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

Contact

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