Challenges Facing Women Scientists in India Amid Fellowship Delays
Recent delays in the announcement of results for the Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) fellowships have left many aspiring female scientists uncertain about their academic futures. The Women in Science and Engineering (WISE-PhD) and the WISE-Post Doctoral Fellowships (WISE-PDF) offered by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) have experienced a notable 15-month wait in their results, causing significant distress among candidates.
Impact of Delays on Research Funding
Notably, the complications extend beyond just announcements. Some research grants associated with these fellowships have faced delays of up to 18 months, adding an additional layer of difficulty for recipients. This situation arises during a pivotal period when women constitute only 18.6% of the approximately 362,000 individuals employed in India’s research and development (R&D) sector.
Causes of the Delays
Fellows have pointed to funding limitations and administrative restructuring as the principal causes of these delays. The WISE-KIRAN initiative was restructured in 2018 to address various career gaps for women. Starting from January 2025, several gender-focused fellowships are set to be consolidated under the new Vigyan Dhara program. While this merger is intended to streamline processes, it has led to increased delays in fellowship decisions and funding releases.
Overview of WISE Fellowships
The WISE-PhD fellowship provides financial support of up to ₹35.69 lakh over five years for women pursuing doctoral research in both basic and applied sciences. This opportunity is available to women aged between 27 and 45 who possess postgraduate science degrees. Unlike the WISE-PhD, the WISE-PDF offers ₹42.6 lakh over three years for laboratory-based research aimed at those with PhDs in STEM fields, targeting women aged 27 to 60. This fellowship includes a two-stage selection process where project proposals undergo evaluation by Subject Expert Committees (SECs), leading to interviews for successful candidates.
Comparison with Other BRICS Nations
Despite budget increments toward scientific research, India’s R&D expenditure remains low at 0.64% of GDP for the fiscal year 2020-21. In comparison, other BRICS countries allocate more: Brazil at 1.3%, Russia at 1.1%, China at 2.4%, and South Africa at 0.6%. On August 8, DST’s Jyoti Sharma issued a memorandum indicating a temporary suspension on new project financing under the Vigyan Dhara scheme, citing insufficient funding and the pressing need to support ongoing projects.
Real-Life Implications of Delays
The cascading effects of these delays are evident across the nation. A candidate from Kerala, who applied for the WISE-PDF fellowship in August 2024, was selected for an interview in February 2025. Despite her efforts, she is still awaiting results after seven months, which impedes her ability to effectively plan her research and career trajectory.
Conclusion: A Call for Timely Action
The prolonged delays significantly compromise India’s ambition to enhance female representation in STEM fields. Timely announcements of results and expeditious funding are critical for advancing the careers of women scientists and strengthening the broader research ecosystem in the country.
