A Career in Science
Women in science comprise only a small percentage of the total number of working women in India. Although there is no explicit discrimination against women at the various levels of education, attitudinal biases and absence of supportive institutional/social structures have, over the years, operated as powerful forces against talented women realizing their full potential in the pursuit of productive and rewarding careers in science.
The under-representation of women in science, particularly at the senior levels of teaching and research in India, has become a serious cause of concern for women scientists and women policy planners. Hence there is a need to make women aware of a career in science as a possible option of career and then to retain them in the profession.
In this direction Women in Science Panel has started a new initiative of conducting a series of seminars/ lectures on the topic "Women in Science : A Career in Science". This is a part of their Role Model Program. These seminars will have presentations by leading women scientists about latest developments in their area of activity, to showcase the work done by women scientists to an audience of both the genders.
The main objectives of this initiative are as follows:
- To inspire and motivate young women to take up a career in Science.
- To create an awareness on various career options available to young women scientists.
- To explore avenues for entrepreneur development for women through Science.
Inaugural seminar at Cochin University of Science and Technology
The first inaugural seminar under this initiative was held at Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT), Cochin on 5th April, 2008.
Convener:
Prof. Rohini Godbole, Chair, WiS Panel of the Indian Academy of Sciences.
Co-ordinators:
Dr Padma Nambisan and Dr Sarita G. Bhat, Department of Biotechnology, CUSAT, Cochin.
Date: April 5, 2008
| Subject | Speakers |
|---|---|
| Some new trends in differential equations | Prof. Mythily Ramaswamy TIFR Centre for Applicable Mathematics, Bangalore |
| Properties of molecular organized assemblies at interfaces | Dr Aruna Dhathratreyan Central Leather Research Institute, Chennai |
| The making of a flowering stem: lessons from molecular genetic analysis of flowering plants | Prof. Usha Vijayraghavan Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore |
| Flow instabilities and other challenges in fluid mechanics | Prof. Rama Govindarajan Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), Bangalore |
| Transport, congestion and traps in a communication network | Prof. Neelima Gupte Indian Institute of Technology, Chennai |
| Women power in space science | Dr Geetha Ramkumar Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Trivandrum |
More details
Seminar Poster, Brochure, Report
Seminar at St. Xavier's College, Ahmedabad
This is the second seminar under this initiative, held at the St. Xavier's College, Ahmedabad on 13th September, 2008.
Convener:
Prof. Rohini Godbole, Chair, WiS Panel of the Indian Academy of Sciences.
Co-ordinators:
Dr Riddhi Shah, School of Physical Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi and TIFR, Mumbai.
Dr Shanti Prasanna, Department of Mathematics, St. Xavier's College, Ahmedabad.
Date: September 13, 2008
| Subject | Speakers |
|---|---|
| Making new neurons in the adult brain: Repairing circuits | Dr Vidita Vaidya Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai |
| The mystery of numbers | Prof. Sujatha Ramdorai Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai |
| Evolution of early solar system | Dr Kuljeet Kaur Marhas Physical Research Laboratory, Ahmedabad |
| Women are born for science | Dr Tanuja Kulshreshtha Zydus Research Centre, Ahmedabad |
| How RNA synthesis is regulated: Lessons from the single-celled parasite Entamoeba histolytica | Prof. Sudha Bhattacharya Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi |
| Weather forecasting and its challenges | Dr Kamaljit Ray Indian Meteorological Department, Ahmedabad |
More details
Seminar Poster, Brochure, Report
Seminar at Sanatana Dharma College, Allapuzha, Kerala
The third seminar was held at Sanatana Dharma College, Alappuzha, Kerala on 29th November, 2008.
Convener:
Dr Indira Narayanaswamy, Scientist F, ADA, Bangalore.
Co-ordinators:
Smt. C. P. Deepthi, Head, Department of Mathematics, S.D. College, Alappuzha.
Dr K.H Prema, Department of Chemistry, S.D. College, Alappuzha.
