Indian National Science Academy Women Associate (IWA)
About
Indian National Science Academy (INSA), New Delhi, represents over 1000+ top scientists in natural sciences, engineering, mathematics, and medicine, as well as their applications to industry and society. The Academy’s primary objective is to foster science and its applications across the country through various initiatives and through all the stakeholders of science. Throughout its existence since 1935, the distinguished fellows of the Academy have made significant contributions to science and society. The number of women involved in scientific endeavours remains rather low in our society, which is also reflected in the smaller number of women fellows in the academy. The INSA Council has thus initiated a new category of INSA Women Associates (IWA) to foster greater diversity, inclusion and gender equity. This would allow the women engaged in various diverse sectors like government, academia, industry, R&D, NGOs, and startups, etc. to connect with the academy and its activities, as well as launch new activities. This effort also aims to provide greater connect and role models for the next generation of women, thus diminishing the gender gap.
Guidelines for the Selection Procedure:
1. The nominee must have a proven track record of impact in any of the diverse areas encompassing Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Social Sciences (economics, sociology, psychology and geography) and Medicine its applications and use. The nominee must have demonstrated excellence in basic or industrial R&D, Industrial practices, Science Communication, Science in Translation, Science for Society, Science Popularization, Innovation, and Startups.
2. The nominee must be a citizen and domicile of India, currently holding a position in academia, industry, the R & D sector, or NGO, or having a startup in any of the above-mentioned fields.
3. Any nominee below 65 years of age as of December 31 of the preceding year and not a Fellow of INSA shall be eligible for the nomination of IWA.
4. The Governing Body (GB) of the IWA will consist of the INSA President (Chair), one Vice-President, two Council members, and the Executive Director, Non-Member Secretary alongside additional members from academia, industry, and NGOs. This Body will serve as the search and selection committee for appointing the founding members of the IWA. The tenure of the GB will be three years, with one-third of its members rotating annually. The GB will establish the selection procedure guidelines, framework, and bylaws of the IWA, with approval required from the INSA Council before implementation.
5. President, of INSA will be the Chairperson of the IWA Governing Body and search-cum-selection committee for the founding members of IWA. For the following years, the President or his / her nominee will be the Chairperson of the IWA selection committee.
6. One of the Council members can be designated as a representative of the IWA Governing Body.
7. The first founding members up to 70 will be selected by a Governing Body which will act as a Search-cum-selection committee. The recommendations/shortlisted members by the Committee will be vetted by the Council.
8. Eventually, these founding members will frame their selection procedure for adding new members every year.
9. Second year onwards, up to 70 members will be selected following the approved selection procedure. The term of members will be for a period 5 years or up to attaining the age of 65 years.
10. In five years, around 350 members will be included in IWA.
11. The performance of IWA members will be reviewed on or before 5 years. If it is found satisfactory, they can be further re-elected. Any member can serve for a maximum period of 4 terms or till the age of 65 years.
12. The membership distribution for up to 70 founding members is as under: About 50% will be from Academia and R&D. The remaining will be from sectors like Industry, NGO, and start-ups.
13. IWA will take prior approval for its proposed activities from the Council.
14. INSA will initially allocate up to Rs. 20 lakh per year from the core grant for organizing activities of IWA. Funding may be provided for specific programs that fall within the broad activities of INSA. The allocated funds will be managed by the INSA accounts department only. IWA will produce a bill for reimbursement or may ask for advance release of funds, and the bills for all activities following GFR guidelines need to be sent to INSA within 30 days after the completion of the activities. An additional budget will be made available on the recommendation of the IWA Governing Body for the approval of the President, INSA after submission and proper justification of the requirement.
15. The Chair of IWA will prepare an annual report of the activities, which should be sent to INSA every financial year. The Chair / Member will present a brief of IWA activity to the Council of INSA every year in the December council meeting.
16. For any dispute, the decision of the President, INSA will be final and binding.
17. Once any IWA member is elected as Fellow of INSA. She will no more to be considered as IWA member