Media Release
Puttur/New Delhi, Oct 8: In a proud moment for the Dakshina Kannada and Puttur, Prof Prashanth W Menezes, an eminent materials chemist and head of the department of materials chemistry for catalysis at Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin (HZB), has been awarded the prestigious Vaishvik Bhartiya Vaigyanik (VAIBHAV) Fellowship 2025.
The fellowship is a flagship programme of the ministry of science and technology, Government of India, launched under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to strengthen engagement between the Indian STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine) diaspora and leading research institutions in India.
Prashanth is the only scientist chosen in the field of materials and processing technologies for the 2025 cycle — a testament to his pioneering contributions in catalysis and materials science.
A visionary initiative by Prime Minister Modi
The VAIBHAV Fellowship was conceived as part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to build stronger scientific and technological linkages between India and its global diaspora. The initiative builds on the success of the VAIBHAV Summit, inaugurated by the Prime Minister, which brought together over 25,000 participants from more than 70 countries, including leading Indian-origin researchers from across the world.
Through the fellowship, the Department of Science and Technology (DST) seeks to facilitate collaborative, high-impact research projects that can accelerate India’s progress in strategic scientific areas and promote global knowledge exchange.
A global leader in catalysis and energy materials
Prashanth, who hails from Puttur, Karnataka, has established himself as one of the foremost scientists in materials chemistry and catalysis. His work focuses on developing catalysts for green hydrogen production and sustainable chemical synthesis, aiming to drive the next generation of clean energy technologies.
Ranked among the top 1% scientists worldwide, Prashanth has published over 200 high impact research papers, including books and patents, and has received numerous international and national awards for his contributions to sustainable energy and materials research.
Previously featured by Daijiworld and recognized in a Stanford University global study of top scientists, Prashanth has been acclaimed for his pioneering research in material discovery, electrocatalysis and redox transformative reactions.
Collaborating with JNCASR on green hydrogen technology
Under the VAIBHAV Fellowship, Prashanth will collaborate with the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR) in Bengaluru. His project will focus on developing intermetallic electrocatalysts for green hydrogen production coupled with electrochemical synthesis of value-added organic compounds. This research represents a significant step toward sustainable, cost-effective, and scalable clean energy solutions, combining hydrogen generation with green chemical processes. The collaboration is expected to bolster India’s growing leadership in renewable energy technologies.
Commitment to sustainable and inclusive science
Speaking about his selection, Prashanth said:
“The VAIBHAV Fellowship is an inspiring platform that reflects Prime Minister Modi’s vision to unite India’s global scientific community. By combining international expertise with India’s research strengths, we can accelerate progress toward clean energy and sustainability — not only for India but for the world.”
About Prashanth W Menezes
Prashanth completed his early education in Karnataka before embarking on an international research career across leading European institutions. He is an alumnus of Mai de Deus Primary School, St Philomena’s High School and College, Puttur and Mangalore University. At Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin, he heads the Department of Materials Chemistry for Catalysis, where his team investigates advanced catalytic systems for energy conversion and storage. His career is marked by innovation, mentorship, and collaboration — contributing significantly to the global movement toward green chemistry and renewable energy.
Prashanth is the son of the late Fredrick and Cecelia Menezes from Puttur. He is married to Dr Ramona Pais, and is the brother of Prof Pradeep Menezes (University of Nevada, Reno, USA) and Dr Pramod Menezes. He is also the son-in-law of and Robin and Meena Pais.
A proud moment for India and Puttur
Prashanth’s recognition under the VAIBHAV Fellowship 2025 brings pride to his hometown of Puttur and highlights India’s growing engagement with its global scientific diaspora. His work exemplifies the spirit of “Viksit Bharat”, aligning with Prime Minister Modi’s vision of transforming India into a global innovation hub driven by sustainable technologies and international collaboration.