Tue Nov 18 14:37:22 UTC 2025: News Article:

Bengaluru Scientists Win 2025 Tata Transformation Prize for Breakthrough Research

Bengaluru, India – November 19, 2025 – Three Bengaluru-based scientists have been awarded the prestigious 2025 Tata Transformation Prize for their groundbreaking research in the fields of food security, sustainability, and healthcare. The New York Academy of Sciences and Tata Sons announced the winners, Padubidri V. Shivaprasad, Balasubramanian Gopal, and Ambarish Ghosh, on Tuesday.

Shivaprasad of the National Centre for Biological Sciences is being recognized for his work in epigenetic engineering of rice to enhance stress tolerance and nutritional quality, potentially reducing fertilizer and pesticide dependence while improving nutrition.

Gopal of the Indian Institute of Science has developed a green chemistry platform using bioengineered E. coli to produce key chemicals for pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and agriculture, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional chemical manufacturing.

Also from the Indian Institute of Science, Ghosh is being honored for his research into cancer treatment using magnetic nanorobots that can deliver drugs directly to tumors while distinguishing cancerous from healthy tissue.

The winners were selected from 212 nominations across 27 Indian states by an international panel of experts. Each will receive ₹2 crore to further their research and scale its real-world impact.

“The scientific advancements achieved by this year’s winners are the result of years of dedication and sacrifice. Their work is significant for India, and for humanity at large,” said N. Chandrasekaran, chairman of Tata Sons.

Nicholas B. Dirks, president and CEO of The New York Academy of Sciences, noted that the winners exemplify the power of Indian science to drive global change.

The Tata Transformation Prize was established to support visionary scientists in India addressing significant societal challenges. The award ceremony will take place in Mumbai in December.

Read More