Professor Gautam R. Desiraju was awarded the prestigious Van der Waals Award in the Senior Scientist category at the 3rd International Conference on Noncovalent Interactions (ICNI-III) held in Belgrade, Serbia, from June 17–21, 2024. Recognised for his pioneering contributions to crystal engineering and noncovalent interactions, his research emphasises the significance of intermolecular forces, particularly hydrogen bonding, a cornerstone of molecular chemistry. 

Dr. Anil Kumar received the “Governor’s Award for Best Researcher 2021” for his work on semantic segmentation of PoISAR image data using advanced deep learning models. A member of the WInSAR Executive Committee and a guest faculty at IIRS, ISRO, he has contributed to the NISAR mission as a lead speaker and principal investigator. His research advances remote sensing and Earth observation technologies, fostering scientific collaborations. 

Dr. Himanshi Jangir has been awarded the Sree Ramakrishna Paramahamsa Research Grant for her project “A Novel Eco-Friendly Nano-Agriculture Strategy for Small-Marginal Farmers of Higher Himalayas.” Supported by INR 47.96 lakhs, the project aims to enhance potato yield and dairy fodder production using nano-pyrite-based treatments, promoting sustainable agricultural practices in the Higher Himalayas. 

Dr. Ashish Mathur’s expertise lies in microfluidics, nanotechnology, and point-of-care devices. He develops cost-effective, portable sensors for healthcare diagnostics and environmental monitoring, enabling early disease detection and personalised treatment. His commitment to affordable healthcare technologies aims to bridge gaps in accessibility for resource-limited settings.

Dr. Nidhi Chauhan combines nanotechnology and biochemistry to develop biosensors for medical diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and forensic science. She received a BIRAC-funded grant to establish the SWACHH Incubation Centre at UPES under the SPARSH program. Her recent work includes sensors for neonatal sepsis and neurotransmitter analysis for mental health applications. 

Dr. Laxmi Kirola secured a DST-SERB grant under the TARE Scheme for her stem cell-based research on Juvenile Parkinson’s Disease. Guided by AIIMS Professor Dr. Sujata Mohanty, her work explores functional characterisations of disease-causing genes, offering new insights into the condition’s underlying mechanisms. 

Professor Siddhartha Mukherjee received the HUDCO Award for his work “Dehradoon - An Illustrated Journey of a City.” This collaborative project combines his expertise in urban design and conservation with creative storytelling, showcasing Dehradun’s cultural heritage. The award was presented on HUDCO’s foundation day in 2023. 

Dr. Vipin Gaur contributes to global particle physics through collaborations in the Belle II experiment in Japan and the Future Circular Collider project at CERN. His work explores phenomena beyond the Standard Model, driving advancements in both physics and technology. 

Dr. Bhawna Yadav Lamba specialises in biofuels and waste management, particularly focusing on converting municipal and medical waste into alternative fuels like plasto-oil. Her current projects include microalgae-mediated wastewater reclamation for bio-oil and biogas production, supported by ₹73,01,360 in funding. Her innovative work addresses environmental concerns by utilising sustainable waste-to-energy solutions aligned with the Swachh Bharat Mission. 

Dr. Parteek Prasher focuses on developing multitargeting agents to manage adenocarcinoma pathogenesis, particularly in pancreatic, prostate, and breast cancers. His work aims to offer pharmaceutical alternatives to improve prognoses and reduce the reliance on invasive treatments like prostatectomy. 

Dr. Roshni Sengupta examines the cultural dynamics of Indian-origin diaspora communities in Europe, focusing on their mediated connections with their homeland. Her work sheds light on the integration and recognition of these transnational groups. 

Dr. Melissa Reneaux develops mathematical models to assess inflammation-induced depression using histamine and serotonin biomarkers. Her research combines antihistaminergic and antidepressant medications to improve clinical outcomes, advancing the understanding of mental health disorders and their biological underpinnings. 

Dr. Rupendra Kumar Pachauri develops Transactive Energy Systems based on networked microgrids, integrating renewable energy sources to enhance grid resilience and reduce dependence on traditional power infrastructure.

Dr. Sravendra Rana is advancing self-healable polymer composites for the aeronautical sector. His materials autonomously repair microcracks, reducing maintenance costs and enhancing safety, particularly in aerospace applications.

Dr. Parswajit Kalita investigates radiation-resistant materials for nuclear reactors and spacecraft. His collaboration with the Department of Atomic Energy focuses on improving material efficiency and safety against radiation-induced damage.

Dr. Padma Venkat utilises traditional herbs and fruits to address health challenges like anaemia and nutrition. Her innovations include a copper-based water purification device and initiatives to train rural women in green technologies for livelihood enhancement.

