India RISE Fellowship: Building the Future of Women Leaders in STEMM
Introduction: A Fellowship with Purpose
India’s scientific ecosystem has expanded dramatically in the last two decades. Women now represent nearly 43% of higher education enrollments in STEMM disciplines, reflecting a growing recognition of their potential. However, progress tapers as careers advance—only 27% of STEMM professionals in India are women, and fewer than 10% hold leadership roles in academia or industry. These numbers reveal the persistence of the “leaky pipeline” problem that sidelines women from leadership pathways. The India RISE Fellowship—where RISE stands for Research & Innovation STEMM Empowerment—was created to change this trajectory. Led by the Gupta-Klinsky India Institute (GKII) at Johns Hopkins University, the program provides women scientists with structured training, mentorship, and research opportunities. Each year, 40 fellows are selected for a 12-month, hybrid fellowship designed to strengthen their research capacity, develop leadership skills, and build professional networks that endure far beyond the program.
The India RISE Fellowship, an initiative of the Johns Hopkins Gupta-Klinsky India Institute, empowers early-career women scientists in India with research training, leadership development, and mentorship. Through a hybrid, year-long program, it bridges the gender gap in STEMM while shaping the next generation of scientific leaders for Viksit Bharat 2047.
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Why the India RISE Fellowship Matters
India’s aspiration to become a developed nation by 2047 (Viksit Bharat 2047) depends heavily on science and technology leadership. Harnessing the untapped potential of women in STEMM is not just a matter of equity—it is also an economic and scientific necessity.
By empowering early-career women at critical decision points in their careers, the fellowship:
Strengthens India’s research ecosystem through inclusive talent development.
Addresses barriers such as lack of mentorship, limited access to funding, and reduced representation in leadership roles.
Ensures that women scientists contribute meaningfully to national and global research priorities.
Thus, the India RISE Fellowship serves as both a professional accelerator and a social equalizer, strategically positioned to drive innovation and leadership in Indian science.
Program Highlights: What Makes It Stand Out
Structured Research Curriculum
The fellowship curriculum, co-developed by Johns Hopkins faculty and Indian experts, provides comprehensive training in:
Research proposal development and project design
Grant writing and funding strategies
Research ethics and integrity
Scientific communication and public engagement
Data analysis and presentation skills
Each fellow applies this training through a Capstone Project directly aligned with India’s national
STEMM priorities. This ensures that learning is not theoretical but translates into applied impact.
Leadership Development Workshops
A series of masterclasses and workshops expose fellows to thought leaders, industry innovators, and experienced academics. These sessions use interactive and experiential learning formats to build confidence and leadership acumen.
Individual Development Plans (IDPs)
Every participant designs a personalized roadmap outlining goals in research, professional growth, and leadership. IDPs serve as living documents, revisited throughout the fellowship to measure progress and adjust strategies.
Clifton StrengthsFinder Assessment
By completing the Gallup StrengthsFinder assessment, fellows gain a deeper understanding of their strengths and potential blind spots. This insight supports more effective collaboration and self-leadership.
Mentorship Model
The fellowship uses a three-tiered mentorship system:
Technical Research Advisor: A faculty member at the fellow’s institution.
Program Mentor: Assigned by the India RISE Fellowship to provide career guidance.
Peer Mentor Network: Collaboration and accountability through the cohort itself.
Access to Networks and Resources
Participants benefit from more than 500 curated resources, including grant listings, fellowship opportunities, conferences, and courses. Fellows also attend two in-person gatherings in India, enhancing networking and
exposure.
Research Grant Competition
The fellowship includes a competitive USD 50,000 research grant challenge. This opportunity supports selected Capstone projects, enabling fellows to secure tangible funding for their research.
Microcredential Certification
Upon successful completion, fellows receive a Johns Hopkins University microcredential, an internationally recognized badge of research and leadership expertise.
Who Can Apply?
The India RISE Fellowship specifically targets early-career women scientists working in India. The eligibility criteria include:
Affiliation with a government-recognized Indian institution.
Indian citizenship or OCI status, with residence in India.
A PhD or postgraduate professional degree (e.g., MD, MS, MTech, DNB).
