Meet CSIR scientist Akanksha Singh who completed a rare hat-trick of science honours

CSIR-CIMAP scientist Dr Akanksha Singh has been selected for the NASI Young Scientist Award 2026, completing a rare hat-trick of national recognitions in a single year. Here's what her research in crop protection and agricultural science focuses on, and why it matters for India's farmers.CSIR-CIMAP scientist Dr Akanksha Singh has been selected for the NASI Young Scientist Award 2026, completing a rare hat-trick of national recognitions in a single year. (Photo: facebook.com/csir.cimap)For most researchers, earning one national recognition is a career milestone. For Dr Akanksha Singh, 2026 has brought three.The Scientist-D at the CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants has now been selected for the National Academy of Sciences, India (NASI) Young Scientist Award 2026 in the field of Agricultural and Plant Sciences, completing a remarkable hat-trick of prestigious honours in a single year.Earlier in 2026, she was inducted as an Indian National Young Academy of Sciences (INYAS) Member and selected as an Indian National Science Academy (INSA) Young Associate, making her one of the few young researchers to receive all three national recognitions in the same year.According to CSIR-CIMAP, the achievement reflects her growing contribution to agricultural science and sustainable crop research. THE SCIENCE BEHIND HER RESEARCHDr Singh holds a PhD in Botany and currently serves as Scientist-D in the Division of Crop Protection and Production at CSIR-CIMAP.Her research goes far beyond conventional crop protection. According to her research profile, she studies plant-microbe interactions, biological crop protection, fungal diseases, eco-friendly disease management, fungicide development and sustainable agriculture. In simple terms, her work explores how beneficial microbes can naturally protect crops from harmful fungal diseases, reducing dependence on chemical pesticides while improving crop productivity. The research also aims to strengthen plant health through environmentally friendly farming practices.For a country where millions depend on agriculture, such innovations could help farmers protect crops while making cultivation more sustainable.A RISING NAME IN INDIAN SCIENCECSIR-CIMAP is one of India's premier research institutes dedicated to medicinal and aromatic plants, with scientists working on agriculture, biotechnology and natural products.Dr Singh has steadily built her career in agricultural science, and the three national honours this year mark growing recognition of her work within India's scientific community.She is among 16 scientists selected for the NASI Young Scientist Award 2026 across multiple disciplines.WHAT IS THE NASI YOUNG SCIENTIST AWARD?Founded in 1930, the National Academy of Sciences, India is one of India's oldest scientific academies.Its Young Scientist Award recognises early-career researchers who have made outstanding scientific contributions and encourages them to pursue high-impact research.Dr Singh will receive the award during the 96th Annual Session and Symposium of NASI, scheduled to be held at Banaras Hindu University on December 4 and 5, 2026.The honour also shines a spotlight on a new generation of Indian scientists developing practical solutions to some of agriculture's biggest challenges, from crop diseases to sustainable food production.- EndsPublished On: Aug 9, 2026 11:24 IST