Dr. Manish Kumar’s research on pollution monitoring includes wastewater surveillance and remediation technologies. He was the first in India to detect the SARS-CoV-2 gene in wastewater, contributing to pandemic management.

Dr. Sunita Varjani focuses on bioremediation and bioprocess technology for sustainable waste management and wastewater treatment. Her work integrates microorganisms and environmental technologies to devise cost-effective, scalable solutions for industrial waste management, contributing to a circular bio-economy. Her research aligns with sustainable development goals to address environmental challenges posed by industrialisation. 

Dr. Prasanta Mandal works on Plasmonic and Photonic Metamaterials (PPMs) for applications in chemical sensing, forensic science, and solar energy harvesting. His research leverages Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) spectroscopy to enable ultrasensitive molecular detection and improve solar cell efficiency, promoting advancements in green technology.

Dr. Bitopi Dutta studies the gender dynamics within Development Induced Displacement (DID) in tribal societies, particularly in Northeast India and Uttarakhand. Her work provides critical insights into the social and gendered impact of displacement on marginalised communities, offering valuable recommendations for policy development.

Dr. J.B. Singh’s research in high-energy particle physics contributes to understanding the fundamental building blocks of matter. His work also drives technological innovations, including advancements in medical imaging, radiation therapy, and data processing technologies. He emphasises the interdisciplinary impact of high-energy physics. 

Dr. Manjeet Singh Goyat specialises in Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) composites and superhydrophobic coatings. His research focuses on lightweight, high-strength materials for aerospace and automotive industries, as well as self-cleaning and anti-corrosion coatings for solar panels and metal surfaces, contributing to sustainability and efficiency. 

Dr. Dhruv Kumar explores the Autophagy-Metabolic axis in cancer cells and the tumour microenvironment. His work targets head, neck, oral, breast, and brain cancers, aiming to develop novel therapeutic strategies that enhance early detection, drug design, and repurposing for improved patient outcomes. 

Dr. Abhishek Kumar Mishra focuses on computational material design to address sustainable energy, environmental challenges, and healthcare needs. His research spans CO2 capture, solar cell development, water purification, and spintronic devices, supported by grants from the DST-SERB and other agencies. 

Dr. Anita Sengar leads efforts in sustainable energy generation using forest bio-residues like Chir Pine. Her work focuses on developing pine-briquettes for low-cost, eco-friendly energy solutions while empowering local communities in Uttarakhand with sustainable livelihood opportunities.

Dr. Asokan Kandasami investigates ion beam interactions in materials to enhance their optical, structural, and electrical properties. His research contributes to engineering advanced materials for electronic and energy applications, focusing on long-term efficiency and performance improvements.

Dr. Karmeshu develops mathematical models to study nonlinear systems and their stochastic evolution. His work addresses complex phenomena in fields like computer networks, neuroscience, and socio-technical systems, offering insights into innovation diffusion and collective dynamics. 

Dr. Sarathlal K.V. explores spin-based electronics to increase data storage efficiency in smaller devices. His research addresses the growing demand for compact and stable data storage solutions, driving advancements in technology for mobile and computing devices. 

Dr. Christian Sonne examines Arctic pollution and its effects on biodiversity and indigenous communities. His research integrates human health, wildlife ecology, and climate change in a multi-stressors framework, contributing to global efforts to understand and mitigate environmental impacts. 

Dr. Akarsh Verma develops atomistic-scale models for nanomaterials to enhance their mechanical and thermal properties. His work on grain boundaries and chemical functional groups optimises materials for industrial applications, including cryogenics and thermal energy systems. 

Dr. Su Shiung Lam pioneers microwave pyrolysis technology to convert waste into energy and valuable products. His work is commercialised through patents and collaborations with universities and industries, advancing sustainable waste management practices.

Dr. Meththika Vithanage investigates micropollutants in ecosystems and their remediation. Her research focuses on the fate and transport of pollutants and aims to develop solutions to alleviate environmental pollution, contributing to the achievement of sustainable development goals. 

Dr. Siddharth Jain’s research on biofuel production employs renewable non-food crops and waste-to-energy technologies. He focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions through sustainable energy solutions, such as life cycle assessments and emerging waste-to-energy plants. 

Harsh Sharma represented UPES at two pivotal materials science conferences in 2024: the E-MRS conference in Warsaw, Poland, and the MSE conference in Darmstadt, Germany, held from September 15–19. At E-MRS 2024, he contributed cutting-edge research on materials for energy, electronics, and sustainability, with a focus on novel recycling technologies, smart materials, and nanocomposites. His work emphasised applications in green energy and carbon footprint reduction, including advancements in carbon fiber recycling, vitrimer applications, and lightweight materials for aerospace and automotive industries, showcasing innovative solutions to global challenges.

