Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur faculty Prof Amit Kumar Agarwal, Department of Physics, has been awarded the 2025 Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar: Vigyan Yuva – Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize, one of India’s highest honors in science and technology.
This prestigious recognition celebrates Agarwal’s pathbreaking research in theoretical condensed matter physics, particularly in the areas of quantum transport, topological materials, and low-dimensional systems.
He becomes the first alumnus of the Center for High Energy Physics (CHEP), Indian Institute of Science (IISc), to receive this distinguished national award.
Agarwal completed his PhD at the IISc, Bangalore, under the supervision of Prof Diptiman Sen, where his doctoral thesis on Transport properties of quasi-one-dimensional quantum systems earned him the Kumari L A Meera Memorial Medal for the best PhD thesis in theoretical physics (2009–2011).
Before joining IIT Kanpur in August 2012, he served as a Marie Curie Postdoctoral Researcher at the Scuola Normale Superiore, Pisa (Italy), where he worked with Prof Rosario Fazio and Dr Marco Polini on the European Union FP7 project SemiSpinNet, exploring quantum many-body effects in two-dimensional electron gases with strong spin-orbit coupling.
At IIT Kanpur, Prof Agarwal has emerged as a leading figure in theoretical physics.
His research explores quantum geometry and transport phenomena in quantum materials, the study of new two-dimensional, topological, and magnetic materials using density functional theory, collective excitations such as plasmons and charge density waves, and nanoscale device modeling relevant to emerging quantum technologies.
His work provides fundamental insights into the quantum behavior of materials and contributes to the design of future nanoelectronic and quantum devices.
Reflecting on the honour, Prof Agarwal said, “It is a privilege to be recognised with this award. My journey has been guided by the curiosity to understand the quantum world and by the inspiration I draw from my mentors, colleagues, and students.”
Instituted by the Government of India, the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar honors outstanding contributions in science, technology, and innovation. The Vigyan Yuva – Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize category specifically recognizes exceptional achievements by scientists below the age of 45.
Born in Chirkunda (Dhanbad) in 1980, Prof Agarwal completed his schooling at De Nobili School, Mugma.
He earned his B.Sc. (Hons.) in Physics from Kirori Mal College, University of Delhi, where he received the N S Khare Award for Academic Excellence.
He pursued his MS (2002–2005) and PhD (2005–2009) from IISc Bangalore, followed by his postdoctoral research in Italy.
IIT Kanpur, established in 1959, holds the distinction of being recognized as an Institute of National Importance by the Government of India through an Act of Parliament.
Renowned for its excellence in science and engineering education, IIT Kanpur has made significant contributions to research and development over the decades. Its expansive, lush green campus spans 1,050 acres and hosts a rich array of academic and research resources.
The institute comprises 20 departments, 26 centers, three interdisciplinary programs, and three specialised schools across engineering, science, design, humanities, and management disciplines. With over 590 full-time faculty members and more than 9,500 students, IIT Kanpur remains a leader in fostering innovation and academic rigour.