Honouring Outstanding Scientists of Kerala Origin
The Kerala Sasthrapuraskaram is a prestigious award instituted by the Government of Kerala to recognize scientists of Kerala origin who have made remarkable contributions in the field of science and technology, anywhere in the world. The award is administered by the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE).

Award Highlights

• Includes a memento, citation, and cash prize of ₹2 lakh
• Presented by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Kerala
• Recognizes lifetime achievements in science and technology

Eligibility

• A scientist or technologist born in Kerala, working anywhere in the world
• Should be a visionary, leader, institution builder, or role model in science, who have made significant contributions in any field of science or technology
• No age limit

Recipients of Kerala Sasthrapuraskaram
2011	Prof. E. C. G. Sudarshan	Prof. E. C. George Sudarshan was an eminent theoretical physicist and a professor at the University of Texas. Prof. Sudarshan has been credited with numerous contributions to the field of theoretical physics, including Glauber–Sudarshan P representation, V-A theory, tachyons, quantum Zeno effect, open quantum system and quantum master equations, spin–statistics theorem, non-invariance groups, positive maps of density matrices, and quantum computation.
2012	Prof. M. Vijayan	Prof. M. Vijayan is one of the most distinguished Scientists in India and has been associated with the advancement of science in Kerala for a very long time. Prof. Vijayan has carried out outstanding research in the field of Structural Biology. He has served as the Associate Director at Indian Institute of Science, and has been the President of Indian National Science Academy, New Delhi.
2013	Prof. M. S. Valiathan	Prof. M.S.Valiathan is an Indian cardiac surgeon. Dr. Valiathan took the lead in establishing the Sree Chithra Thirunal Institute for Science and Technology and became the first Director. He was the team leader in developing a mechanical implanting valve for Cardiology patients. The Chithra TTK valve is the fourth model that was developed over a decade of collaborative research in India. He was awarded the Padma Vibushan in 2005 for his contributions to health technology in India. He was the Chairman of the State Committee for Science, Technology and Environment of the Government of Kerala and the founder Executive Vice President of KSCSTE.
2014	Prof. K.P. Gopinathan	Prof. K.P. Gopinathan’s major research contributions in those days pertained to identification of ‘Nonsense Codons and Suppression’ as well as the measurement of ‘Absolute Fidelity in DNA replication’ and ‘Error Proneness’ of viral reverse transcriptases. He was also intimately associated with the developments of recombinant DNA research, right from its formative days. Gopinathan was the first scientist to describe a genetic and biochemical basis for the development of resistance to the potent anti-tubercular drug isoniazid. Professor Gopinathan was the Founder Chairman at the Centre for Genetic Engineering at Indian Institute of Science and then served as Chairman of the Microbiology and Cell Biology Department for nearly ten years. He also served as the Founder Director of the Monsanto Research Centre in India, established at the Indian Institute of Science campus.
2021	Prof. M. S. Swaminathan	Prof. Mankombu Sambasivan Swaminathan was an Indian agronomist, agricultural scientist, geneticist, administrator and humanitarian. He was a global leader of the green revolution.He has been called the main architect of the green revolution in India for his leadership and role in introducing and further developing high-yielding varieties of wheat and rice. He has served as Director of IARI, Director General, ICAR and Secretary to the Govt. of India; Department of Agricultural research and Education; Principal Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture; Acting Deputy Chairman and later Member (Science and Agriculture), Planning Commission; Director General, IRRI Philippines; Member of Parliament of India (Rajyasabha-2007-13); Chairman, High Level Panel of Experts for the World Committee on Food Security
2021	Prof. Thanu Padmanabhan	Prof. Thanu Padmanabhan was an Indian theoretical physicist and cosmologist whose research spanned a wide variety of topics in gravitation, structure formation in the universe and quantum gravity. His research contributions have made a significant effect on the subject of gravitation and cosmology. He was a Distinguished Professor at Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA), Pune
2022	Prof. P. K. Ramachandran Nair	Prof. P. K. Ramachandran Nair is a distinguished Professor of Agroforestry and International Forestry at the School of Forest Resources and Conservation, University of Florida. Dr. Nair known as the “Father of Agroforestry” received several global recognition to the science of agroforestry. His areas ofresearch interest include: agroforestry in the tropics and subtropics, integrated farming systems, soilcarbon sequestration and climate change mitigation, ecosystem services, and soil fertility management.
2023	Dr. S Somanath	Dr. Somanath S. Panicker is a doyen in Indian Space Programme and a trailblazer in the global space community. Under his visionary leadership, the Indian Space programme has attained advanced Engineering excellence and cultivated significant global partnerships. His contributions in the field of space science, technology and its applications epitomizes leadership and technological excellence, setting a benchmark for others to aspire for highest level of achievements. His pioneering efforts have not only propelled India to the forefront of space exploration but also left a rich legacy in the field of Indian Space Programme.
2024	Dr. Tessy Thomas	Dr. Tessy Thomas known as the ‘Missile Woman’ of India, is a Distinguished Scientist & Former Director General (Aeronautical Systems), Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Dr. Tessy was associated with the ‘Agni Programme’ at DRDO right from its developmental flights. She has designed the guidance scheme for long range missile systems which is used in all Agni missiles. As the Project Director for the Agni IV and Agni V (mission), she is the first woman to lead missile teams in India. An energy management guidance scheme was designed and developed for the first time in the country for a solid propelled long-range system for which she was conferred with Agni Self Reliance award in 2001. Her expertise on the solid propellent systems and mission design were critical in the development of the ballistic reentry missile systems. Dr. Tessy stands as a leading expert in ballistic missile technology. She has contributed in various fields such as Guidance, Control, Inertial Navigation, Trajectory Simulation and Mission Design and has been conferred with several prestigious awards.

