The Hasmukh Shah Memorial Award for Ecological Studies, comprises two distinct categories for researchers and practitioners, each offering a cash prize of two lakh rupees(Rs 2,00,000) along with two notable awards (Jury Appreciation Award) of twenty-five thousand rupees (Rs. 25,000) for commendable work. In total, there are six (6) awards.
We are pleased to announce the candidates shortlisted in the first round of evaluation for the Hasmukh Shah Memorial Awards (HSMA) 2025 under the Researcher and Practitioner categories. These candidates will now move forward to the second round of evaluation.
Shortlisted Candidates
| # | Researcher Category | # | Practitioner Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aamer Khan | 1 | Byju H |
| 2 | Adhavan D | 2 | Gajanan Wagh |
| 3 | Ayushi Gupta | 3 | Haridasan Vadakkotil |
| 4 | Heena Chauhan | 4 | Javid Ahmad Dar |
| 5 | Krishnapriya P.P. | 5 | Monali Shah |
| 6 | Lingeshwaran P.K. | 6 | R. S. Rawat |
| 7 | Monika Sharma | 7 | Randeep Singh |
| 8 | Nobin Raja M | 8 | Shubha Kulkarni |
| 9 | Ridham Dave | 9 | Sohail Madan |
| 10 | Sakti Pattnayak | 10 | Sonika Kushwaha |
| 11 | Samrat Sengupta | ||
| 12 | Sangeeta Gohel | ||
| 13 | Subhasree Das | ||
| 14 | Sudipan Saha | ||
| 15 | Swapnali Gole | ||
| 16 | Swati Udayraj |
Categories
Hasmukh Shah Memorial Award for Ecological Studies – 2025
Research Areas
(For Researchers)
Researchers engaged in creative and impactful work in the following areas within India are eligible for consideration:
• Coastal and Marine Ecology
• Biodiversity
• Ecological Restoration
• Dynamic Systems
• Extension Activities
Eligibility:
Master’s students or Ph.D. researchers from any discipline who graduated or submitted a thesis on or before March 31, 2025
Must have published at least two papers as the first author in a peer-reviewed national or international journal.
The upper age limit for the award is set at 40 years.
A brief proposal of the intended work, written in simple and general English, should be uploaded in the format provided below, with a maximum length of five (05) pages.
File Editing format: (Heading Font size 14, Body Text 12, Font Type: Times New Roman, Line Space 1.5)
The abstract should include the following details:
- Project Title
- Background of the Research: Highlight the research issue and hypothesis.
- Objectives of the Project
- Methodology/Tools Used
- Expected Outcomes for Society and the Environment
- Covering Letter: Duly signed by the Guide/Mentor and forwarded by the institution.
- Researcher’s Resume: A brief two-page document.
NOTE: Upload a single PDF file containing all the above information.
Award:
INR 2,00,000 cash prize + certificate.
Notable Mentions in Research Category:
Two additional awards of INR 25,000 each + certificate.
Impact Area
(For Practitioners)
This award aims to honor outstanding professionals who have significantly impacted stakeholders in the specified fields:
• Coastal and Marine Ecology
• Biodiversity
• Ecological Restoration
• Dynamic Systems
• Extension and Socio-economic Activities
Eligibility:
Individuals working in the specified areas in India, recognized as key contributors to impactful programs.
Must be a team lead or project leader with a minimum of 5 years of experience in the specified area.
A proposal detailing the impact created by your work, along with the focus area and the proposed research work, must be submitted in general English. The document should follow the format provided below and must not exceed five (05) pages. File Editing format :(Heading Font size 14, Body Text 12, Font Type: Times New Roman, Line Space 1.3)
The proposal should include the following details:
- Project Title
- Innovative Idea
- Plan of Action: Include a graphical representation.
- Expected Outcome and the section of society that will benefit.
- Nomination Letter: Forwarded by the institution.
- Practitioner’s Resume: A brief two-page document.
NOTE: Upload a single PDF file containing all the above information
Award:
INR 2,00,000 cash prize + certificate.
Notable Mentions in Practitioner Category:
Two additional awards of INR 25,000 each + certificate.
Process and Timeline:
- Jan 1, 2025 : Online application and Registration opens
- May 31, 2025: Final date for entries, applications, and nominations
- Jul 31, 2025: Evaluation and shortlisting by the Jury
- Oct 31, 2025: Presentations by shortlisted candidates
- Dec 2025: Jury deliberation and announcement of awardees
- Award ceremony to be held at the 4th Annual Hasmukh Shah Memorial Lecture