NASI-Reliance Industries Platinum Jubilee Award

NASI-Reliance Industries Platinum Jubilee Award. It is a premier Indian scientific honor conferred by the National Academy of Sciences, India (NASI) and sponsored by Reliance Industries Limited. The award recognizes outstanding and transformative contributions by scientists in various fields of science and technology. It is considered one of the most prestigious accolades within the Indian scientific community, celebrating excellence that has a significant national impact.

History and establishment

The award was instituted in 2005 to commemorate the Platinum Jubilee of the National Academy of Sciences, India, which was founded in Allahabad in 1930. The establishment of this prize was made possible through a major endowment from Reliance Industries Limited, one of India's largest corporate conglomerates. This partnership between a premier academic body and a leading Indian multinational corporation aimed to elevate the stature of scientific research within the country. The creation of the award aligned with broader national initiatives to foster innovation, as seen in policies promoted by the Government of India and various science and technology in India missions.

Award criteria and selection process

Eligibility for the award is restricted to Indian nationals who have made seminal contributions in any branch of science, including engineering, medical sciences, and agricultural sciences. The primary criterion is the demonstration of work with transformative potential and significant societal impact. The rigorous selection process is conducted by a high-level committee of eminent scientists appointed by the National Academy of Sciences, India. This committee reviews nominations, which often include candidates from major institutions like the Indian Institutes of Technology, the Indian Institute of Science, and the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research. The final decision is ratified by the governing council of the academy.

Recipients and notable laureates

The award has been bestowed upon a distinguished group of scientists since its inception. Notable laureates include Goverdhan Mehta for contributions to organic chemistry, Raghunath Anant Mashelkar for his work in polymer science and innovation policy, and M. S. Swaminathan, renowned for his leadership in the Green Revolution in India. Other recipients such as Ashoke Sen for his pioneering work in string theory and C. N. R. Rao in the field of solid-state chemistry further highlight the award's reach across fundamental and applied sciences. These individuals are often also recipients of other high honors like the Padma Vibhushan, Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize, and the Infosys Prize.

Significance and impact

The award holds substantial significance within the Indian scientific community, serving as a major career milestone that brings national recognition and visibility. It highlights research that addresses critical challenges for India, such as those in public health, sustainable energy, and food security. By celebrating transformative science, the award inspires younger researchers at institutions like the Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research and the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research. Its stature is often compared to other elite Indian science awards, reinforcing the culture of excellence championed by bodies like the Indian National Science Academy and the Science and Engineering Research Board.

Award details and administration

The award is presented annually during the convocation ceremony of the National Academy of Sciences, India, often held in Allahabad or other major Indian cities. The laureate receives a substantial cash prize, a commemorative medal, and a formal citation. The entire process, from nomination to ceremony, is administered by the secretariat of the National Academy of Sciences, India with funding and support from Reliance Industries Limited. The award is integrated into the academy's broader ecosystem of honors, which includes the NASI-Reliance Industries Ltd. Platinum Jubilee Award for Application of Science and Technology for Rural Development and the NASI-Scopus Young Scientist Award.

Category:Science and technology awards in India Category:National Academy of Sciences, India