Scientists from IISc, IIT-M, NCBS TIFR bag HUL’s Women in STEM fellowship

Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) on Tuesday announced the winners of the third edition of its prestigious Women in STEM Fellowship. Eight scientists from across the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), and IIT, Madras (IIT-M) were awarded financial grants to pursue doctoral research in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), HUL said in a statement.

As part of their Ph. D., the fellows are to advance research into climate action, sustainability, health, and hygiene — areas vital for the UN’s sustainable development goals (SDGs). Beyond funding, the women will be mentored by HUL’s leadership and renowned academics, the statement added.
The women were awarded at an event held at the company’s R&D campus in Bengaluru, in the presence of distinguished women STEM leaders like Dr Parvinder Maini, scientific secretary, Office of the Principal Scientific Advisor, Government of India, Dr Annapurni Subramaniam, director, Indian Institute of Astrophysics, and Dr Aridni Shah, co-founder and CEO, Immunito AI.


HUL managing director Priya Nair said, “India has made remarkable progress in STEM education, with women comprising an impressive 43% of STEM graduates — the highest globally. At HUL, we are proud to champion this progress by investing in mentorship, forging partnerships with leading institutes, and funding research that empowers women innovators. These efforts are critical not only for creating more opportunities for young women scientists, but also for fostering an inclusive and innovative future.”

“Our commitment to advancing women in STEM began in 2023, with the launch of the (event’s)_ inaugural edition. This… underscores our dedication to creating opportunities for women scientists,” HUL executive director Vibhav Sanzgiri added.

The fellowship is funded through the company’s CSR programme.