<h1>Annual awards spotlight researchers shaping AI health, clean energy, open science, and fair career paths in academia</h1> A Chennai-based ceremony honoured postdoctoral researchers and senior academics for contributions to AI-driven healthcare, clean energy, advanced materials, biotechnology, digital education, and sustainable development. Organized by an engineering college with multiple industry and international partners, the event aimed to highlight the legal and policy importance of establishing clearer, sustainable career pathways in higher education and research. Awardees were selected for research excellence and impact on open science, industry collaboration, and policy. Organizers announced the event will become annual, supporting broader dialogue on postdoctoral support frameworks and innovation policy.