Every year, India’s most powerful scientific body – the Indian National Science Academy (INSA) – selects a maximum of 20 mid-career scientists from across the country for its Associate Fellowship. This year, in the field of Earth & Environmental Sciences, only one name made the cut.

That is Prof. Bhaskar Kundu.

This Associate Professor at NIT Rourkela’s Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences was awarded the INSA Associate Fellowship (IAF) 2026 — beating researchers from premier institutions across the country. The IAF is a prestigious honour to recognize young scientists and researchers working in India across various branches of science and technology. The selection process is rigorous, and includes a multi-stage evaluation by specialised scientific committees.

Who is Prof. Bhaskar Kundu
Prof. Kundu has spent his career decoding how the Earth moves. His work in solid earth geophysics, particularly kinematic and dynamic modelling, has significantly advanced the understanding of geodynamic and geological processes across Central India. It’s the kind of foundational research that quietly strengthens earthquake preparedness, land stability studies, and earth system science for an entire subcontinent.

He also holds a Humboldt Research Fellowship, one of the most prestigious international research honours, and a PhD in Geophysics.

INSA is India’s highest scientific authority since 1935. It represents every branch of science and technology, and its recognition carries the weight of the entire nation’s scientific establishment.

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