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Fellowship for Women in STEMM Launched at IISc Bengaluru
For decades, the story of women in Indian science has witnessed a similar pattern. They begin with bright academics, then progress steadily, ultimately landing in limited opportunities. It is not a lack of capability or talent, but rather institutional hurdles, societal expectations, and timing that often play against them. Though women continue to lead in critical discoveries and impactful research, their presence declines dramatically in each successive stage. The reasons are covered in complex layers and are rarely discussed. But this week in Bengaluru, the numbers shifted to a real-time experience as a new initiative took center stage. This fellowship for women is aimed at supporting women, right at the point where their careers are most vulnerable and require a launchpad.
Strengthening Women’s Leadership in India’s STEMM Ecosystem
India, one of the countries that strives for advancement and supports innovation, has made a significant move. The launch of the inaugural cohort of India RISE (Research & Innovation STEMM Empowerment) Fellowship at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, marks an important milestone in advancing gender equity in science. 41 women scientists across the country have been selected for this programme, forming a nationally representative group of early-career researchers working across STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine).
The India RISE Fellowship for Women is a Gupta‑Klinsky India Institute at Johns Hopkins University initiative anchored by the U.S.– India Alliance for Women’s Economic Empowerment. The fellowship is designed to be a flexible and part-time programme, which lasts for a year, and addresses the unbroken gender gaps in the Indian innovation and research system. It specifically targets the critical stages at which women researchers face structural barriers and an increased risk of leaving the STEMM workforce.
A Nationally Diverse Cohort from Premier Institutions
The inaugural cohort includes women scientists from 16 States and Union Territories, representing 30 leading academic and research institutions across India. These include IISc, multiple Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), several AIIMS campuses, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) institutes, and prominent public universities.
The fellows are engaged in research areas of high national and global relevance. Their work spans non-communicable diseases, infectious diseases, public health, maternal and child health, digital health and medical devices, artificial intelligence and statistics, and medical diagnostics. Most participants hold advanced academic qualifications, with the majority possessing doctoral or medical terminal degrees, and 61% of the cohort holding PhDs.
Fellowship for Women Design Focused on Retention and Growth
The India RISE Fellowship has been well-structured, backing the women scientists without requiring them step away from their existing professional commitments. Fellows have an online curriculum and the opportunity to manage their time across institutional roles, as it provides a self-paced, live virtual learning environment, along with two in-person convenings in India. The programme includes advanced research training, leadership development, and personalised mentorship, allowing participants to directly apply their learning to real-world research challenges.
A key component of the fellowship is a year-long Capstone research project aligned with national STEMM priorities. Fellows also create Individual Development Plans to guide their research, leadership, and career progression, supported by a triad mentorship model and continuous peer learning.
Leadership Voices Emphasise Early-Career Support
The launch event at IISc Bengaluru featured leadership training sessions, workshops, and a fireside discussion on institutional change. Speakers included Dr Soumya Swaminathan, former Chief Scientist at the World Health Organization and former Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research; Dr Uma Nambiar, Chief Executive Officer of the Bagchi-Parthasarathy Hospital at IISc Bengaluru; Dr Shivkumar Kalyanaraman, Chief Executive Officer of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation; and Dr Usha Vijayraghavan, Dean of the Biological Sciences Division at IISc Bengaluru.
Dr Swaminathan said, “Early-career support is critical, as it is when mentorship and peer learning have the greatest impact. Women are often expected to make disproportionate personal sacrifices, but a fulfilling career in STEMM and a meaningful personal life need not be mutually exclusive. With the right support systems, women can grow into leadership while sustaining both.” This highlights the importance of timely intervention and opportunities that shape and support the women’s ideas. It also emphasizes the systemic support that the fellowship offers rather than individual compromise, which is essential for retaining women’s talent in science.
Building an Inclusive Research Future
By combining research excellence with leadership training and mentorship, the India RISE Fellowship for Women aims to strengthen the pipeline of women researchers and future STEMM leaders. The launch of its first cohort at IISc Bengaluru reflects a focused effort that goes beyond representation to address retention, progression, and leadership for women scientists in India.
As the fellows begin their year-long journey, the programme lays a strong foundation and prioritizes a more inclusive research ecosystem. This enables women researchers to continue contributing meaningfully to India’s scientific and innovation.