0–7 years of cumulative research experience (career breaks are considered).
Demonstrated research interest in health or medicine in India.
Commitment to remain in India for the fellowship duration (Jan 2026 – Feb 2027).
Application Process:
Institutions submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to nominate candidates.
Shortlisted applicants receive an invitation to complete the application on the InfoReady platform.
Direct individual applications are not accepted at this stage.
Benefits of
the FellowshipFellows gain both immediate and long-term advantages, such as:
Practical Research Skills: Hands-on experience in designing and executing impactful projects.
Leadership Development: Building confidence to lead teams, secure funding, and shape policy.
Mentorship Support: Guidance from both Indian and international experts.
Recognition: A Johns Hopkins microcredential for professional validation.
Funding Opportunities: Eligibility for the USD 50,000 Capstone research grant.
Collaborative Networks: Access to peer scientists, alumni, and global partners.
Lifelong Access: Continued availability of learning resources post-fellowship.
Timeline and Future Outlook
Pilot Cohort: Runs from January 2026 to February 2027.
Future Cycles: Based on the pilot’s success, the program is expected to open annually. The next cycle (2027–2028) is anticipated to launch in January 2027 (exact date to be updated soon).
Looking ahead, the fellowship plans to expand its scope, reaching underrepresented groups, increasing institutional partnerships, and scaling its impact across India’s scientific ecosystem.
Final Thoughts
The India RISE Fellowship is not just another academic initiative—it is a transformational leadership program that equips women scientists to overcome systemic barriers and lead India’s future research agenda. By investing in women at early-career stages, the program accelerates progress toward gender equity and national scientific advancement.
For researchers, the fellowship represents a rare opportunity to combine learning, mentorship, and funding into one comprehensive platform. For institutions, it offers a model of excellence that can be replicated to strengthen the research ecosystem across India. As India positions itself as a global knowledge leader, initiatives like India RISE will play a pivotal role in shaping inclusive and impactful science.
Program Details at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|
| Program Name | India RISE Fellowship (Research & Innovation STEMM Empowerment) |
| Host Country | India, USA |
| Funded By | Gupta-Klinsky India Institute, Johns Hopkins University |
| Duration | 12 months (part-time, hybrid) |
| Study Mode | Hybrid (virtual + in-person gatherings) |
| Eligibility | Early-career women scientists (PhD/MD/MS/MTech/DNB) |
| Financial Support | Training, mentorship, travel support, eligibility for USD 50,000 grant |
| Fields of Study | STEMM with emphasis on health and medicine |
| Next Deadline | Anticipated September 2026 (to be updated) |
| Official Website | India RISE Fellowship – Gupta-Klinsky India Institute |
References
- Program Overview – India RISE
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the India RISE Fellowship?The India RISE Fellowship is a year-long hybrid program empowering early-career Indian women scientists through research training, leadership development, and mentorship.
Who can apply for the India RISE Fellowship?Early-career Indian women scientists with a PhD or equivalent postgraduate degree in STEMM fields, affiliated with recognized Indian institutions, are eligible.
How long does the India RISE Fellowship last?The fellowship runs for 12 months and combines virtual learning with in-person gatherings in India.
Does the India RISE Fellowship provide financial support?Yes, fellows receive travel support, training resources, mentorship, and can compete for a USD 50,000 research grant.
How many fellows are selected for the India RISE Fellowship?Each cohort includes 40 early-career women scientists chosen through institutional nominations.
What are the main benefits of the India RISE Fellowship?Fellows gain leadership skills, mentorship, research training, peer networking, and an official Johns Hopkins University microcredential.
How do I apply for the India RISE Fellowship?Applications are by invitation only. Eligible institutions submit an Expression of Interest, and shortlisted candidates complete the official application.
What fields of study are supported by the India RISE Fellowship?The fellowship focuses on STEMM disciplines, with a strong emphasis on health and medicine research in India.
When does the next India RISE Fellowship cycle begin?The first cohort runs from January 2026 to February 2027. The next cycle is expected to start in early 2027.
Where can I find the official India RISE Fellowship details?Full program details, eligibility requirements, and updates are available on the official Johns Hopkins India Institute website.
