NCRE 2025

Indian National Young Academy of Science (INYAS) is pleased to announce its National Competition for Research Excellence 2025 in the research areas listed below:

1. Natural Nanofibers with Societal Impact (sponsored by Cellulose Lab, MSME, IIT Hyderabad)
2. Carbon Materials (sponsored by Carbon Laboratory, Chemical Engineering, IIT Hyderabad)
3. Sir John Mason Best Thesis for Interdisciplinary Research (sponsored by Mr Sivaraman, Karaikudi)
4. Leland Clark Best Thesis in Biosensors (sponsored by Dr. Subbiah Alwarappan, CSIR-CECRI, Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu)

General eligibility

• Ph.D. students who have worked in the above research categories and graduated, submitted or defended their thesis by 31 December 2024, from any institute, university or R&D lab in India are eligible to apply.
• They must have published at least two papers in peer-reviewed national or international journals (Scopus/Web of Science indexed) as first author.

General guidelines

• Applicants can apply for a maximum of 2 categories, submitted separately.
• Those who have applied in previous rounds are not eligible.
• Only one submission per category; multiple submissions disqualify the application.
• Select the category from the dropdown menu directing to the specific submission form.
• A confirmation email will be sent upon submission.
• Proof of eligibility is required as .jpg files; a reference/consent letter from the guide is required if shortlisted for the final round.

Award categories

Category A — Best Research in Natural Nanofibers with Societal Impact

Sponsored by Mudrika Khandelwal, Associate Professor, Cellulose and Composites Group, IIT Hyderabad. Recognizes research utilizing natural nanofibers (below 100 nm from natural sources) or modified forms in healthcare and environmental remediation. Winner receives INR 10,000/- and a certificate. Video: youtu.be/7KUiPQxrjA0

Category B — Best PhD Thesis in Carbon Materials

Sponsored by Chandra Shekhar Sharma, Professor, Carbon Lab, IIT Hyderabad. Appreciates doctoral research in carbon materials for energy, environment and healthcare applications. Winner receives INR 10,000/-, a certificate and a plaque. Video: youtu.be/MDciQ5a2xWU

Category C — Prof. Leland Clark Best Thesis in Biosensors

Sponsored by Dr A Subbiah, Karaikudi. Biosensors research promoting disease diagnosis, water quality assessment, food safety and environmental monitoring, emphasizing electroanalysis, electrochemical sensors and biosensors. Winner receives INR 10,000/-, a certificate and a plaque. Video: watch on YouTube

Category D — Sir John Mason Outstanding Thesis for Interdisciplinary Research

Sponsored by Mr Sivaraman, Karaikudi. Fundamental research in interdisciplinary atmospheric sciences, astrochemistry and planetary sciences; preference for candidates with Bachelor and Master degrees in different areas. Winner receives INR 10,000/-, a certificate and a plaque.

Submission & dates

Format: Abstract (maximum 500 words) describing the work plus soft copies of publications. Shortlisted candidates give 15-minute presentations before the selection committee.

Deadline: 20 November 2025 @ 11:59 PM  ·  Results: expected December 2025

How to apply: forms.gle/7jpMjue6Ngzz98aB6  ·  Contact: inyascompetitions@gmail.com