Renowned biologist Chandrima Shaha became first woman to get elected as President of Indian National Science Academy (INSA). She will head INSA from 2020 to 2022 after taking over as president from incumbent Ajay K. Sood. She was formerly Director of the National Institute of Immunology, Delhi.
About Chandrima Shaha
She is currently professor of Eminence at National Institute of Immunology (NII). She is the former Director of NII. She was Vice President (International) of Indian National Science Academy (2016-2018). She is elected fellow of the World Academy of Sciences. Before becoming biologist, she was cricketer and also had worked commentator for All India Radio. As biologist, her key research focused on understanding cell death pathways.
About Indian National Science Academy (INSA)
- It is the apex body of Indian scientists representing all branches of science and technology. It promotes science and its use in India.
- It was originally established in 1935 and was then known as National Institute of Sciences of India until the present name was adopted in 1970.
- It is headquartered in New Delhi. Union Government in 1945 had recognised it as the premier scientific society representing all branches of science in India.