Kooria from the University of Edinburgh in Humanities and Social Sciences
- Siddhesh Kamat from Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research, Pune in Life Sciences
- Neena Gupta from the Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata in Mathematical Sciences
- Vedika Khemani from Stanford University in Physical Sciences
The Infosys Prize is a prestigious award that aims to recognize and honour the achievements of contemporary researchers and scientists who have made significant contributions to their fields. This year, ISF has decided to lower the upper age limit for winners from 50 years to 40 years in order to "transition from a mid-career prize to an early-career prize". This change was made with the intention of providing recognition to younger researchers and scientists who are at the forefront of groundbreaking research.
ISF President Kris Gopalakrishnan emphasized that "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."
Foundation trustee NR Narayana Murthy further stated that reducing the age limit from 50 years was crucial because many laureates took up administrative responsibilities later in their careers, leaving them without enough role models for younger researchers. He also acknowledged that providing more opportunities and recognition to women is essential for India's economic progress.
Murthy said that ISF has already recognized 98 individuals for their excellence in science and research. This year, the foundation mandated that all winners who are based outside India at the time of winning the prize will have to spend 30 days at Indian institutes of their choice in order to "transform into mutually beneficial long-term partnerships".
Among this year's winners is Neena Gupta from the Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata, whose work in Theoretical Statistics and Mathematics Unit won her an award in Mathematical Sciences. Another notable winner is Vedika Khemani from Stanford University, who was recognized for her outstanding contributions in Physical Sciences.
The Infosys Science Foundation aims to create role models for young researchers by honouring laureates across various disciplines. With the selection of six winners who embody this spirit, ISF continues to uphold its commitment to fostering innovation and excellence in scientific research.