Dr. Ajay Sood: The Mind Behind India's Scientific Advisory – Bridging Nanoscience and National Policy.

Introduction:

India’s scientific landscape has been shaped by many brilliant minds, and one such luminary is Dr. Ajay Kumar Sood, a distinguished physicist whose work has transcended laboratories to influence national science policy. Currently serving as the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, Dr. Sood is renowned for his pioneering research in nanoscience, soft condensed matter, and materials physics. His multifaceted contributions have earned him global recognition, and his current role is pivotal in steering India toward a knowledge-driven future.

Early Life & Education:

Dr. Ajay Sood was born in 1951. He obtained his MSc in Physics from Panjab University and went on to complete his Ph.D. from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, where he would later return as a professor and mentor to countless young physicists.

Academic and Research Career:

Dr. Sood's research spans condensed matter physics, particularly focusing on nanostructured materials, soft matter, and graphene. His groundbreaking work has contributed to the understanding of how matter behaves at nanoscale levels. Some of his most cited work includes:

Raman spectroscopy on carbon nanotubes and graphene.
Flow-induced voltage in carbon nanotubes, a discovery that had implications in energy harvesting.
Soft matter systems, including studies on complex fluids and biological systems.

He served as a Professor in the Department of Physics at IISc Bangalore and held the Srinivasa Ramanujan Chair of Physics at the time of his retirement.

Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India:

In October 2022, Dr. Sood was appointed as the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India, succeeding Prof. K. VijayRaghavan. In this capacity, he plays a crucial role in:

Advising the Prime Minister on science and technology policy.
Facilitating strategic research and innovation frameworks.
Enhancing synergy between academia, industry, and government bodies.
Promoting indigenous technologies and innovation ecosystems.

Notable Honors and Recognitions:

Dr. Sood has been recognized with numerous prestigious awards and fellowships:

Padma Shri (2013) – India’s fourth-highest civilian award.
Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize (1991) – For excellence in physical sciences.
TWAS Prize in Physics (2000) – From The World Academy of Sciences.
Infosys Prize in Physical Sciences (2010) – For outstanding contributions to nanoscience.
Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS), UK (2015) – One of the highest honors in science.
Fellowships from all three major Indian science academies: INSA, IASc, and NASI.

Legacy and Vision:

What sets Dr. Ajay Sood apart is not just his academic brilliance but his commitment to nation-building through science. As PSA, he champions inclusive innovation, STEM education, and climate-resilient technologies—key pillars for India's sustainable development.

His vision aligns with making India a global leader in science and technology, fostering a culture of research, and addressing societal challenges through scientific solutions.

Conclusion:

Dr. Ajay Sood’s journey from a physics student to India’s top scientific adviser is a story of relentless curiosity, scholarly excellence, and national service. As he guides India's scientific progress, his legacy will inspire generations to come—where curiosity meets purpose, and science meets policy.

Indian Scientist Awards

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