North American Manipur Association and RIST honour 2025 Research Grant Recipients

The North American Manipur Association (NAMA), in collaboration with the Research Institute of Science and Technology (RIST), Manipur, successfully hosted the 2025 NAMA Research Grant Award Ceremony today at the Conference Hall of the Department of Physics, Manipur University.
The ceremony celebrated and recognized exceptional Ph.D. candidates from Manipur, reaffirming a shared commitment to fostering academic excellence and innovative research within the state.
The Vice-Chancellor of Manipur University, Prof. N. Lokendra Singh, attended as the Chief Guest. In his address, he commended the joint initiative by NAMA and RIST for supporting young researchers in Manipur. He highlighted the program’s alignment with the multidisciplinary approach envisioned in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Recognizing RIST’s contributions to science and technology research, Prof. Singh also addressed the institute’s initial challenges and assured that the previously allocated building for the Electronic Multimedia Research Centre (EMMRC) would be provided for RIST’s office use.
The function was presided over by Dr. Raju Huidrom, General Secretary of NAMA. Distinguished Guests of Honour included Prof. Sumitra Phanjoubam,  Dean of the School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, MU; Prof. S. Jibonkumar Singh, Dean of the School of Human & Environmental Science, MU; and Prof. N. Nimai Singh, Director of RIST, Imphal.
Two researchers were awarded the prestigious 2025 NAMA Research Grant for their groundbreaking academic work: Aheibam Robertson Singh (Department of Anthropology, Manipur University) for his research titled ”Biosocial Predisposition to Hypercalciuria among the Meiteis of Manipur.” Yengkhom Haripriya Devi (Department of Physics, National Institute of Technology Manipur)  for her work on ”Bamboo-Derived Carbon dots@ UiO-66(Hf) Based Hybrid as an Enhanced Electrocatalyst for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction (HER) Applications.”
Additionally, six candidates received honourable mentions for their outstanding applications and demonstrated potential to make significant contributions in their respective fields. Empowering the Next Generation of Scholars
Reflecting on the event, Dr. Thoihen Heisnam, President of NAMA, and Dr. N. Nimai Singh, Director of RIST, issued a joint statement: “The NAMA Research Grant is designed to recognize and nurture exceptional academic talent in Manipur. We are delighted to celebrate these bright minds and their commitment to pioneering research that addresses both local and global challenges.”
The ceremony featured speeches by the awardees, dignitaries, and a formal prize distribution, culminating in a vote of thanks and light refreshments.
The North American Manipur Association is a diaspora organization dedicated to the socio-cultural and educational advancement of Manipur. The Research Institute of Science and Technology, Manipur, is committed to promoting and facilitating scientific research and technological innovation in the region. The ceremony programme includes a keynote address, prize distribution, speeches by the awardees and dignitaries, and a vote of thanks. The North American Manipur Association is a diaspora organization dedicated to the socio-cultural and educational development of Manipur. The Research Institute of Science and Technology, Manipur, is committed to promoting scientific research and technological innovation in the region.