Bhubaneswar: Odia space scientist Dr. Digendranath Swain was conferred Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar: Vigyan Yuva- Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar for the year 2024 in Space Science and Technology.
President Droupadi Murmu presented him the covetous award which comprises a Medallion and Sanad at Rastrapati Bhavan.
In the first edition of the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar, 33 awards were presented to distinguished scientists in four categories – Vigyan Ratna, Vigyan Shri, Vigyan Yuva, and Vigyan Team. Swain was awarded in Vigyan Yuva category i.e Vigyan Yuva- Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar.
The Vigyan Yuva- Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar award, given to recognize scientists who have exceptionally contributed to any field of science and technology, was given to 18 scientists for their significant contribution in the areas spanning from the study on the warming of the Indian Ocean and its consequences, to the development of indigenous 5G base station and communication and precision tests of quantum mechanics.
Swain is an expert in experimental solid mechanics of launch vehicle structures with outstanding contributions in supporting structural qualification tests using DIC and other experimental techniques. His expertise also includes in digital image correlation systems, digital serigraphy system, non-destructive testing using optical techniques and are well recognised.