Indian Scientists Among AGU 2026 Award Recipients
Indian scientists Roxy Mathew Koll and Neelima Satyam have been selected among the recipients of the American Geophysical Union’s 2026 awards, recognizing contributions to research, education and innovation across Earth and space sciences.
Koll, a climate scientist at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology in Pune and a recipient of the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar (Yuva), has been chosen for the AGU’s Pavel S. Molchanov Climate Communications Prize. His work has focused on communicating the effects of climate change and documenting changes taking place across the Indian Ocean and South Asia.
His research and outreach have examined the warming of the Indian Ocean and its connection with changing monsoon patterns, marine heatwaves, cyclones and extreme rainfall. He has also highlighted how these environmental changes can affect communities, livelihoods and economies across the region.
The climate communications prize is presented annually to recognize scientists who effectively communicate climate science, particularly issues associated with climate change. Koll will receive a $25,000 prize along with an engraved award.
Neelima Satyam, a professor at IIT Indore, has been selected for the AGU’s Devendra Lal Memorial Medal. The award recognizes an early- or mid-career scientist for notable research in Earth or space sciences. Satyam’s work spans geotechnical engineering, seismic hazards, resilient infrastructure and strategies for reducing the risks associated with geological hazards.
Along with an engraved medal, Satyam will receive lifetime membership in the American Geophysical Union.
The 2026 AGU awards also include recognition for scientists of Indian origin working in the United States. Abdul Qadir, an assistant research professor at the University of Maryland, has been selected for the Science for Solutions award. His professional work has included collaboration with the North East Space Applications Centre in Shillong.
Faisal Hossain, a professor at the University of Washington in Seattle and an alumnus of Banaras Hindu University, has been chosen for the AGU Ambassador Award.
The American Geophysical Union has announced 43 awards for 2026. The recipients are scheduled to be honored during the organization’s annual meeting in San Francisco in December.
The recognition of Koll and Satyam highlights Indian contributions to climate and Earth sciences, while the selection of Qadir and Hossain reflects the continuing participation of scientists of Indian background in research and academic institutions in the United States.
