Kasturirangan Trust launched in Bengaluru to empower young scientists and drive research

A new initiative to bolster India's burgeoning research ecosystem and honour the legacy of eminent scientist Dr Krishnaswamy Kasturirangan was launched in Bengaluru on Monday. The Kasturirangan Trust aims to nurture young researchers, foster interdisciplinary innovation, and advance practical solutions to key national challenges.

The late Dr Kasturirangan, who led the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and served as a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha, played a pivotal role in shaping the nation's scientific and educational framework. Building on that foundation, the newly established trust will focus on four crucial domains: space and technology, education, sustainability, and public policy.

Empowering the next generation of researchers

To directly support early-career scholars, the trust announced its flagship programme, the Kasturirangan Fellowship 2027. In its inaugural year, the fellowship will select six PhD and postdoctoral researchers whose work spans across the trust's focus areas and offers clear real-world applications.

Each fellow will receive a one-time grant of ₹4 lakh towards research expenditure, coupled with active mentorship, access to a peer community, and opportunities to present their findings at two annual workshops.

A vision for India's scientific leadership

Beyond funding, the trust plans to host national conferences, assist scientific curation, publish research, and collaborate with leading academic institutions in India and abroad. The long-term objective is to establish an institution dedicated to forward-looking research and problem-solving, further solidifying India's standing as a global knowledge hub.

Sanjay Rangan, trustee of the Kasturirangan Trust, said Dr Kasturirangan firmly believed in using research and knowledge to address national priorities. The trust aims to build on this vision by bringing institutions together to develop impactful solutions and mentor future leaders.

For its first year, candidates for the fellowship must be nominated either by leading universities or by prominent figures who worked alongside Dr Kasturirangan. The trust stated that an open application process will follow in subsequent years, widening access for young scholars across the country.