Pune: SPPU Research Scholar Among 11 Indians Selected for Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting
Pune, 4th August 2026: A senior research fellow at Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) has been selected to participate in the 75th Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting in Germany, one of the world’s most prestigious scientific gatherings for early-career researchers.
Sayali Neelima Rajesh Atkare, originally from Amravati, is among only 11 young researchers from India chosen through a multi-stage international selection process involving thousands of applicants worldwide.
Atkare is a DST-INSPIRE Senior Research Fellow in SPPU’s Department of Physics and is pursuing her PhD in the Department of Electronic and Instrumentation Science under the guidance of Dr Shweta Jagtap. Her research focuses on developing electrochemical sensors using metal-organic framework (MOF)-based nanomaterials to detect toxic environmental pollutants, with applications in environmental monitoring and public health.
During the meeting, Atkare interacted with Nobel Laureate Prof Omar Yaghi, a pioneer in the field of metal-organic frameworks closely linked to her area of research.
A native of Amravati, Atkare completed her schooling at Shri Samarth High School and studied at Brijlal Biyani Science College and Shri Shivaji Science College before moving to Pune for her postgraduate studies at Nowrosjee Wadia College. She later joined SPPU for her doctoral research.
Calling the selection a milestone, Atkare said students from smaller towns should not consider themselves at a disadvantage. “With dedication, perseverance and quality education, global opportunities are within everyone’s reach,” she said, crediting her mother, family and teachers for her achievement.
Her research supervisor, Dr Shweta Jagtap, described the selection as recognition of Atkare’s scientific merit and dedication. She said Atkare has presented her work at several national conferences and published research in leading international journals, including Chemical Society Reviews.
The Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting, held annually in Germany since 1951, brings together Nobel Prize winners and promising young scientists from around the world to discuss advances in science, global challenges and future research directions. Participation is regarded as one of the highest honours for early-career researchers.
