CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (Diya TV) — Two Indian-origin researchers, Nabarun Dasgupta and Teresa Puthussery, have been named 2025 MacArthur Fellows, one of the most prestigious honors in the United States, recognizing creativity, innovation, and lasting social impact. The announcement came Tuesday from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, which revealed a new class of 22 fellows across disciplines, including science, arts, and public policy.
The MacArthur Fellowship, often called the “Genius Grant,” celebrates individuals who show exceptional creativity and dedication to improving society. Each fellow receives a $800,000 no-strings-attached grant over five years, allowing them to continue their work with financial independence.
Among this year’s recipients, Nabarun Dasgupta and Teresa Puthussery stand out for their efforts to combine research and compassion in addressing real-world problems. Their recognition highlights the growing global influence of Indian-origin scientists and thinkers in shaping public health and education policy.
Nabarun Dasgupta, an epidemiologist and harm reduction advocate at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, earned recognition for his groundbreaking work tackling the opioid crisis. His research bridges public health science and community engagement to reduce drug-related deaths and harms.
“Our mission is science in service,” Dasgupta said in a statement released by the university. “We want people to have access to the best knowledge and tools, so they can make better decisions about what they put in their bodies.”
For more than a decade, Dasgupta has worked on data-driven solutions to improve drug safety. He co-founded Project Lazarus, a North Carolina-based nonprofit focused on overdose prevention, and has advised national and international health agencies. His work has influenced opioid policy, harm reduction programs, and public education campaigns across the United States.
Experts say his recognition reflects a shift toward community-based science. “Nabarun’s work shows that compassion and evidence can go hand in hand,” said one public health colleague at UNC. “He connects people and data in ways that truly save lives.”
Teresa Puthussery, also recognized as a 2025 MacArthur Fellow, is known for her work in education and social development. Based in California, Puthussery’s research focuses on expanding learning opportunities for marginalized communities. She designs educational programs that support first-generation students, immigrants, and low-income families. Through her community-based initiatives, Puthussery has helped schools develop inclusive curricula and foster stronger relationships between educators and local families. Her work emphasizes equity, empathy, and long-term social change.
The MacArthur Foundation praised her for “building bridges between education systems and communities, ensuring that all students—regardless of background—have the opportunity to succeed.” Since its launch in 1981, the MacArthur Fellowship has honored more than 1,000 individuals whose work has reshaped fields ranging from art to science. Past fellows include authors, medical researchers, human rights advocates, and environmentalists.
The foundation does not accept applications or nominations; instead, it selects fellows through a confidential process. Recipients are often surprised by the announcement, learning about the award through an unexpected phone call from the foundation.
This year’s fellows, according to the MacArthur Foundation, “demonstrate the power of individual creativity to advance collective well-being.” The recognition of Dasgupta and Puthussery adds to a growing list of Indian-origin innovators shaping global progress.
