On National Science Day, scientist says India is losing talent as women PhDs exit research track

India’s celebrations of National Science Day came with a pointed reminder from within the community: a scientist argued that large numbers of women who earn PhDs in scientific disciplines are not making it into long-term research and leadership positions, describing the drop-off as a national loss that needs fixing.

The comments underscore a persistent gap between academic achievement and career progression for women in science. While many reach the highest levels of training, the scientist noted that far fewer secure sustained research roles or rise to lead labs and institutions.

That shortfall, they said, deprives the country of trained expertise and weakens its scientific capacity. Framing the issue as both a scientific and national priority, the scientist said India needs science—and science needs women—to meet its ambitions. The concern, as outlined, extends beyond access to education and into the challenges of continuity and advancement over the long term.

Raised on National Science Day, the intervention casts the problem as urgent for research institutions and policymakers alike. The scientist emphasized the need to address why women PhDs fall away before reaching leadership, arguing that without corrective steps, the loss to India will continue.