Sethuraman Panchanathan has been named the recipient of the 2026 Arthur M. Bueche Award by the National Academy of Engineering (NAE). The award will be presented on 4 October 2026 in Washington, D.C., during the 2026 NAE Annual Meeting. Panchanathan is the first Indian American and the first Arizonan to receive the award in its more than 40-year history.
Arthur M. Bueche Award
The Arthur M. Bueche Award was established in 1982 and 1983 by the National Academy of Engineering. It honours an engineer for dedication to science and technology, active involvement in United States science and technology policy, promotion of technological development, and strengthening relationships among industry, government, and universities.
Sethuraman Panchanathan: Career and Positions
Panchanathan served as the 15th Director of the United States National Science Foundation (NSF) from June 2020 to April 2025. He has held a faculty appointment at Arizona State University since 1997 and currently serves there as University Professor of Technology and Innovation. In April 2026, Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego appointed him to lead the Phoenix Quantum Strategy.
Important Facts for Exams
- The National Science Foundation is a United States federal agency that supports basic research and education in science and engineering.
- The Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (TIP) was created at the NSF as the first new directorate in 30 years.
- The Padma Shri is one of the civilian honours of India and was awarded to Panchanathan in 2025.
- Arizona State University is a public research university in the United States and Panchanathan has been associated with it since 1997.
Science, Technology and Policy Linkages
The award citation refers to leadership in promoting fundamental science, technology, and policy that advances translational research. Translational research is a scientific process that moves discoveries from laboratory research towards practical applications.
