Two top scientists of Hyderabad were selected for the prestigious Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize for the year 2011 for their contribution to the research in the molecular biology and chemistry.
Dr Rajan Sankaranarayanan of the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) and Dr G. Narahari Sastry of the Indian Institute of Chemical Sciences (IICS) were selected for the award, known as the Indian equivalent of the Nobel Prize, for their contribution to biological and chemical sciences respectively.
Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize, the highest for science research institutes in the country, carries a citation, a plaque, and a cash award of Rs 5 lakh. Besides, the recipients will get Rs 15,000 per month till they attain the age of 65.
Dr Sankaranarayanan was selected for the award for his outstanding contribution to the field of ‘proof reading’ during translation of the genetic code, and for understanding the structural basis of the function of enzymes involved in the complex lipid cell wall synthesis of the TB bacteria.
Dr Narahari was selected for the prize for his outstanding contribution to understanding the manifestation of non-bonded interactions in controlling the structure and function of molecules, and computer aided drug design.
They were among the 11 scientists whose names were announced by the officials of the council of scientific and industrial research in Delhi Monday evening. The Prime Minister will give away the prizes at a special function to be held shortly.
