ASU Professor Sethuraman Panchanathan Wins National Academy Of Engineering Award

India-West News Desk

PHOENIX, AZ – Sethuraman Panchanathan, Arizona State University’s University Professor of Technology and Innovation and former director of the National Science Foundation, has been named the recipient of the 2026 Arthur M. Bueche Award by the National Academy of Engineering.

Panchanathan is the first Indian American and the first Arizonan to receive the award, which has been presented for more than 40 years. The honor recognizes contributions to U.S. science and technology policy, technological development and the relationship between industry, government and universities.

The National Academy of Engineering cited Panchanathan for “leadership in promoting fundamental science, technology and policy that advances translational research and expands opportunities nationwide.”

The award will be presented in October at the National Academy of Engineering’s annual meeting in Washington, D.C.

Panchanathan served as the 15th director of the National Science Foundation, with his tenure spanning the COVID-19 pandemic and the race to develop a vaccine. During his time at the NSF, the agency also created its first new directorate in more than 30 years. The directorate focuses on moving science and technology toward economic progress, national security and societal impact in communities across the country.

“I’m honored and humbled by this recognition,” Panchanathan said. He added that such awards are not only about an individual but also about the many people who contributed to the work being recognized. He credited his family, teachers, mentors, students and colleagues for inspiring and supporting him throughout his career.

Before joining the NSF, Panchanathan led Arizona State University’s Knowledge Enterprise and served as the university’s chief research and innovation officer. During that period, the university’s research volume tripled and ASU was named the most innovative university in the country by U.S. News & World Report.

Panchanathan returned to ASU after his NSF tenure. His current work includes artificial intelligence, quantum computing and the future of higher education. In April, Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego appointed him to lead the city’s quantum strategy.

The University of Arizona President Suresh Garimella nominated Panchanathan for the Bueche Award. Garimella said he had seen Panchanathan’s scientific vision and commitment to expanding opportunity across his various roles.

“I am delighted to congratulate my friend and colleague Sethuraman Panchanathan on this well-deserved recognition from the National Academy of Engineering,” Garimella said.

Panchanathan’s interest in science dates back to his childhood in Chennai. In 1969, when he was 8 years old, he stood with his father and hundreds of others outside the American Center in the city to see moon rocks brought back by the Apollo 11 mission.

“The rocks were just rocks,” Panchanathan recalled. “But what fascinated me was all the human ingenuity and scientific prowess that went into bringing them here.”

Panchanathan was elected to the National Academy of Engineering in 2024. In 2025, he received the Padma Shri, one of India’s civilian honors. He has also been recognized by Indiaspora and the U.S.-India Strategic Partnership for his contributions and work connected to the Indian-American community and U.S.-India relationship.

The Bueche Award was established in 1982 and is presented annually at the National Academy of Engineering’s annual meeting.