Mohit Bhatt represented UPES at the prestigious “AMSCA-24” Conference on Energy and Sustainability, held from September 25–27, 2024, in Brisbane, Australia. He delivered an engaging oral presentation on his research into advanced energy storage solutions and their role in promoting sustainable technologies. His contribution highlighted innovative strategies for addressing global challenges in energy and sustainability, showcasing UPES’s commitment to impactful research on an international platform.

Akula Umamaheswara Rao contributed to the European Materials Research Society (E-MRS) Fall Meeting 2024 in Warsaw, Poland, and the International Materials Science and Engineering Congress (MSE 2024) in Darmstadt, Germany. At E-MRS, his study examined the synthesis and characterisation of tungsten-vanadium-nitride (W-V-N) coatings deposited via reactive magnetron co-sputtering, focusing on how vanadium content impacts morphology, structure, and mechanical properties. At MSE, he presented advancements in developing high-temperature self-lubricating W-V-N coatings for machining difficult materials like stainless steel and titanium alloys. His work emphasised the coatings’ ability to enhance tribological performance, reduce friction, and meet the growing demand for advanced machining technologies.

Gajala Deethamvali Ghousepeer showcased her PhD research at the 9th FIMSA Congress (2024), held from October 23–27, 2024, in Taipei, Taiwan. Her poster presentation focused on drug repurposing for treating visceral leishmaniasis, highlighting key findings from in vitro and in vivo studies. She detailed methodologies for drug screening, IC50 value analysis, and immune response data, offering critical insights into innovative approaches for tackling this significant health challenge. 

Abhishek Dwivedi attended a conference at IIT Madras from September 16–18, 2024, which explored the triangulation of memory, security, and sustainability in the context of digital identities, AI, and ecological perspectives. He contributed by inviting academic and policy-oriented interventions on the ontological entanglements of memory with material and affective models of security, connecting these to sustainability at individual and collective levels. 

Anamika participated in an insightful event on "Reward Circuitry Differences in Addiction and Autism" at Punjab University on October 9, 2024. She highlighted the hypoactivation of reward circuitry in individuals with autism, focusing on dopamine’s role in social motivation. Her research advanced the understanding of social interaction challenges in ASD and compared them with addiction, offering fresh perspectives for diagnosis and intervention strategies. 

Vishal Kumar Deb attended a workshop at IIT Delhi from October 21–22, 2024, gaining hands-on experience in characterising nanomaterials and animal cells using TEM and Raman Spectroscopy. He also contributed knowledge on MXene synthesis and characterisation, collaborating with project scientists Dr. Pooja and Dr. Ravinder from IIT Delhi's Central Research Facility. 

Rituparna Choudhury participated in a workshop on "Fostering Innovation and Quality in IPR for Sustainable Growth," sponsored by UCOST, at Uttaranchal University on August 9, 2024. The workshop covered intellectual property rights (IPR), including patents, geographical indications, and application processes, providing practical insights into promoting sustainable innovation. 

Jyoti Kumari attended a session on hydro-climatological time series analysis at IIT Roorkee from October 8–10, 2024. She explored tools like TopoToolbox for analysing erosion rates and Python for processing and visualising climatological data. These methods were applied to her research in Himalayan geomorphology, enhancing her understanding of landscape evolution and climate data analysis. 

Srishti Sinha Ray visited Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering (SCELSE) at NUS from September 19 to November 16, 2024. She investigated microbial communities and pesticide degradation pathways, receiving advanced training in Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) data analysis under the mentorship of Dr. Sanjay Swarup, contributing significantly to her doctoral research. 

Akanksha Dobriyal conducted fabric testing at NIT Jalandhar from October 14–15, 2024, evaluating thermal conductivity, tensile strength, and abrasion resistance of eco-friendly textiles crafted with Grewia Optiva fiber. Her research ensured these sustainable materials met high standards of durability, comfort, and thermal efficiency. 

Avantika Chauhan presented her research at the 5th International Conference of Kathmandu Symposia on Advanced Materials (KαSAM) 2024. She won the Best Poster Award for her work on synthesising palladium-reduced graphene oxide nanocomposites for high-temperature hydrogen sensing, demonstrating outstanding innovation in advanced material science. 

Reema Rawat won the prestigious FABA Young Innovator Award 2024, sponsored by Natco Pharma, under the supervision of Dr. Ashish Mathur. She received a cash prize of Rs. 5 lakh for her groundbreaking work on developing a portable cervical cancer screening device, marking a significant advancement in cancer diagnostics.

Anjali Kumari was awarded Best Oral Presentation at the International Conference on Advanced Nanomaterials and Applications (ICANA 2024) for her research on the electronic, optical, and transport properties of cesium oxide (Cs₂O). Her work highlighted Cs₂O's applications in catalysis, photocathodes, and photoemission devices, demonstrating its technological potential.