Date: November 29, 2008
| Subject | Speakers |
|---|---|
| Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) programme and aerodynamic studies | Dr Indira Narayanaswamy Aeronautical Development Agency, Bangalore |
| Bio-fertilizers, bio-pesticides & bio-composts for a hazard free agriculture | Dr Jayasree Krishnakutty College of Horticulture, Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur |
| Development of indigenous bio-pharmaceuticals | Dr Lissy K. Krishnan Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences & Technology, Thiruvananthapuram |
| Disaster susceptibilities & options of interventions - Kerala context | Dr K. G. Thara State Disaster Management Authorities, Govt of Kerala, Trivandrum |
| Nanobiology & cancer research | Dr Annie Abraham University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram |
More details
Seminar Poster, Brochure, Report
Seminar on 'Women in Science and Technology' at PAN-IIT, Chennai
The Panel organized a seminar on 'Women in Science and Technology' under the Career in Science initiative at the PAN-IIT convention at IIT Madras, on 20th December 2008.
Conveners:
Dr Neelima Gupte, IIT Madras
Dr Prema Rajagopalan, IIT Madras
Dr Shobhana Narasimhan, JNCASR, Bangalore
Date: December 20, 2008
| Subject | Speakers |
|---|---|
| Equity for women in Science & Technology | Prof. Shobhana Narasimhan Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), Bangalore |
| Women in Physics | Dr Sumathi Rao Harish-Chandra Research Institute, Allahabad |
| Women in Science | Dr Krishna Athreya Iowa State University, USA |
More details
Seminar Poster, Brochure, Report
Seminar on Women in Science & Technology: Career in Science & Technology
Centre for Empowerment of Women, Anna University organized a two-day seminar between 15 and 16 May 2010 in collaboration with WiS Panel of the Academy, at Anna University.
Conveners:
Prof. Hema Achyuthan, Director, Centre for Empowerment of Women, Anna University.
Organizing Committee Members (Anna University):
Dr K. Hemalatha, Dept. of Mathematics
Dr N. K. Ambujam, Centre for Water Resources
Dr S. Lakshmi, Div. of Urban & Traffic Engineering
Dr P. Aruna, Dept. of Physics
Dr B. Umamaheswari, Dept. of Electrical & Electronics Engineering
Dr Kanaga Durga, Dept. of Mathematics
Dr V. Gomathi, Dept. of Electrical & Electronics Engineering
Dr R. Vidya, Institute of Remote Sensing
Dr Radha Ramachandran, Centre for Biotechnology
Date: May 15-16, 2010
| Subject | Speakers |
|---|---|
| Current concepts in Epilepsy management | Dr Prithika Chary Apollo Hospital, Chennai |
| The making of a flowering stem: Lessons from molecular genetic analysis of flowering in model plants | Prof. Usha Vijayaraghavan Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore |
| The Anusat experiences | Dr B. Umamaheswari Anna University, Chennai |
| Statistical characteristics of communication networks | Prof. Neelima Gupte Indian Institute of Technology, Chennai |
| Solitons in Bose-Einstein condensates | Dr Radha Balakrishnan Institute of Mathematical Sciences, Chennai |
| Flavor Physics | Dr Nita Sinha Institute of Mathematical Sciences, Chennai |
| Do women have career choices? Which way now? | Dr Aruna Dhathathreyan Central Leather Research Institute, Chennai |
| Application of isotopes in paleonvironmental studies to understand paleoclimatic shifts | Prof. Hema Achyuthan Anna University, Chennai |
| Using enzymes - Nature's own catalysts for 'Green' chemistry | Prof. Anju Chadha Indian Institute of Technology, Chennai |
| Archaeology as career for women | Dr Sathyabhama Badhreenath Superintending Archaeologist, Chennai |
| Armoured fighting vehicles | Dr R. Prabhavathy DRDO, CVRDE, Chennai |
| Women in science: The Lilavati's Daughters project | Prof. Ram Ramaswamy Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi |
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Special Lectures at Maharani Lakshmi Ammani College for Women, Bangalore
The Panel organized a one day Lecture on the occasion of International Women's day at Maharani Lakshmi Ammani College for Women, Bangalore on 06th March 2012.
