BITS Pilani Hyderabad faculty Prof. Sounak Roy to receive MRSI Medal 2026
Professor Sounak Roy has been selected for the Materials Research Society of India (MRSI) Medal 2026. Roy has been chosen for his materials science research. He is the dean of institute-wide research and innovation at Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, teaches in the chemistry department, and will receive the award in December 2026.
Roy’s research focuses on developing catalytic materials for sustainable energy conversion and environmental applications. His work spans photocatalysis, electrocatalysis, carbon dioxide utilisation, hydrogen production and solid-state inorganic materials.
Highlighting the recognition, Roy said MRSI represents “quality science in materials research”. He has also acknowledged his students, collaborators and the CReAtE Lab team for the achievement, adding that the honour would motivate them to continue developing catalysts for energy and environmental applications.
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Research and collaborations
Roy has worked on research projects supported by national funding agencies and industry partners. These include the Department of Science and Technology (DST), the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL).
Roy’s research includes catalytic materials that might support energy-related environmental applications. These materials play a major role in several applications, that includes hydrogen production and the conversion of carbon dioxide into useful products.
This award recognises his contributions to catalysis, nanomaterials and materials research and will be presented at the society’s annual general meeting in December 2026.
Established in 1989, the Materials Research Society of India promotes research and development in materials science and engineering. It supports collaboration between academic institutions and industry through conferences, professional networking, research awards and the exchange of scientific knowledge.