The new vanguard of STEM—10 people to look out for

Fashion, art, and culture often take inspiration from the world around us, and that includes the extraordinary minds behind scientific and technological breakthroughs. Just like designers and creatives, scientists and innovators challenge the limits of what’s possible, shaping the way we live, communicate, and express ourselves. The influence of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) reaches far beyond research labs—it’s woven into our daily lives, from life-saving medical advancements to the revolutionary materials transforming fashion, from space exploration to AI-driven creativity.

Today, Bazaar spotlights ten such brilliant minds in STEM who are not only redefining their fields but also shaping the future in ways that touch us all. Whether they are pioneering personalised medicine, developing sustainable innovations, or leading India’s space missions, their work proves that science is more than equations and experiments—it’s a force for change, creativity, and progress.

Arun Shukla—Professor, Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur

Arun Kumar Shukla is reshaping the future of biomedical research, one molecular breakthrough at a time. His work on G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs)—the master switches of cellular communication—is unlocking new frontiers in precision therapies. With a PhD from the Education Max Planck Institute of Biophysics, Frankfurt, Germany and post-doctoral training under Nobel laureates at Duke and Stanford, he is decoding the intricate mechanisms of GPCRs, shaping the future of personalised medicine. Honoured with the Infosys Prize (2023) and the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize (2021), Shukla is positioning India as a leader in structural biology and scientific innovation.

Maneesha S Inamdar—Director at DBT-inStem & Professor at JNCASR

Professor Maneesha S Inamdar has long been at the forefront of stem cell and developmental biology, shaping how we understand and treat disease. Based in Bengaluru, she holds a PhD from the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research and completed her postdoctoral training at the University of North Carolina. Now serving as the Director of the Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (inStem) and a professor at JNCASR, she has spent years exploring the complexities of stem cell biology, with a focus on cardiovascular development and disease mechanisms. Her lab was among the first in India to establish human embryonic stem cell lines, paving the way for crucial research into blood formation and heart development. Honoured with accolades such as the National Bioscience Award and the Dr Kalpana Chawla State Award, she remains deeply committed to advancing biomedical research, mentoring the next generation of scientists, and broadening the scope of what’s possible in regenerative medicine.

Beena Pillai—Chief Scientist, CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, Delhi 

Dr Beena Ramakrishnan Pillai is a senior principal scientist at the CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB) in Delhi, known for her pioneering work in gene regulation and neuroscience. The Kerala born earned her BSc in Microbiology from Mumbai’s Ramnarain Ruia College before pursuing an integrated master’s and PhD at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru. After a postdoctoral fellowship at IGIB, she joined as a scientist in 2004 and has since led groundbreaking studies in gene expression and histone-mediated regulation in the nervous system. Her research explores long non-coding RNAs in neuronal function, polyglutamine disorders like SCA-17, and earthworm regeneration. Her contributions have earned her the CSIR Young Scientist Award, INSA Young Scientist Medal, and the National Bioscience Award. Beyond research, she actively promotes science education, using digital platforms to engage students through seminars and virtual lab sessions.

Madhu Bhaskaran—Professor and Research Leader at RMIT University

Professor Madhu Bhaskaran is an award-winning electronics engineer and innovator known for her pioneering work in functional materials and wearable technology. Based in Australia, she co-leads the Functional Materials and Microsystems Research Group at RMIT University, where her research has driven advancements in stretchable electronics, electronic skin, and wearable sensors—technologies with transformative applications in healthcare and communication. After earning her PhD in 2009, she secured a prestigious Australian Postdoctoral Fellowship to study piezoelectric thin films, laying the foundation for her groundbreaking work. With over 150 publications and multiple patents, Bhaskaran is developing sensor-embedded silicon fabric for sleep monitoring. A key figure in nanotechnology research, she continues to push the boundaries of electronic materials, bridging the gap between cutting-edge science and real-world applications.