Nomination Process

• Nominations must be made by:
  • Fellows of National Academies of Sciences
  • Vice Chancellors of universities
  • Directors of scientific institutions
  • Eminent scientists of national or international reputation
• Self-nominations are not accepted
• Nomination Proforma is available for download from the official website

Award Components

• Memento – Symbol of recognition
• Citation – Acknowledges scientific achievements
• Cash Award – ₹2,00,000

Contact for More Info

Dr. Binuja Thomas
Senior Principal Scientist, KSCSTE
🏢 Sasthra Bhavan, Pattom, Thiruvananthapuram – 695004
📞 Phone: +91 471 2548211
📧 Email: keralasasthrapuraskaram2024@gmail.com

📂 Downloads

• Press Release – English  Malayalam 
• Notification
• Brochure
• Nomination Proforma

Recognizing Outstanding Young Scientific Talent in Kerala

The Kerala State Young Scientist Awards (KSYSA) are instituted by the Government of Kerala to honor and encourage talented young scientists for their outstanding contributions to science and technology. These awards aim to promote independent research and innovation among early-career scientists working in Kerala.

Award Highlights

• Award includes a certificate and a cash prize of ₹50,000
• Awardees may be considered for:
  • A research grant of up to ₹50 lakhs (subject to expert review)
  • International travel support to present research at conferences (within 3 years of receiving the award)

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the award, candidates must:

• Hold a D. with at least 3 years of post-doctoral experience
• Be working in an academic or R&D institution in Kerala for the last 3 consecutive years
• Be 37 years of age or younger as on December 31 of the year the award is announced

Nomination Process

• Nominations can be made by:
  • Vice Chancellors of Universities in Kerala
  • Directors of R&D Centres
  • Heads of Institutions and Departments
  • Fellows of Science Academies
• Self-nominations are not accepted
• Once submitted, nominations are valid for 3 years or until the nominee crosses the age limit, whichever is earlier
• Selection is based on a detailed review by an expert committee

Application Procedure

• Applications are invited every year through a public notification
• Nominees must follow the official guidelines and submit the required documents as per the notification

Additional Opportunities for Awardees

• Awardees may be eligible to receive a research grant of ₹50 lakhs, subject to:
  • Submission of a research project proposal
  • Evaluation and recommendation by an expert committee
• Within three years of receiving the award, the recipient may be supported for overseas travel to present their work at a scientific conference

Sanctioned Research Grant Years

Contact Information

The Scientist in Charge (KSYSA)
Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE)
Sasthra Bhavan, Pattom, Thiruvananthapuram – 695 004
Phone: +91 471 2548214

Downloads

KSYSA Awards

• Guidelines
• Notification (English)
• Notification (Malayalam)

Research Grant

• Application Form
• Guidelines
• Terms & Conditions
• No Pending SE & UC Certificate Format
• SE & Consolidated SE Format
• UC & Consolidated UC Format
• Final Technical Report Format
• Asset Transfer Certificate

Travel Grant

• Application Form
• Guidelines
• Terms & Conditions

Honouring Excellence in Science Writing in Malayalam
The Science Literature Awards (SLA) celebrate the outstanding contributions of science writers who promote science through Malayalam literature. These awards encourage the creation and dissemination of quality science literature that inspires and educates readers across Kerala.

