At the 80th United Nations General Assembly’s Science Summit 2025 (SSUNGA80), the CSIR–National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR-NIScPR) took center stage, showcasing India’s commitment to gender-inclusive innovation in science. The summit focused on the theme: “Women and Girls in Science: Driving Gender-Inclusive Innovation, Gender Equality, and Breaking Barriers.”
In her welcome address, Dr. Geetha Vani Rayasam, Director of CSIR-NIScPR, emphasized the need to create a work ecosystem that supports women scientists. She stated, “A conducive work ecosystem is essential for women in science. We must break barriers and address inequality with focused, gender-sensitive policies.”
CSIR as a Global Case Study in Gender Equality
As highlighted during the summit, CSIR served as a case study demonstrating India’s growing focus on gender diversity in science and technology. According to Dr. Naresh Kumar, Chief Scientist at CSIR-NIScPR, “Women contribute significantly to scientific progress. Today, 35% of STEM professionals globally are women.”
As per the press release by the Ministry of Science & Technology, the summit aligned with several key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—including SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequality)—reaffirming the importance of inclusive innovation.
Advancing Gender-Inclusive Innovation: Leadership and Policy Insights
Dr. Ranjana Aggarwal, Outstanding Scientist at CSIR, chaired the session on Gender-Inclusive Innovation. She noted, “Over the last three summits, CSIR has prioritized gender diversity. A gender-balanced team is vital for responsible governance.”
Building on this perspective, Dr. Sanjay Mishra, former Senior Advisor at the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, called for robust gender equality frameworks. “We must design and implement gender-sensitive policies that ensure equal opportunities in research and innovation,” he asserted. He also highlighted key national initiatives such as GATI (Gender Advancement for Transforming Institutions) and Vigyan Jyoti, which aim to increase women’s participation in STEM from school to research institutions.
Shaping the Future: From Aspiration to Action
Dr. Bhavani Rao R, UNESCO Chair on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, spotlighted the transformative potential of women in science. She stressed the importance of ethical, bias-free AI systems and compassion-driven research. “We need targeted programs and capacity-building efforts that inspire women to become leaders in science,” she emphasized.
Meanwhile, Mrs. Sandhya Wakdikar, Senior Principal Scientist at CSIR-NIScPR, shared findings from a gender mainstreaming study. “Our survey revealed that women make up only 16.1% of CSIR’s personnel. Institutions must prioritize stress management and supportive work environments,” she noted.
Addressing Structural Barriers: Men as Allies in STEM Equality
In the second session, themed “STEM for a Changing World,” Dr. Akhilesh Gupta, Former Senior Adviser at DST, chaired a critical discussion on systemic disparities. He remarked, “While men have more access to opportunities and resources, ensuring equity is a shared responsibility. Men must also actively support systemic change.”
The panel featured diverse voices from across the globe, including:
- Lt Cdr (Retd) Vartika Joshi, Climeworks Mammoth, Iceland
- Dr. Nadia Asheulova, Director, S.I. Vavilov Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences
- Dr. Sridevi Annapurna Singh, Former Director, CSIR-CFTRI, India
- Dr. Disha Ahuja, Managing Director, Ahuja Engineering Services Pvt. Ltd., India
Each panellist shared insights on promoting gender diversity and inclusion in STEM, reinforcing the urgent need for collaborative global action.
