Dr. Kunal Chakraborty, Scientist at the MoES-Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), has won the 2025 Devendra Lal Memorial Medal of the American Geophysical Union (AGU). The award is given annually to an early or mid-career scientist in recognition of outstanding research in Earth or space sciences by a scientist belonging to, and working in, a developing country.
Dr. Chakraborty joins a distinguished group of scientists, leaders and communicators recognized by AGU for advancing science. Each honoree reflects AGU’s vision for a thriving, sustainable and equitable future supported by scientific discovery, innovation and action.
Dr. Chakraborty is a leading oceanographer whose pioneering work in marine biogeochemistry, ecosystem modeling, and ocean applications has advanced scientific understanding of the Indian Ocean’s biogeochemical evolution across both short- and long-term timescales. His research has been instrumental in uncovering the complex linkages between ocean physics and ecosystem functioning, particularly under conditions of environmental change. He developed a high-resolution, coupled ocean-ecosystem model that was incorporated into international assessments, where it outperformed many existing models in accurately reproducing Indian Ocean carbon dynamics. By integrating dynamic modeling with artificial intelligence, Dr. Chakraborty has produced high-resolution data products for air-sea CO₂ flux estimation, providing critical insights into carbon fluxes and ocean acidification, especially in the Indian Ocean.
Honorees will be recognized at AGU25, which will convene in New Orleans, Louisiana, on 15-19 December 2025. Reflecting the theme ‘Where Science Connects Us’ at AGU25, the Honors Reception will recognize groundbreaking achievements that illustrate science’s continual advancement, inspiring the AGU community with their stories and successes.
Dr. Chakraborty is a member of TPSF and has participated actively in the TPSF Mentorship Programme and has contributed to many of the other activities of the Foundation.
To know more about the work of Dr. Chakraborty, please visit his Profile at INCOIS website or write to him kunal.c@incois.gov.in