KSCSTE Science Literature Awards (2024) announced

Award Categories

The SLA recognizes excellence in the following five categories:

1. Science Book (Children’s Literature)
2. Science Book (Popular Science)
3. Science Book (In-depth Science)
4. Science Journalism Award
5. Science Book (Malayalam Translation)

Application Procedure

• Applications are invited annually through public advertisement
• Applicants must submit their entries in the prescribed application format
• Three copies of the book or work must be submitted along with the application

Award Details

• Each award includes:
  • A cash prize of ₹50,000
  • A plaque
  • A certificate

Eligibility

• Open to Malayalam science writers.
• Entries must be submitted via nomination

Contact Information
Scientist-in-Charge (SLA)
Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE)
Sasthra Bhavan, Pattom, Thiruvananthapuram – 695004
Phone: +91 471 2548223
Email: spkscste2023@gmail.com

Downloads

• Notification : Malayalam        English
• Guidelines
• Application Form/Nomination Form

Honouring Excellence in Research under the Science Research Scheme (SRS)

The Dr. S. Vasudev Award is a prestigious honor instituted by the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE) in memory of Dr. S. Vasudev, former Chairman of the Science, Technology and Environment Committee (STEC). This award recognizes the best research project completed under the flagship Science Research Scheme (SRS) of KSCSTE, which promotes both fundamental and applied R&D activities in Kerala.

Award Highlights

• Award includes a certificate with citation and a cash prize of ₹50,000
• Recognition and benefits are shared equally among all contributors of the project
• The award is presented by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Kerala during the inaugural session of the Kerala Science Congress

Notable Awardees & Projects

Here are some of the past award-winning Principal Investigators and their project titles:

Procedure for Application

• The Final Technical Report (FTR) of a completed SRS project, submitted within the stipulated time, is directly considered for the Dr. S. Vasudev Award.

Eligibility Criteria

• The FTR must be submitted within 6 months after the project completion
• The Principal Investigator (PI) should have peer-reviewed publications arising from the research project

Contact Information

Scientist In Charge (SRS)
Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE)
Sasthra Bhavan, Pattom, Thiruvananthapuram – 695 004
Phone: +91 471 2548214

Downloads

• List of Awardees
• Final Technical Reports with Grades
  

  2016

  2017

  2018

  2019

  2020

  2021

Recognizing Scientific Excellence within KSCSTE
Instituted in 2022, the KSCSTE Best Scientist Award honors outstanding scientists within the KSCSTE system who have demonstrated remarkable achievements and significant contributions to research and science that benefit both the scientific community and society at large.

The award is presented annually during the Kerala Science Congress.

Award Details

• The award comprises a plaque and a research project grant up to ₹30 Lakhs (or as per the submitted proposal, whichever is less)
• The research grant is awarded based on a scientific/technical proposal submitted by the awardee

Application Procedure

• Nominations are invited from Directors of KSCSTE Centres
• Each R&D institute or HQ may suggest a maximum of 3 nominations
• Applications must be submitted in the prescribed format along with supporting documents

Eligibility Criteria

• The nominee must be a permanent employee of KSCSTE or its affiliated R&D institutions
• Minimum 3 years of continuous service in the organization
• Published at least 3 research papers in peer-reviewed international journals (SCI/SCOPUS indexed) in the last 5 years
  OR filed at least one patent in the last 5 years
• Must have secured at least one externally funded research project as PI or Co-PI, with a cumulative funding of not less than ₹10 Lakhs in the last 5 years
• No adverse service records (e.g., penalty or suspension)
• Previous recipients of this award in the last 5 years are not eligible to apply

Selection Process

• The best performer will be selected by an expert committee consisting of subject experts from various scientific sectors

Award Recipients

Sl. No	Year	Name of the award winner & Position held when receiving the award
1	2022	Dr. B. Sabulal Senior Principal Scientist and Head, Phytochemistry & Phytopharmacology Division, KSCSTE- Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute
2	2023	Dr. U. Surendran Principal Scientist, KSCSTE–Centre for Water Resources Development and Management
3	2024	Dr. S. R. Suja Principal Scientist, KSCSTE-Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute
4	2025	Dr S. Sandeep Principal Scientist & Head Dept. of Soil Science Sustainable Forest Management Division KSCSTE-Kerala Forest Research Institute Peechi, Thrissur

Contact
For more information
Dr. Binuja Thomas 
Senior Principal Scientist
Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE)
Sasthra Bhavan, Pattom, Thiruvananthapuram – 695 004
Phone: +91 471 2548211
Email: kscste.bsa@gmail.com

KSCSTE instituted KSCSTE – Best Performing Institute Award in the year 2021 in order to encourage the R&D activities envisioned by the State and also to develop a healthy competition amongst the R&D centres. The Award will be announced based on the overall criteria such as research publications in reputed journals, PhD guidance, sponsored research projects, consultancy, external funds generated, Infrastructure strengthening, plan fund utilization, output to societal benefit, etc.

The awards are announced during the inaugural session of the annual event Kerala Science Congress, organised by KSCSTE.

The performance of the institutions are analysed based on the following criteria, as per the ASPIRE doc.

• Research publications in reputed journals,
• PhD guidance
• Sponsored research projects
• Consultancy
• External funds generated
• Infrastructure strengthening
• Plan fund utilization
• Output to societal benefit