IIT Ropar Director Rajeev Ahuja receives National Systems Gold Medal

Professor Rajeev Ahuja, Director of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Ropar, has been awarded the National Systems Gold Medal by the Systems Society of India (SSI) for his contribution to Systems Science and Engineering. The award was presented during the 49th (Inter) National Systems Conference at Dayalbagh Educational Institute in Agra.

The conference was held from September 21 to 23, 2026, with the theme “Integrated Intelligent Systems for People and Planet.” The National Systems Gold Medal is presented to individuals recognised for significant contributions to a branch of Systems Science and Engineering and is the highest award instituted by the Systems Society of India.

Ahuja expressed his appreciation for the recognition and credited the wider IIT Ropar community, including its students, faculty members, researchers and staff, for their contribution to the institute’s work. He also said the honour would encourage continued efforts towards addressing challenges relevant to society and the environment.

The National Systems Gold Medal has previously been awarded to several prominent figures in Indian science and technology. Among them are former President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, who received the honour in 1997, and former ISRO Chairman Dr K Sivan, who was awarded the medal in 2018.

Also Read: Oxford University Press, Canva bring creative digital learning to Indian Schools

Ahuja currently serves as Professor and Director at IIT Ropar. His academic and research work has focused extensively on computational materials science, with research interests including energy-related areas such as batteries, hydrogen storage and production, sensors and high-pressure physics. IIT Ropar’s official profile notes that he has published more than 1,200 scientific papers and has supervised doctoral and postdoctoral researchers.

The latest recognition adds to Ahuja’s recent professional honours. In June 2026, he was also conferred the Chief of Army Staff Commendation for contributions related to defence research and innovation.