India needs science and science needs women

India’s most pressing challenges, such as public health, climate resilience, sustainable materials, food security, to name a few, demand leadership that understands the realities of the communities, science aims to serve

• Indian women in science face leadership barriers
• Inclusive leadership in science enhances creativity and solutions
• Structural change and equality are vital for India's progress.

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By Bimlesh Lochab

Across India, women enter the sciences in impressive numbers at the undergraduate and master’s levels. Yet beyond that stage, the path narrows sharply. Far fewer make the transition into PhD programmes, and fewer still secure long-term research positions or rise to leadership roles.

This “leaky pipeline” continues to limit the country’s scientific potential. Addressing this challenge is not just about encouraging more women to enrol, it requires sustained mentorship, institutional backing, and real, visible opportunities for advancement.

If India's scientific ecosystem is to accurately reflect the diversity of its society, then equal representation is crucial in funding councils, universities, research labs, decision-making areas, and science policy forums.

Why it matters

The argument for inclusive leadership is straightforward, India cannot afford to lose half its talent pool. A country aspiring to global scientific leadership needs participation from every section of society. Diverse teams are more creative, more effective at solving complex problems, and better aligned with societal needs. Every woman who steps away from science after a master’s degree or PhD represents not only a personal decision, but also a loss of public investment and future leadership.

Representation influences research priorities, funding decisions, workplace culture, and institutional policies, from safety and flexibility to career progression and support systems. Without women in leadership roles, science risks blind spots that limit both its quality and its relevance. Encouragingly, attitudes are shifting with growing support from men, families, institutions, and communities. Momentum is building as barriers are left behind and aspirations align with the dreams many seek to pursue.

Pioneers who broke barriers

India’s scientific history includes women who broke barriers long before inclusivity became a widely discussed priority. This is by no means an exhaustive list, but even a glimpse is powerful. Prof. Asima Chatterjee, a pioneering chemist and the first Indian woman to earn a DSc, laid foundations for antiepileptic and antimalarial drug research. Prof. Janaki Ammal reshaped plant genetics and played a key role in strengthening the Botanical Survey of India. Prof. Anna Mani, often called the “Weather Woman of India,” modernised meteorological instruments and advanced research on solar radiation and ozone. Dr. Kamala Sohonie, the first woman admitted to IISc, made significant contributions to biochemistry and nutrition. Their work did more than advance science; it expanded who was seen as capable of doing it.

Contemporary trail blazers

Contemporary leaders continue to carry that legacy forward. Prof. Rohini Godbole made major contributions to high-energy physics and became a strong national voice for women in STEM, notably through the book ‘Lilavati’s Daughters’.

Prof. Rupamanjari Ghosh, known for her work in quantum and nonlinear optics, has consistently championed interdisciplinary education and inclusive academic leadership, including during her tenure as Vice Chancellor of Shiv Nadar University. Their careers demonstrate that scientific excellence is not defined by gender. More importantly, they show that India’s scientific ambitions and women’s participation in science are inseparable.

When women lead laboratories, shape institutions, and mentor younger scholars, they strengthen the very foundation of India’s knowledge economy.

Across institutions, women scientists are steadily expanding India’s research capabilities. At JNCASR, Prof. H. Ila has made influential contributions to synthetic and mechanistic organic chemistry.

At IIT Delhi, polymer scientist Prof. I. K. Varma broke barriers in 1977 as the first woman professor across all IITs, shaping both the Centre for Polymer Science and Engineering and national research programmes. In her honour, the Society for Polymer Science, India, has instituted the Prof. I. K. Varma Endowment Lecture to encourage women in polymer science. And no reflection on inspiration in Indian science feels complete to me without mentioning Kalpana Chawla and Sunita Williams, whose journeys to space continue to inspire millions. Across institutions, women scientists today are steadily expanding India’s research capabilities. This progress builds on the legacy of pioneers like Kalpana Chawla and Sunita Williams, whose journeys to space have long inspired millions and continue to motivate future generations.

“She Is: Women in STEAM” is an inspiring initiative, led by the Government of India, supported by Principal Advisors, the British High Commission, and allied organisations like the Royal Society of Chemistry. Its mission is to bring women in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics into the spotlight, celebrate their remarkable contributions, and acknowledge the journeys that have paved the way for the achievements of women today. This journey will continue to grow stronger with constructive support from all stakeholders, helping build confidence, encouragement, and sustained momentum for many more women to come forward and lead.

India’s most pressing challenges, such as public health, climate resilience, sustainable materials, food security, to name a few, demand leadership that understands the realities of the communities, science aims to serve. Women scientists often bring perspectives that make research more socially attuned and more equitable.

Dismantling structural barriers

Considering the challenges that many faced, the legacy that India's female scientists have left behind is astounding. However, inspiration is insufficient on its own. The next step needs to be structural change, which includes inclusive policies, equitable leadership pathways, supportive workplaces, and a scientific culture that views diversity as a catalyst for excellence rather than as a symbol. Significant change and encouraging momentum are visible, yet bold and sustained efforts are required from all sides.

For India, gender-inclusive scientific leadership is not just about fairness. It is about competitiveness, innovation, and building a future where science serves everyone. If India truly wants to become a global scientific powerhouse, women must be not only participants but agenda-setters, decision-makers and institution-builders. India needs science and science, truly and undeniably, needs women. The equation is clear. Now it is up to us to act on it. Viksit Bharat is not just a vision of economic growth or global standing; it is a shared journey. It can only be built through equal partnership, shared leadership, and the collective progress of every section of society.