The scientific community of India is celebrating as Dr. Niti Kumar, a distinguished scientist from the CSIR- Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI), Lucknow has been recently honored with the SERB Women Excellence Award-2020. This prestigious recognition will be conferred on her by the President of India during the national celebrations for National Science Day (NSD) on 28th February, 2020. Fittingly, this year’s NSD theme is ‘Women in Science’.
Details about the SERB Women Excellence Award
The SERB Women Excellence Award is a one-time recognition given to women scientists who are under 40 years of age and have received acknowledgements from national academies such as via a Young Scientist Medal or being a Young Associate. This award places the spotlight on their exceptional contributions and allows them access to greater resources for continuing their invaluable work.
One of the main benefits associated with this recognition is the research grant attached to it. The winners receive a generous amount of 5 lakhs per annum for a period of 3 years. This grant is provided by the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), which operates under the Ministry of Science and Technology. This financial support enables the researchers to further their studies, make new discoveries, and contribute more significantly to their respective fields.
About Dr. Niti Kumar’s Work
Dr. Niti Kumar has been leading a research group dedicated to unraveling the mysteries of the protein quality control machinery present in human malaria parasites. Their primary goal is finding alternative targets for drugs that can potentially treat malaria. This line of inquiry could lead to breakthroughs in how we handle and ultimately eliminate this debilitating disease.
Awards and Recognitions
Dr. Niti Kumar is no stranger to accolades. Over the years, she has received numerous awards like the Innovative Young Biotechnologist Award (DBT-IYBA, 2015). Moreover, she was awarded the INSA Medal for Young Scientist in 2010 by the Indian National Science Academy. These awards highlight her relentless dedication to scientific exploration and progress.
This recent acknowledgment of Dr. Niti Kumar’s work in the form of the SERB Women Excellence Award-2020 further cements her name in the scientific community as a leader and trailblazer. It is indeed a recognition of her extraordinary efforts and exemplary contributions to the scientific research landscape in India.
Source: PIB