Thu Nov 14 09:17:29 UTC 2024: ## Infosys Science Foundation Honors Rising Stars in Research
**Bengaluru, India -** The Infosys Science Foundation (ISF) has announced the winners of the prestigious Infosys Prize 2024, recognizing exceptional achievements in six categories: Economics, Engineering and Computer Science, Humanities and Social Sciences, Life Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, and Physical Sciences. This year, the ISF focused on highlighting early career researchers under the age of 40, emphasizing the importance of supporting and recognizing young talent.
The Prize, which includes a gold medal, a citation, and a $100,000 purse, is awarded to individuals whose research and scholarship significantly impact India. The laureates were selected by an international panel of renowned scholars and experts.
**Here are the 2024 Infosys Prize winners:**
* **Economics:** Professor Arun Chandrasekhar of Stanford University, for his groundbreaking work on social and economic networks, using innovative data sets and machine learning techniques. His research, particularly focused on Karnataka villages, provides insights into the role of networks in the modern economy and informs better policymaking.
* **Engineering and Computer Science:** Professor Shyam Gollakota of the University of Washington, for his impactful research and technology translation in areas like affordable healthcare tools, battery-free computing, and human auditory sensing augmentation with AI. His work has significant societal implications, particularly for low- and middle-income countries.
* **Humanities and Social Sciences:** Professor Mahmood Kooria of the University of Edinburgh, for his outstanding contributions to the study of maritime Islam in a global perspective, particularly focusing on Kerala in pre-modern and early modern eras. His research sheds light on the role of Islamic law in shaping economic, political, and cultural transformations on the Indian Ocean.
* **Life Sciences:** Professor Siddhesh Kamat of the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Pune, for his discoveries concerning bioactive lipids and their receptors. His work using advanced methods to understand the function of lipids holds critical implications for understanding cellular functions and human diseases.
* **Mathematical Sciences:** Professor Neena Gupta of the Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata, for her work on the Zariski Cancellation Problem, a fundamental problem in algebraic geometry. Her research offers significant insights into this long-standing mathematical challenge.
* **Physical Sciences:** Professor Vedika Khemani of Stanford University, for her groundbreaking contributions to theoretical and experimental non-equilibrium quantum matter. Her discovery of time-crystals holds potential for the future of quantum computing and other technologies.
The Infosys Science Foundation has played a vital role in recognizing and supporting brilliant minds shaping the future of research and science in India. This year’s focus on early career researchers highlights the Foundation’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of innovators.