Convener:
Prof. Rohini Godbole, IISc Bangalore
Co-ordinator:
Dr Sharmista Sahu, MLACW Bangalore
| Subject | Speakers |
|---|---|
| How do 'soft' materials move when pushed really hard? | Ranjini Bandyopadhyay Raman Research Institute, Bangalore |
| When size matters | Prof. Shobhana Narasimhan JNCASR, Bangalore |
One day lecture on 'Science Career Initiative: Women in Science' at Mount Carmel College, Bangalore
The Panel organized a one day Lecture on 'Science Career initiative: Women in Science' at Mount Carmel College, Bangalore on 09th March 2013.
Convener:
Prof. Rohini Godbole, IISc Bangalore
Co-ordinator:
Dr Mahua Ghosh, MCC Bangalore
| Subject | Speakers |
|---|---|
| Discovery of a new boson particle: Higgs Boson | Prof. Rohini Godbole IISc, Bangalore |
| Social organization in Female Elephants | Prof. Vidya T N C JNCASR, Bangalore |
| Understanding our planet: prespective from an earth scientist | Prof. Attreyee Ghosh IISc, Bangalore |
| Panel Discussion | Prof. Rohini Godbole Dr Prabha Chatterji Dr T.N.C. Vidya Dr Attreyee Ghosh |
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One day lecture workshop on "Women in Science: Career in Science" at SRN Adarsh College, Bangalore
11th March 2014, 9.30 am to 4.00 pm at SRN Adarsh College, Bangalore
Convener:
Prof. Rohini Godbole, IISc, Bangalore
Co-ordinator:
Dr Vijaya B., SRN Adarsh College, Bangalore
Programmes
| 9:30 am | Inauguration | |
| Preliminary Remarks | Dr. Rohini M. Godbole Indian Institute of Science |
View presentation |
| Session-I 10:00 am - 10:45 am |
Ranjini Bandyopadhyay Raman Research Institure, Bengaluru 'The Curious Case of Soft Materials' |
View presentation |
| 10:45 am - 11: 45 am | Tea Break | |
| Session-II 11:00 am - 11:45am |
Gurpreet Kaur Novozymes South Asia Pvt. Ltd. 'Biotechnology in Applied Research' |
|
| Session-III 11:45 am - 12:30 pm |
Urbasi Sinha, Raman Research Institute, Bengaluru | |
| Session-IV 12:30 pm : 1:15 pm |
Prajval Shastri Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bengaluru 'Harnessing Gravity to Glow and Grow: Galaxies and their Black' |
View presentation |
| 1:15 pm - 2:00 pm | Lunch Break | |
| Session-V 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm |
Panel Discussion on 'Women in Science' By: Vidyanand Nanjundaiah, Indian Institute of Science Mukund Thattai, National Centre for Biological Sciences Sheela K. Ramasesha, Indian Institute of Science Prajval Shastri, Indian Institute of Astrophysics Mahua Ghosh, Mount Carmel College |
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Two-day lecture workshop on 'Women in Science: Career in Science' to commemorate Prof. Anna Mani's 96th Birth Anniversary at CMR Institute of Management, Bangalore
Two-day lecture workshop on Women in Science: Career in Science was held between 22 & 23 August 2014 at CMR Institute of Management Studies, Bangaore, to commemorate Prof. Anna Mani's 96th birth anniversary.
