The Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, has launched the DST-Women’s International Grant Support (DST-WINGS) Program, aimed at providing opportunities for Indian Women scientists, engineers & technologists to gain international-level research experience in advanced research laboratories of global institutions, thereby enhancing their scientific research capabilities. DST has entrusted Indian National Academy of Engineering (INAE) with the implementation of the WINGS program.

The objective of the WINGS programme is as follows:

• To provide opportunities to Indian women students and scientists with the potential to gain exposure and access to excellent research facilities in overseas academia and labs
• To enhance the research capacity and global perspective and to forge long-term relationships of bright women with their peers and potential mentors in STEMM fields, around the globe
• To provide opportunities to build long-term R&D linkages and collaborations
• To tap into the expertise of women researchers for initiating or strengthening national scientific programmes in their respective domain areas

The program includes three modules:

• Module I: WINGS Internship (up to 12 months)
• Module II: WINGS Fellowship (up to 12 months)
• Module III: Wings Science visit (up to one month)

Recently, a four-day residential workshop on the Women in Space and Allied Sciences Leadership Programme (WiSLP) was held from January 21-24, 2025 at the Aryabhatta Hall, Department of Science and Technology (DST), New Delhi, India. The program was organised by DST and the UK-India Education and Research Initiative (UKIERI), India, delivered by the British Council, India and the Coventry University, UK, and hosted by DST and INAE. The initiative focused on supporting institutions and women scientists in fostering and strengthening women’s leadership.