Department of Space and Technology Launches Leadership Programme with British Council

The Department of Science and Technology launched the Women in Space Leadership Programme (WiSLP) in collaboration with the British Council, as part of the UK-India Education and Research Initiative (UKIERI).

The Department of Science and Technology (DST) launched the Women in Space Leadership Programme (WiSLP) in collaboration with the British Council, as part of the UK-India Education and Research Initiative (UKIERI). This initiative aims to enhance gender-inclusive practices in institutions and promote women’s leadership in space sciences by establishing a strategic leadership framework. Coventry University serves as the delivery partner for this initiative.

The programme would involve building sustainable mentoring networks and enhancing scientific innovation by integrating a gender perspective into critical areas such as astrophysics and telecommunications.

"This programme is a significant step towards creating a gender-inclusive environment in space sciences. By building a robust leadership framework, we can empower women to contribute meaningfully to scientific research and innovation," said Dr. Vandana Singh, Head of the Women in Science and Engineering (WISE)-KIRAN division at DST.

Michael Houlgate, Deputy Director of the British Council India, highlighted the crucial role of collaboration in addressing global challenges and advocated for greater representation of women in STEM fields. Dr. Elena Gaura from Coventry University, UK, stressed the need to seek women who can transform existing cultures rather than merely replicate them. The programme aims to develop the leadership capacity of 250 early-career researchers, providing them with the tools to navigate gender biases and create a sustainable support network.

Prof. Annapurni Subramaniyam, Director of the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), encouraged women to engage early in the growing field of space science, which is expanding into diverse areas such as engineering and social sciences. Participants in the workshop, including academics and policymakers, discussed the national and global contexts for promoting gender equity in space sciences.

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