Dr. Abhilash, Senior Principal Scientist at CSIR-National Metallurgical Laboratory (CSIR-NML), has been awarded the prestigious Vigyan Yuva - Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award in recognition of his outstanding contributions to Engineering Sciences. This esteemed award highlights his remarkable achievements in the field of scientific and technological advancements, particularly in the development of innovative and sustainable processes. The President, Droupadi Murmu handed over the award to the young scientist.

Dr. Abhilash has made significant strides in the development of interdisciplinary indigenous processes for the extraction of critical and strategic metals from secondary resources such as mine and process wastes. His work has not only advanced scientific knowledge but has also had a profound impact on the mining, metallurgical, and waste recycling industries.

Among his notable accomplishments is the development and successful commercialization of cutting-edge technologies for bioprocessing uranium from low-grade tailings, remediation of contaminated sites, and the extraction of rare-earth elements directly from red mud, blast furnace slags, spent catalysts, and EV batteries. These innovations have positioned Dr. Abhilash as a leader in leveraging technology to address critical challenges in resource recovery and environmental sustainability.

The award is a testament to Dr. Abhilash's dedication to research and his significant contributions to engineering sciences, which have the potential to drive sustainable development and technological advancement in India and beyond.