Incoming UT-ORNL Governor’s Chair for Quantum Devices Deep Jariwala has been named a finalist for the 2026 Blavatnik National Awards for Young Scientists. The prestigious awards recognize scientific advances made by researchers in the United States across life sciences, chemical sciences, and physical sciences and engineering.

Jariwala, who joins the Tickle College of Engineering faculty in January 2027, is one of 18 finalists this year, including one of six in the life sciences and engineering category. Jariwala is recognized for inventing next-generation electronic materials and devices that are advancing computer memory, optical sensors, and quantum technologies, with prototype chips now being built for the aerospace industry.

The Blavatnik National Awards Laureates will be announced on October 6 during the Blavatnik Awards ceremony at the American Museum of Natural History in New York. Each laureate will receive a $250,000 prize—the largest scientific award available to early-career scientists in the United States. The remaining 15 finalists will each receive $15,000.

This year’s finalists were selected by an independent panel of distinguished scientists. A total of 372 young scientists were nominated, representing 187 academic and research institutions across 43 states and the District of Columbia.

Established by the Blavatnik Family Foundation in 2007 and independently administered by The New York Academy of Sciences, the Blavatnik Awards have played a vital role in identifying outstanding early-career scientists and providing the support needed to accelerate scientific discovery and innovation. By the end of 2026, the Blavatnik Awards will have bestowed more than $20 million to over 500 scientists across 120 research institutions around the world.

Contact

Rhiannon Potkey ([email protected])