Convener:
Prof. Rohini Godbole, IISc, Bangalore
Co-ordinator:
Dr Beena Vinod, CMR Institute of Management Studies, Bangalore
To commemorate Prof. Anna Mani's 96th Birthday CMR Institute of Management Studies
Programmes
| 22 August 2014 | |
|---|---|
| 09:30am | Inauguration |
| 10.30am | Dr Chandrima Shaha A Career in Science: "The pleasure of discovering new things" |
| 11:30am | Tea Break |
| 11.45am | Dr R. Sowdhamini Protein domains and functions |
| 01.45pm | Dr Shubha V Indigenous development at CSIR-NAL for Aerospace and Strategic sectors |
| 02.45pm | Dr Shobhana Narasimhan Designing novel nanomaterials from first principles |
| 03.45pm | Ms. Kalpana Margabandhu Pathways for Technical Women - the Technologistas |
| 23 August 2014 | |
| 09.30am | Dr Dipshikha Chakravortty Bacteria - What makes them good or bad |
| 11:30am | Tea Break |
| Dr Kusala Rajendran "Challenges for Women in Science: Perspective of an Earth scientist" |
|
| 12.45pm | Lunch Break |
| 1.45pm | Panel Discussion |
| Dr Dipankar Chatterji Dr Dipshikha Chakravortty Dr Gaargi Dasgupta Dr Rohini M. Godbole Dr Srinivasan J. |
|
| 3.30pm | Valedictory |
One day lecture workshop on 'Women in Science: Career in Science' at Deen Dayal Upadhyaya College, New Delhi
One day lecture workshop on Women in Science: Career in Science was held on 17 October 2014 at Deen Dayal Upadhyaya College, University of Delhi, New Delhi.
Convener:
Dr Chandrima Shaha, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi
Co-ordinator:
Dr Manoj Saxena, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya College, New Delhi
| Subject | Speakers |
|---|---|
| Scientific career: the pleasure of solving mysteries | Dr Chandrima Shaha National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi |
| Evidence for Hyaluronan Bonding Protein 1 (HABP1) as a Tumor Biomarker | Dr Kasturi Datta Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi |
| Engineering Plants for the Changing Climatic Scenario | Prof. Paramjit Khurana University of Delhi South Campus, New Delhi |
| Photonics Research in India - A Personal View | Dr Niloufer Shroff Electronics Niketan, DEiTY, MCIT Government of India |
| Panel Discussion on Encouraging Women in Science will Enrich Science | Dr Chandrima Shaha National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi Dr Niloufer Shroff Electronics Niketan, DEiTY, MCIT Government of India Prof. Mridula Gupta University of Delhi South Campus Prof. Riddhi Shah Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi Prof. Geetha Venkataraman Ambedkar University, New Delhi Prof. Mini Shaji Thomas Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi |
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One day lecture workshop on 'Women in Science: Career in Science' at Karnataka State Women's University, Bijapur
One day lecture workshop on 'Women in Science: Career in Science' was held at Karnataka State Women's University, Bijapur on 08 March 2015.
Convener:
Prof. Riddhi Shah, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi
Co-ordinator:
Dr M. S. Jogad, Karnataka State Women's University, Bijapur
Programmes
| 9.00 a.m. - 9.30 a.m. | Inauguration |
| 10.00 a.m. - 10.45 a.m. | "Making the most from a Protein Sequence" Dr Lalitha Guruprasad, University of Hyderabad |
| 10.45 a.m. - 11.15 a.m. | "Fun with knots" Dr P. Ramadevi, Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay |
| 11.15 a.m. - 12.00 p.m. | "Chemistry, Biology and Physics of Stars and Galaxies" Dr Annapurni Subramanian, Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bangalore |
| 12.00 p.m. - 01.30 p.m. | Lunch |
| 01.30 p.m. - 02.15 p.m. | "Shape Optimization Problems via the Problem of Queen Dido" Dr. Anisa Chorwadwala, IISER, Pune |
| 02.15 p.m. - 03.00 p.m. | "Eavesdropping of Chitter Chatter at a Synapse using Computational Simulations"? Dr. Suhita Nadkarni, IISER Pune |
| 03.00 p.m. - 04.00 p.m. | Panel Discussion |
| 'Vote of Thanks' followed by Tea |
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