Faculty Research Awards 2026: IIIT Hyderabad, Thapar researchers recognised in computer science

NEW DELHI : The Careers360 Faculty Research Awards 2026 for computer science have recognised researchers from the International Institute of Information Technology, Hyderabad, and Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology.

Ashok Kumar Das from the International Institute of Information Technology, Hyderabad, has been recognised under the public category, while Neeraj Kumar from Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology has been recognised under the private category.

Prof. Ashok Kumar Das, Senior Member of IEEE, is an Associate Professor at the Centre for Security, Theory and Algorithmic Research at IIIT Hyderabad. He holds a Ph.D. in Computer Science and Engineering from IIT Kharagpur and specialises in cryptography, cybersecurity, blockchain, IoT, and AI/ML security.

Das has authored over 320 research papers and received several prestigious recognitions, including the Web of Science Highly Cited Researcher recognition and Research.com Computer Science in India Leader Award. He has also featured in Stanford University’s Top 2% scientists list. The International Institute of Information Technology Hyderabad accounts for 75.7% of his scholarly output, followed by Korea University at 16.4%, Old Dominion University at 3.4%, and other institutions at 4.5%.

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On the other hand, Prof. Neeraj Kumar is Dean of Digital Content Transformation as well as Professor and Head of the Department of Computer Science & Engineering at Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology, Patiala. His research focuses on Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things, Cybersecurity, and emerging digital technologies.

He has published extensively in international journals, authored and edited books, and received several prestigious research awards, including recognition among the world’s top 1% highly-cited researchers. His work also includes industry collaborations in AI, cybersecurity, and smart infrastructure. Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology accounts for 54.8% of his scholarly output, followed by the University of Petroleum and Energy Studies at 12.3%, Asia University, Taiwan, at 10.8%, and other institutions at 22.1%.

The award carries a citation and a cash prize of Rs 50,000 and was presented by Professor G D Yadav. He was the Founding Vice-Chancellor of the Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT) Mumbai and is still associated with it as Emeritus Professor of Eminence. Prof Yadav is President of the Indian Chemical Society, a Vice-President of the Indian National Science Academy and Fellow of 10 Indian and foreign science academies.

He is only the second Indian to become a fellow of the US National Academy of Inventors and the only Indian fellow in the Canadian Academy of Engineering.

Professor Yadav is one of India’s leading engineering scientists with internationally recognized contributions to catalysis, green chemistry & engineering, chemical engineering, hydrogen economy, circular economy, carbon dioxide refineries, sustainable engineering, biomass valorization and waste plastic chemical recycling, and industrial innovation.