Dr. Sushmee Badhulika, Associate Professor, Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IIT-H), has been honoured with the prestigious Indian National Academy of Engineering (INAE) Young Engineer Award 2017 in recognition of her notable contribution in the field of flexible and wearable nanoelectronics and eco-friendly paper based electronics.

Her research group at IIT has developed a low cost, artificial electronic skin (e-skin) beneficial to acid attack and burn victims where a part of the skin is permanently damaged and loses functionality. The e-skin mimics the functionality of the human skin in terms of sensing even minor pressure and strain variations and is based on natural rubber which is low cost and biodegradable. Further, the technique adapted is solvent-free thus making the fabrication simple and viable for commercialization.

The group also focuses on developing electrochemical nanosensors for food and water safety and nanomaterials for supercapacitor applications.

The award is presented annually by the Academy to young engineers working in academia, government, R&D laboratories and industry for their outstanding contributions in the field of Engineering research and technology development.

The Award consists of a cash prize of Rs.1 lakh, a citation and recognition as an INAE Young Associates till attaining 45 years of age.