Sat Mar 08 07:23:48 UTC 2025: ## IIT-Kharagpur Professor Awarded Prestigious UNESCO Prize for Innovative Medical Diagnostics
**Kolkata, March 8, 2025** – Suman Chakraborty, an institute chair professor at the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur (IIT-KGP), has been awarded the 2026 TWAS Award in Engineering and Computer Sciences by UNESCO. The award, given biennially by The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS), recognizes outstanding contributions to scientific knowledge and the application of science and technology to sustainable development.
Professor Chakraborty’s work focuses on developing affordable and accessible diagnostic tools for various diseases prevalent in India. His notable innovations include Oroscreen, a device for early oral cancer detection; Covirap, a rapid COVID-19 test kit with a U.S. patent; PrepapQR, a home test for vaginal pH; and HemoQR, a simplified anaemia screening technology. He is currently developing a rapid tuberculosis detection technology.
“I have always focused on developing diagnostic technology and interventions that are affordable and accessible for the Indian masses,” Professor Chakraborty stated. He expressed his elation at receiving the award, viewing it as recognition of humanitarian work through science and technology and a testament to government-funded scientific innovation in India. The professor is an alumnus of Jadavpur University and the Indian Institute of Science, and a visiting lecturer at Stanford University. He is also a J.C. Bose National Fellow.
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