International Conference on Women in Quantum Science & Technology Inaugurated in Kolkata
A three-day international conference themed "Women in Quantum Science & Technology" kicked off on July 17, 2024, at the S N Bose Centre for Basic Sciences in Kolkata. This event is part of a year-long celebration marking Bose Einstein Statistics.
Recognizing Women’s Contributions
Professor Abhay Karandikar, the Chief Guest and Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), delivered a keynote address online at the conference. He emphasized the importance of acknowledging women’s contributions in the realm of quantum science as India embarks on the second quantum revolution and accelerates its National Quantum Mission (NQM). “It’s a matter of great pride that women constitute a significant portion of India’s dedicated quantum community, playing pivotal roles in establishing the nation as a global leader in this field,” he remarked, addressing a distinguished audience of accomplished women scientists.
Celebrating the Legacy of S.N. Bose
The conference celebrates the legacy of S.N. Bose, who in 1924 authored a transformative publication that contributed to the development of quantum mechanics. His work, alongside that of Planck, Einstein, and Bohr, helped shape the modern understanding of fundamental particles, with half of them—BOSONS—named in his honor.
Honoring Pioneering Women in Science
Prof. Tanusri Saha Dasgupta, Director of the S N Bose Centre, highlighted notable women pioneers in science, such as Dr. Purnima Sinha, the first woman to earn a Ph.D. in Physics from Calcutta University, and Dr. Ashima Chatterjee, known for her groundbreaking work in Chemistry. Both scholars worked under S.N. Bose, who believed in equality in scientific endeavors regardless of gender.
Need for Supportive Environments
Dr. A. Dhanalakshmi, Joint Secretary of DST, pointed out that women currently represent only 20% of the workforce in Science and Technology and stressed the necessity of creating supportive environments for them to thrive.
A Diverse Representation
The conference attracted a broad range of attendees, including prominent figures like Prof. Umesh Waghmare from JNCASR, Prof. Indranil Manna, President of INAE, and Prof. Rohini Godbole from IISc Bangalore, among numerous women quantum scientists, faculty members, and students.
Insights and Challenges Faced by Women Scientists
The second day of the conference featured presentations by women scientists from both India and abroad, showcasing their pioneering work in quantum science. Dr. Ekta Kapoor, head of the FFT Division at DST, and Dr. Vandana Singh, head of the WISE-KIRAN Division at DST, shared insights on the National Quantum Mission and initiatives under the WISE-KIRAN programme.
During discussions, the women scientists candidly addressed the biases and challenges they face at home and in professional settings. However, they also expressed optimism, noting that changes are occurring in innovative problem-solving strategies and work-life balance approaches. They emphasized the importance of policy reforms and shifts in societal attitudes to enable more talented women scientists to significantly contribute to advancements in Science and Technology.
Through this conference, the commitment to strengthening the representation and impact of women in quantum science is clear, marking a vital step towards equality and excellence in the scientific community.
