Prestigious Honour in Indian Science
Yuva Scientist Award 2025 to Sai Gautam Gopalakrishnan: Dr Sai Gautam Gopalakrishnan, associate professor at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, has been conferred the Manohar Parrikar Yuva Scientist Award 2025. The award recognizes his remarkable research in computational materials science, contributing significantly to advancements in India’s materials engineering and technology ecosystem.
Instituted to honour Manohar Parrikar, India’s former Defence Minister and Chief Minister of Goa, this award is one of the country’s most prestigious recognitions for young scientists. It includes a cash prize of ₹5 lakh and a citation, making it the highest-value award among national science and technology recognitions.
Static GK fact: The Manohar Parrikar Yuva Scientist Award is presented annually by the Department of Science, Technology and Waste Management (DSTWM), Government of Goa to promote young scientific talent.
Selection from Top Research Institutions
In 2025, the award received 50 applications from scientists across premier research institutions in India. A panel chaired by renowned nuclear scientist Dr Anil Kakodkar oversaw the rigorous selection process. After several evaluation rounds, 10 candidates were shortlisted for the final interview.
Dr Gopalakrishnan’s innovative work in materials modelling and computational analysis of complex alloys stood out for its potential in developing sustainable industrial technologies and energy-efficient materials.
Static GK Tip: Dr Anil Kakodkar is a Padma Vibhushan awardee and former Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission of India.
Advancing Computational Materials Research
At IISc, Dr Gopalakrishnan leads a team specializing in computational materials engineering, combining artificial intelligence (AI) and atomic-level simulations to design advanced materials. His research has applications in energy storage, aerospace, electronics, and renewable energy industries.
His efforts contribute to India’s vision of achieving technological self-reliance through indigenous innovation in material design and sustainability.
Static GK fact: The Indian Institute of Science (IISc), established in 1909, is India’s premier institute for research and higher education in science and engineering.
Recognizing Young Innovators
The Yuva Scientist Award aims to encourage India’s young researchers to pursue excellence in applied science and innovation. By celebrating emerging talent, the award strengthens India’s position as a global leader in scientific research and motivates the youth to contribute to nation-building through science.
The formal felicitation will occur during the Manohar Parrikar Vigyan Mahotsav in December 2025, bringing together scientists, policymakers, and innovators from across the country.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Yuva Scientist Award 2025 to Sai Gautam Gopalakrishnan:
| Topic | Detail |
| Award Name | Manohar Parrikar Yuva Scientist Award 2025 |
| Recipient | Dr Sai Gautam Gopalakrishnan |
| Institution | Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru |
| Field of Work | Computational Materials Science |
| Cash Prize | ₹5 lakh |
| Selection Committee Chair | Dr Anil Kakodkar |
| Event for Presentation | Manohar Parrikar Vigyan Mahotsav 2025 |
| Number of Applications | 50 |
| Award Organized By | Government of Goa |
| Key Objective | To encourage innovation among young Indian scientists |
