Pune: Prof Balasubramanian K, Dean (Academics) and Senior Professor at the Department of Materials and Metallurgical Engineering, Defence Institute of Advanced Technology (DIAT), has secured the First Prize in the Distinguished Faculty and Scientist Category at the HPCL New Generation Ideation Contest 2025.
The recognition for Prof Balasubramanian K was conferred at the HPCL R&D Centre in Bengaluru on March 30, 2026.
The national-level contest saw extensive participation, with 495 submissions reviewed through a rigorous multi-stage evaluation by experts from Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL).
The proposal titled “Zeolite–MXene Hybrids: A Next-Generation Solution for CO₂ and H₂S Capture,” submitted by Prof Balasubramanian K along with his Ph.D. scholar Shruti Gupta, was initially shortlisted among the top 200 entries and ultimately emerged as the winning entry.
The recognition of Prof Balasubramanian K highlights the growing significance of advanced materials research in addressing industrial emissions.
DIAT Vice Chancellor Dr. B.H.V.S. Narayana Murthy Congratulates Prof Balasubramanian K
The proposal focuses on innovative hybrid materials aimed at capturing carbon dioxide (CO₂) and hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), offering potential applications in refining and petrochemical sectors.
The evaluation process included scrutiny by a distinguished panel of experts from both industry and academia, further underlining the merit of the work led by Prof Balasubramanian.
The award ceremony was attended by eminent scientists and academicians. Chief Guest Padma Shri awardee Prof. G. D. Yadav, a leading chemical engineer and holder of the National Science Chair, congratulated Prof Balasubramanian K and emphasised the importance of innovation in tackling industrial and environmental challenges.
Dr. B.H.V.S. Narayana Murthy, Vice Chancellor of DIAT, also congratulated Prof Balasubramanian K and his Ph.D. scholar on the achievement.
He noted that such recognitions reinforce the institute’s continued commitment to advancing research and fostering innovation in critical scientific domains.
