The National Academy of Engineering (NAE) has named Panchanathan the recipient of its 2026 Arthur M. Bueche Award, recognising his leadership in science and technology policy, technological development and efforts to strengthen connections between industry, government and universities.

He is also the first person from Arizona to receive the award in its more than four-decade history. The honour comes after a career spanning engineering, research, innovation and science policy, including his tenure as the 15th director of the US National Science Foundation (NSF).

It Started With the Moon

Long before he became a prominent figure in American science and technology, Panchanathan was an eight-year-old boy standing in a queue in Chennai. It was 1969, and he had accompanied his father to the American Center to see rocks brought back from the Moon during the historic Apollo 11 mission.

The rocks themselves did not leave the young Panchanathan particularly impressed. What captured his imagination was something much bigger—the extraordinary science and engineering that had made the journey possible.

That fascination with human ingenuity would eventually shape his career.

Shaping Science and Innovation

Panchanathan went on to build an extensive career at Arizona State University (ASU), where he held senior research and innovation positions before becoming its chief research and innovation officer and leading its Knowledge Enterprise. According to ASU, research volume at the university tripled during his tenure in that role.

He later took on one of the most influential positions in US science policy as director of the NSF. During his leadership, the NSF established a new directorate for the first time in more than 30 years. The directorate focused on accelerating the movement of scientific discoveries and technologies towards practical applications, economic growth, national security and societal impact.

Exploring the Next Frontier

Panchanathan has since returned to ASU as a University Professor of Technology and Innovation. His current work focuses on some of the technologies expected to shape the future, including artificial intelligence and quantum computing.

In April, Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego appointed him to lead the city's quantum strategy. He is also exploring how universities and students can adapt to an increasingly AI-driven world, including through stronger partnerships between academia and high-tech industries.

Another Milestone in a Remarkable Journey

Panchanathan was elected to the National Academy of Engineering in 2024, adding one of the highest professional recognitions available to an American engineer to his list of achievements.

His contributions have also been recognised in India. In 2025, he received the Padma Shri. For Panchanathan, however, the latest honour is not simply an individual achievement. He has credited his family, teachers, mentors, students and colleagues for shaping his journey.

Decades after a curious eight-year-old in Chennai looked at the Apollo 11 Moon rocks and wondered about the ingenuity behind them, Panchanathan now stands among the influential figures helping shape the future of science and technology.

The 2026 Arthur M. Bueche Award will be presented to him in October at the National Academy of Engineering's annual meeting in Washington, DC.