The Infosys Prize 2022 was awarded by the Infosys Science Foundation (ISF) at a ceremony in Bengaluru to recognize the significant contributions of the winners to research. These contributions have the potential to improve healthcare and diagnostic accessibility, design more inclusive economic and social policies, and deepen our understanding of mental health and the role of the constitution in safeguarding India’s democratic system.
The winners of the Infosys Prize 2022, representing a range of categories including engineering and computer science, humanities, life sciences, mathematical sciences, physical sciences, and social sciences, were recognized with a gold medal, citation, and a prize of $100,000. The ceremony was attended by Chief Guest Prof. Shafi Goldwasser, Turing Award laureate and director of the Simons Institute for the Theory of Computing.
During the award ceremony, Chief Guest Prof. Goldwasser expressed her excitement at being invited to the event and paid tribute to the winners. She highlighted the role of science, mathematics, and engineering as the foundations of knowledge and technology that are driving progress and innovation in various fields. Prof. Goldwasser also praised the work of the scientists in India and thanked the Infosys Science Foundation for honoring their contributions.
Kris Gopalakrishnan, President of the Infosys Science Foundation, emphasized the importance of investing in science and research during the award ceremony. He stated that the Infosys Prize was established to highlight the value of scientific research for the advancement of India and the world. Gopalakrishnan expressed pride in honoring the achievements of the laureates, who are conducting research at the forefront of various fields including brain science, astronomy, healthcare solutions for underserved populations, and more. He added that the work of these researchers is inspiring the next generation and transforming the landscape of science and research in India.
The winners of the Infosys Prize 2022 were chosen by jury panels consisting of prominent academics. These panels were led by Prof. Arvind from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology for engineering and computer science, Prof. Akeel Bilgrami from Columbia University for humanities, Prof. Mriganka Sur from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology for life sciences, Prof. Chandrashekhar Khare from the University of California, Los Angeles for mathematical sciences, Prof. Shrinivas Kulkarni from the California Institute of Technology for physical sciences, and Prof. Kaushik Basu from Cornell University for social sciences.
The Infosys Prize 2022 award ceremony was attended by a variety of individuals, including distinguished scientists and academicians from around the world, business leaders, young researchers, and students. The trustees of the Infosys Science Foundation, including Mr. S. Gopalakrishnan, Mr. Narayana Murthy, Mr. Srinath Batni, Mr. K. Dinesh, Mr. Nandan Nilekani, Mr. Mohandas Pai, Mr. Salil Parekh, and Mr. S.D. Shibulal, were also present at the event.
Infosys Prize 2022 Awarded to Researchers in Six Categories are
Engineering and Computer Science
Suman Chakraborty, Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, was awarded the Infosys Prize 2022 in the engineering and computer science category for his work in fluid mechanics. His research has been applied to develop diagnostic devices, including a handheld device for detecting oral cancer, which are particularly useful in resource-limited settings and have the potential to save millions of lives. These devices are also cost-efficient, making them accessible to a wider range of people.
Humanities
Sudhir Krishnaswamy, Vice Chancellor of National Law School of India University, Bengaluru, was awarded the Infosys Prize 2022 in the humanities category for his work on the basic structure doctrine of the Indian Constitution. Adopted by the Supreme Court in 1973, this doctrine governs efforts to amend the constitution and helps to maintain its stability in the face of executive and legislative actions in India’s political system. Krishnaswamy’s scholarship has highlighted the importance of this doctrine in maintaining a strong and stable constitutional framework in India.
Life Sciences
Vidita Vaidya, Professor and Chairperson of the Department of Biological Sciences at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research in Mumbai, was awarded the Infosys Prize 2022 in the life sciences category for her research on the brain mechanisms underlying mood disorders such as anxiety and depression. Vaidya’s research focuses on the signals mediated by the neurotransmitter serotonin in persistent changes in behavior caused by stress in early life, as well as the role of serotonin in energy production in brain cells. This research has significant implications for our understanding of the aging brain and is particularly relevant in today’s climate of increased focus on mental health.
Mathematical Sciences
Mahesh Kakde, Professor of Mathematics at the Indian Institute of Science in Bengaluru, was awarded the Infosys Prize 2022 for his contributions to algebraic number theory, specifically the non-commutative Iwasawa main conjecture. This work has the potential for important applications in computing and cryptography.
Physical Sciences
Nissim Kanekar, Professor at the National Centre for Radio Astronomy in Pune, was awarded the Infosys Prize 2022 for his research on galaxies during a time period known as cosmic noon, when star formation was occurring at its highest rate. Kanekar’s work has significantly enhanced India’s reputation in the field of radio astronomy.
Social Sciences
Rohini Pande, Henry J. Heinz II Professor of Economics and Director of the Economic Growth Center at Yale University, was awarded the Infosys Prize 2022 in the social sciences category for her research on governance and accountability, women’s empowerment, the role of credit in the lives of the poor, and the environment. Her empirical findings, which are based on a variety of methodologies, have significant potential for informing policy design in emerging economies, including India. Pande’s work on inclusive democratic institutions is especially relevant in today’s world, where discussions and debates about the climate emergency and issues of social justice are ongoing.
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