Chennai: Bio-scientists Prof P N Tandon, president, National Brain Research Centre, and Prof P Balaram, chairman, Biological Sciences Division, Indian Institute of Science (IISC), Bangalore, have been selected as this year''s recipients of the HK Firodia awards for excellence in science and technology.

One of the top neuroscientist in India, Tandon has been selected to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award of Rs 2 lakh for his outstanding contributions in the areas of neurology and neurosurgery. He has also set up a neuroinformatic centre, neural transplant unit, a brain bank. He is also the president of National Science Academy.

Balaram has been selected to receive Rs 1 lakh for his contributions to life sciences. He has authored over 340 research papers and 200 editorials as the chief editor of the magazine Current Science. He is a member of the Science Advisory Committee to the Union Cabinet.

The HK Firodia awards are given to Indian scientists in recognition of their exemplary and outstanding work in any branch of science.