Wed Jan 15 17:29:32 UTC 2025: ## Indian National Science Academy Broadens Fellowship Criteria, Sparks Debate
**NEW DELHI, January 16, 2025** – The Indian National Science Academy (INSA) has sparked debate by significantly altering its fellowship selection process, including prominent non-scientists in its annual list for the first time. The 90-year-old academy, traditionally composed primarily of research scientists, has inducted several high-profile figures, including Sudha Murthy, Rajya Sabha MP and Infosys Foundation Chairperson; her husband N.R. Narayanamurthy; Infosys co-founders Nandan Nilekani and Krish Gopalakrishnan; and water conservationist Rajendra Singh.
INSA President Ashutosh Sharma justified the move, explaining that the academy aimed to improve diversity and recognize contributions beyond traditional scientific publications. Two new fellowship categories, “Science in Translation” and “Science in Society,” were created to accommodate individuals who have significantly impacted science through funding, leadership, or societal application. The inclusion of individuals like Ms. Murthy, Mr. Gopalakrishnan, and others reflects a recognition of their crucial role in funding scientific research and fostering technological innovation.
The decision has not been without criticism. P. Balaram, an INSA member and former Director of the Indian Institute of Science, expressed concern about the “en masse” inclusion of wealthy individuals with potentially tenuous connections to science. He raised concerns about the precedent set, particularly considering the historical difficulty in recognizing prominent figures like A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and Satish Dhawan due to a lack of recent scientific publications.
Historically, INSA fellowships were primarily awarded based on peer nominations and a rigorous evaluation of scientific publications. The shift represents a broader acknowledgment of the diverse stakeholders involved in advancing science in India, moving beyond a strictly publication-based assessment. While the INSA emphasizes the importance of recognizing those who “use” science as well as those who “create” it, the inclusion of prominent non-scientists continues to generate discussion within the scientific community.
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