Dr Ana Baburamani—Science Advisor, Department of Defence Melbourne​​​​​, Australia 

Dr Ana Baburamani is a leading biomedical researcher specialising in neurobiology and neuroscience. As a senior scientist at the Department of Defence, her work delves into the complexities of brain development and the mechanisms of injury. Her research not only deepens our understanding of how the brain forms and adapts but also plays a crucial role in shaping therapeutic strategies for neurological conditions. By exploring neurodevelopmental processes, Dr Baburamani’s contributions pave the way for potential interventions that could transform the treatment of brain injuries.

Pratiksha Holavannur—Renewable energy specialist

With deep-rooted expertise in renewable energy, Pratiksha Holavannur is shaping the future of solar technology. Her background in engineering, sustainability, and strategic project management, coupled with a decade of experience in the sector, has made her instrumental in driving innovation in behind-the-meter solar solutions—an area critical to decentralising energy and making clean power more accessible. Now a Project Manager at Octopus, she ensures seamless execution, compliance, and strategic growth in renewable energy projects. Armed with an MBA and a background in Electrical Engineering, she not only navigates the technical complexities of the field but also fosters collaboration between industry leaders and policymakers. Committed to innovation and environmental sustainability, she continues to champion solar energy’s role in shaping a greener future.

Dr Maithili Sashindranath—Clinical Project Management and Biomedical Research

Dr Maithili Sashindranath is a leading neuroscientist and Deputy Lab Head of the Vascular Biology Group at the Australian Centre for Blood Diseases, Monash University. With over 15 years of experience, her research bridges haematology and neuroscience, focusing on stroke, brain injury, and small vessel thrombosis to develop new therapeutic strategies. A PhD graduate from the University of Melbourne, she has contributed to multiple NHMRC project grants and remains committed to advancing neuroprotection and recovery. Beyond her research, she advocates for gender equity in STEM, balancing her scientific work with a passion for baking and yoga. Her dedication to understanding and treating neurological disorders continues to shape the future of stroke intervention and brain health.

Rifath Shaarook—Founder, CEO, Catalyx Space 

Rifath Shaarook first gained global recognition at 18 when he led the development of KalamSat, the world’s lightest satellite, which weighed just 64 grams. Launched by NASA in 2017 and named after Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, the 3D-printed satellite demonstrated the potential of carbon fiber in aerospace engineering. Building on this breakthrough, Shaarook founded Catalyx Space, a spacetech startup focused on democratizing access to space through satellite buses designed for research, manufacturing, and commercial applications in low Earth orbit. Under his leadership, the company recently secured $1.7 million in pre-seed funding to develop its platform. Passionate about miniaturized technology and affordable space solutions, Shaarook continues to push boundaries in the industry, proving that impactful innovation isn’t limited by scale. His journey from a young space enthusiast in Tamil Nadu to a pioneering entrepreneur exemplifies the future of accessible and cost-effective space technology.

Dr Pallavi Tiwari—Vilas Distinguished Achievement Professor, University of Wisconsin

Dr Pallavi Tiwari is harnessing the power of AI to transform how we detect and treat cancer. As an Associate Professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Co-Director of Imaging and Radiation Science at the Carbone Cancer Center, she’s developing machine-learning tools that refine MRI analysis, making diagnoses more precise and personalised. Previously, she led the Brain Image Computing Lab at Case Western Reserve University, bridging technology and medicine to improve patient outcomes. With over 60 research papers, 15 patents, and accolades like the Johnson & Johnson Women in STEM²D Scholars Award, her work is shaping the future of AI in healthcare, backed by institutions like the National Cancer Institute and the Department of Defense.

Anang Tadar

A young teenager from Arunachal Pradesh, Anang Tadar saw how difficult navigating the world could be for visually impaired people. So, he built something to help—a wearable device called Goggle for Blind (G4B). An assistive device, G4B uses ultrasonic and infrared sensors to help visually impaired individuals detect obstacles. Inspired by echolocation, the device translates spatial data into vibrations, allowing users to navigate safely. Recognised with the National Grassroots Innovation Award, his work is now focused on making G4B commercially available to improve accessibility and independence for the visually impaired.
 

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