The Tata Transformation Prize instituted by Tata Sons and The New York Academy of Sciences (NYAS) will recognize Indian scientists involved in research to solve societal needs and promote economic competitiveness, noted an announcement dated January 4, 2023 on tata.com. "The new prize will be awarded each year to three scientists for innovations in three areas: food security, sustainability and healthcare. Each winner will receive two crore rupees (USD 241,421) and will be honored at a ceremony in India in December.
"This prize will accelerate breakthrough innovations by the Indian scientific community,” said N. Chandrasekaran, chairman of the board of Tata Sons. "We hope this prize will help bring the transformational work of Indian scientists to light, reward them appropriately and encourage them in taking solutions to market.”
Applicants for the prize must be active researchers with a doctoral degree, or equivalent, and be employed by an eligible university, institute, or other research organization in India. Applicants must propose solutions addressing food security, sustainability, or healthcare challenges with a focus on digital and technological transformation. "Prize winners will be scientists whose proposed innovations re-imagine traditional practices and business models, transform technological paradigms, improve public trust, and promote an open and connected world,” stated the note.
Prof Nicholas Dirks, president and chief executive officer of NYAS stated, "This prize is focused not only on science, but on innovative discoveries that put science to work for the betterment of society… We are so pleased to be working with Tata… to support scientific and technical innovation in India… It will also raise national and international awareness of India’s strengths in scientific research and development.”
NYAS is an independent, not-for-profit organization that since 1817 has been committed to advancing science for the benefit of society and has more than 20,000 members in 100 countries, notes their website. The Academy hosts programs and publishes content in the life and physical sciences, the social sciences, nutrition, artificial intelligence, computer science, and sustainabi- lity. F. J.