Assam down town University (AdtU) recognised the research and innovation contributions of its faculty members, researchers and research scholars at the AdtU Eminence in Research Awards & Research Reward Ceremony 2026. The ceremony recognised 80 awardees across multiple categories, with research rewards amounting to Rs 67,48,327.

The awards acknowledged contributions spanning research publications, citations, patents, externally funded projects, scholarly books and book chapters, Q1 publications and doctoral research. Dr.

Shannon B. Olsson, Founder and Global Director of The Echo Network and associated with the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), delivered the inaugural lecture as part of the Distinguished Scientists Lecture Series held on the occasion.

She also presented the research rewards to the recipients. A US citizen, Dr.

Olsson is currently a faculty member at NCBS, TIFR, where she is engaged in research and academic activities. Dr.

Partha Pratim Dutta, Associate Professor, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences (FPS), received the highest individual research reward of Rs 7,23,500. He was also named the Best Researcher for 2026 and received an additional Rs 50,000, along with a memento and certificate.

The Best Researcher Award recognised overall excellence across publications, citations, patents, research projects and other research contributions. Speaking on the occasion, Prof.

) Narayan Chandra Talukdar, Vice Chancellor, Assam down town University, said, “Research is an important part of the academic environment at AdtU. These awards provide an opportunity to recognise the sustained work of our faculty members, researchers and scholars and the different ways in which they contribute to knowledge creation.

The range of categories this year also reflects the breadth of research activity taking place across the university.” The Best Innovator Award 2026, recognising the highest number of granted patents, was presented to Dr.

Prasanta Pratim Bairagi, Associate Professor, Faculty of Computer Technology (FoCT). The Emerging Researcher Award – Male Category 2026 was presented to Dr.

Prakash Kishore Hazam, Assistant Professor (Research Faculty), Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, while the Emerging Researcher Award – Female Category was presented to Dr. Dulumani Das, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Computer Technology.