10. October 2025

HZB researcher awarded prestigious VAIBHAV Fellowship by Government of India

Dr. Prashanth Menezes honoured for his pioneering contributions to materials chemistry and catalysis

Dr. Prashanth Menezes © Michael Setzpfandt / HZB

The Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India, has announced the recipients of the Vaishvik Bhartiya Vaigyanik (VAIBHAV) Fellowship, a flagship initiative aimed at fostering collaboration between the Indian STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine) diaspora and leading research institutions in India. Among the 2025 awardees is Dr. Prashanth W. Menezes, Head of the Department of Materials Chemistry for Catalysis at Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin (HZB).

Prashanth Menezes is the only awardee in the field of Materials and Processing Technologies this year, recognized for his outstanding contributions to catalysis and materials chemistry.

The VAIBHAV Fellowship, implemented by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), aims to strengthen collaboration between the global Indian STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine) diaspora and Indian research institutions. The initiative builds on the success of the VAIBHAV Summit, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which brought together over 25,000 participants from more than 70 countries.

As part of the fellowship, Menezes will collaborate with the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), Bengaluru, to establish intermetallic electrocatalysts for scaled green hydrogen production coupled with the synthesis of value-added chemicals. This initiative aims to advance sustainable energy research and promote eco-friendly hydrogen technologies.

“The VAIBHAV Fellowship provides an exciting opportunity to combine international expertise with India’s rapidly growing research ecosystem,” said Menezes. “Our goal is to contribute meaningfully to the global transition toward sustainable and clean energy.”

Prashanth Menezes is recognized for his contributions to intermetallic catalysis, electrocatalytic processes, and sustainable energy conversion systems. His research has been instrumental in advancing the understanding of catalyst design and reaction mechanisms for renewable energy applications. Menezes’ selection highlights India’s continued commitment to fostering innovation and scientific excellence through global partnerships.