Study in UK: UKIERI Introduces Women in Space Leadership Programme

The latest programme launched by UKIERI is to encourage women’s leadership in science and research. It will be supported by the Government of India’s Department of Science & Technology and the Government of the UK’s Department for Science, Innovation and Technology. The idea is to support around 250 early-career female researchers and also to facilitate knowledge exchange.

UK-India Education and Research Initiative (UKIERI) is India’s and the UK’s flagship bilateral programme. Under UKIERI, the British Council and the Department of Science & Technology (DST) have introduced the Women in Space Leadership Programme (WiSLP). The delivery partner will be Coventry University (UK).

While commenting on this Dr. Vandana Singh, Head, WISE-KIRAN, Department of Science and Technology, said - “We are very happy to launch WiSLP to strengthen gender-inclusive practices in space sciences and allied fields. As India is investing hugely in Space science and allied areas, there are immense opportunities for women researchers to become role models. It’s the time when we should encourage and promote those women who are working in this area and also are at the Early Career Research level.  We will work with the British Council and Coventry University to provide mentoring and leadership development opportunities for women researchers, ensuring a stronger, more diverse representation in science and research. By building a robust support network, we aim to enhance scientific productivity while integrating a gender perspective into critical areas like remote sensing, astrophysics, and telecommunications, among others.”

Michael Houlgate, Deputy Director India, British Council, said, “The British Council is delighted to collaborate with the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India to launch The Women in Space Leadership Programme and we are happy that Coventry University are partnering with us on this important initiative. By supporting women in leadership roles, we hope to create transformative impacts at both the institutional and individual levels. Over the years, UKIERI has facilitated over 25,000 academic exchanges across 4,500 educational institutions, strengthening collaboration across research and industry sectors between India and the UK."

Elena Gaura, Associate Pro-Vice Chancellor (Research) at Coventry University, said, “Coventry University is honoured to collaborate with the British Council and India's Department of Science and Technology on this transformative leadership development initiative for women in STEM and space sciences. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and emphasising an intersectional approach, this project will empower future female leaders, both in the UK and India, to navigate and overcome institutional challenges. Together, we are committed to advancing gender equality, enhancing scientific innovation and building strong, inclusive academic frameworks that will impact generations to come."

Women in Space Leadership Programme: More Details

WiSLP is aiming to establish a women’s leadership development framework which will have more gender-inclusive practices and policies. The program will be designed after discussing with the experts in India.

WiSLP will be underpinned by three foundational pillars of Intersectionality or understanding of women’s identities in different aspects, using leadership theory from STEM and social science, and collaborative culturally sensitive approaches.

This new program will have mechanisms for peer-to-peer mentoring, awareness-building, and networking.

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