The New York Academy of Sciences and Tata Sons on Tuesday announced three scientists based out of Bengaluru as the winners of the 2025 Tata Transformation Prize.
The winners are Padubidri V. Shivaprasad of National Centre for Biological Sciences, and Balasubramanian Gopal and Ambarish Ghosh of Indian Institute of Science for research in food security, sustainability and healthcare, respectively.
Ambarish Ghosh
The winners were chosen from a pool of 212 nominations spanning 27 Indian States by an international jury of scientists, clinicians, technologists, and engineers. Each winner will receive ₹2 crore to advance their research and scale its real-world impact.
The winners
Mr. Shivaprasad’s research tries to address the food security challenge by using epigenetic engineering and small RNA–based modifications in rice to enhance stress tolerance and nutritional quality. His engineered rice varieties promise to reduce fertilizer and pesticide dependence, lower production costs, and improve nutrition for millions.
Padubidri V. Shivaprasad
Mr. Gopal has developed a green chemistry platform that harnesses bioengineered E. coli bacteria to produce key chemicals used in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and agriculture. Integrating Artificial Intelligence with experimental biology, his lab designs efficient enzymes and optimises microbial strains for high yields, without antibiotics or harmful additives. This sustainable technology can replace traditional chemical manufacturing, thus reducing pollution and enhancing domestic production and environmentally responsible bio-manufacturing.
Mr. Ghosh’s research looks at cancer treatment using magnetic nanorobots – tiny, helical devices that can be safely guided through the body using magnetic fields. These nanorobots are designed to navigate complex biological environments, deliver drugs directly to tumours, and distinguish cancerous tissue from healthy cells. His team is also creating real-time imaging tools to track and steer nanorobots during treatment.
Power of Indian science
“The scientific advancements achieved by this year’s winners — on creating climate-resistant crops, sustainable bio-manufacturing, and targeting cancer with fewer side effects — are the result of years of dedication and sacrifice. Their work is significant for India, and for humanity at large,” said N. Chandrasekaran, chairman of Tata Sons.
Nicholas B. Dirks, president and CEO of The New York Academy of Sciences, remarked that the 2025 winners exemplify the power of Indian science to drive meaningful global change.
The Tata Transformation Prize was established to advance innovation and support visionary scientists in India developing breakthrough technologies to address India’s most significant societal challenges in food security, sustainability, and healthcare. The winners will be celebrated at an awards ceremony in Mumbai in December.
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