Syngene, RICH Expand Women in STEM Initiative
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Leading provider of integrated research, development, and manufacturing services, Syngene International Ltd. , has teamed with the Biocon Foundation and the Research and Innovation Circle of Hyderabad (RICH) to introduce the third group of its signature women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) scholarship and mentorship initiative. By means of financial assistance, business exposure, and hands-on research experience, the programme seeks to empower tier two and tier three women from Indian institutions. 40 women were selected to take part in the program this year following a rigorous selection process considering academic achievement, research skills, and socioeconomic level. The main objective continues to be helping underprivileged and underrepresented groups of students. Project-based internships in respected government research institutions like the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CSIR–CCMB) as well as in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors make up the curriculum. The program has expanded in scope and influence since its beginning in 2022 with 21 students. Over fifty women in the first two cohorts gained more. Many of them stayed in their internships, went after advanced degrees, or found full-time research employment. The success of the program has improved its reputation as a starting point for young female scientists from disadvantaged areas even further. The selected candidates engage in research internships meant to boost their self-assurance and professional skills, in addition to industry exposure visits, technical seminars, and mentoring sessions. In study contexts, the aim is to link academic knowledge to actual application rather than to just offer technical information. The project tackles the ongoing gender inequality in India’s STEM fields. The Syngene-RICH initiative seeks to solve problems including financial constraints, little industry exposure, a mentor shortage, and limited access to scientific infrastructure women from smaller towns still face. It does this by establishing a supportive and orderly environment that helps women to notice and pursue scientific jobs. Pramuch Goel, Head of Corporate Affairs at Syngene International, remarked, “As an innovation-driven company, Syngene hopes to grow talent around the country. ” This project will help to create a more hospitable research environment in addition to provide for India’s scientific future. According to Dr. Parvinder Maini, Scientific Secretary in the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, “This effort is not just an educational one but also a regional model linking science to society. ” “Empowering women in STEM calls for continuous cooperation and organised mentoring. ” The partnership between Syngene, Biocon Foundation, and RICH is one notable step toward inclusive science. Participants have discussed how the program has changed their views. Revathi Karamalla, a member of the second cohort, said, “Before this course, I wasn’t aware of what a career in STEM would seem like. ” “The mentorship, workshops, and lab experience gave me direction and confidence. ” Coming from a small village, I never imagined I would work in a leading pharma lab or interact with real scientists,” said Abhirami K. , a member of the current cohort. The long-term impact of the initiative was highlighted by Biocon Foundation Mission Director Dr. Anupama Shetty, who noted that it is opening doors that I was previously unaware of. Promoting equity in STEM is essential for national development. This initiative helps talented women become successful scientists by resolving major access and mentoring gaps. We are committed to developing this pipeline of next academics. “In just two years, we’ve seen young women from tier two and three colleges get into industry labs and research jobs,” said Ms. Rashmi Pimpale, the CEO of RICH. Rather than a luxury, this is a need for India’s scientific development. One woman at a time, the Syngene-RICH project is changing India’s STEM education landscape by means of continuous cooperation and hard effort.
