Patna: A research scientist Dr Jaya Bharti, native of village Sultanpur under Dhanarua block in Patna district, has received the ‘Best Research Award 2026’ in the Natural Science and Engineering category at a ceremony held in Brandenburg, Germany.
The award was presented by Germany’s minister for science and culture in recognition of her research on green energy storage materials.
Research focused on future battery technology
Dr Bharti is currently working as a research scientist at the University of Potsdam in Germany. Her research focuses on green energy storage materials, an area considered significant for the development of future battery technologies and environmental sustainability.
Her work has drawn international recognition and highlighted contributions by Indian researchers in the field of renewable energy and materials science.
Journey from government school to global research
Dr Bharti completed her early education at a government primary school in Sultanpur under Ward 10 of Dhanarua. She later pursued intermediate studies in Patna, graduated from Delhi University, and completed her MSc. from IIT Gandhinagar.
She subsequently received a scholarship from the French government and earned a PhD from the University of Paris. After completing her doctorate, she undertook postdoctoral research at the Max Planck Institute.
Plans to contribute to research in India
Speaking after receiving the award, Dr Bharti said she hopes to return to India in the future and work as a faculty member at an Indian Institute of Technology (IIT).
“My roots are in Masaurhi. I want to contribute to research and teaching in India,” she said.
She also encouraged students from rural backgrounds, saying that studying in government schools should not be seen as a barrier to achieving international success.
Family and local community celebrate achievement
Dr Bharti’s father, Major Vinay Kumar, an NCC officer at Bhagalpur College, and her mother, Usha Rani, expressed happiness over her achievement.
Residents of Masaurhi and Dhanarua have also welcomed the recognition, describing it as a moment of pride for the region.
