On the occasion of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science (11 February), SPACE India presents “Women Who Power Space”—an intergenerational academic panel discussion dedicated to advancing dialogue on women’s leadership in space science and STEM.
Conceived and hosted by SPACE India, this open-access online programme reflects the organisation’s long-standing commitment to inclusive and equitable science education. Dr. Sachin Bahmba, Founder and CMD of the SPACE Group, is a strong advocate of gender equality in STEM and has consistently championed initiatives that encourage girls and young women to pursue careers in science, space research, and technology-driven innovation. Under his leadership, SPACE India has actively worked towards creating accessible scientific platforms that amplify diverse voices and enable equal participation across generations.
Despite notable progress, women continue to remain underrepresented in advanced research, leadership, and innovation roles—particularly within space science and deep-technology domains. This panel seeks to address this gap through informed academic discourse, institutional perspectives, and lived experiences shared by women leaders from research, policy, industry, and emerging scientific communities.
The programme offers participants insight into scientific career pathways, research culture, academic ecosystems, and the long-term pursuit of science as an intellectual discipline. Through moderated discussion and interactive engagement, the session aims to inspire reflection, aspiration, and informed participation in the future of STEM.
Current Programme
Women Who Power Space is a flagship online academic panel discussion by SPACE India, open to students, educators, researchers, and space science enthusiasts worldwide. Curated to foster thoughtful dialogue, the programme balances intellectual depth with accessibility, ensuring meaningful engagement for learners across age groups and academic backgrounds.
Programme Objectives
Highlight diverse academic and professional journeys in space science and STEM
Provide informed guidance on higher education, research, and innovation pathways
Foster dialogue on gender equity, scientific leadership, and science policy
SPACE India is honoured to present an eminent panel of women leaders whose contributions span research excellence, international advocacy, and emerging scientific achievement:
Prof. (Dr.) Annapurni Subramaniam, FASc., FNASc. Director, Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bengaluru
A distinguished astrophysicist and academic administrator, Prof. Subramaniam has made landmark contributions to stellar astrophysics and continues to shape India’s astronomical research ecosystem and institutional leadership.
Ms. Mamta Pommier Chair, International Astronomical Union (IAU) – Women in Astronomy Working Group
A global advocate for gender equity in astronomy, Ms. Pommier works at the intersection of science, policy, and inclusion, advancing representation and collaboration across the international astronomical community.
Ms. Banita Dash Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar Awardee (2022) | Asteroid Discoverer
Representing the next generation of scientific talent, Ms. Dash exemplifies the power of early curiosity and perseverance, inspiring young learners to pursue discovery-driven pathways in space science.
Event Details
Date: 11 February 2026
Time: 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM (IST)
Platform: YouTube Live (via SPACE India’s official channel)
The programme will feature a moderated panel discussion, followed by an interactive Q&A session. E-certificates will be awarded to all registered participants.
SPACE India – “Building a future where talent, not gender, defines leadership in science.”
Achievements
We have successfully organized various programs such as Astronomy fairs and competitions with the objective to create enthusiasm among people and inculcate scientific temper among the masses.
Science outreach has been conducted at popular locations
SPACE has conducted Heritage Walk with Archaelogical Survey of India at Jantar Mantar
Science Activities were conducted at public event ‘Raahgiri’ where the public participated with great enthusiasm.
In 2022, SPACE conducted an online quiz with iAstronomer students and a webinar where eminent speakers like Prof. (Dr.) Dipankar Banerjee, Director, ARIES observatory and Prof. (Dr.) PrajvalShastri Adjunct Professor, ICRAR, Australia was invited.https://youtu.be/WIgfykPHSPg
International Day of Women and Girls in Science
Overview
On the occasion of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science (11 February), SPACE India presents “Women Who Power Space”—an intergenerational academic panel discussion dedicated to advancing dialogue on women’s leadership in space science and STEM.
Conceived and hosted by SPACE India, this open-access online programme reflects the organisation’s long-standing commitment to inclusive and equitable science education. Dr. Sachin Bahmba, Founder and CMD of the SPACE Group, is a strong advocate of gender equality in STEM and has consistently championed initiatives that encourage girls and young women to pursue careers in science, space research, and technology-driven innovation. Under his leadership, SPACE India has actively worked towards creating accessible scientific platforms that amplify diverse voices and enable equal participation across generations.
Despite notable progress, women continue to remain underrepresented in advanced research, leadership, and innovation roles—particularly within space science and deep-technology domains. This panel seeks to address this gap through informed academic discourse, institutional perspectives, and lived experiences shared by women leaders from research, policy, industry, and emerging scientific communities.
The programme offers participants insight into scientific career pathways, research culture, academic ecosystems, and the long-term pursuit of science as an intellectual discipline. Through moderated discussion and interactive engagement, the session aims to inspire reflection, aspiration, and informed participation in the future of STEM.
Current Programme
Women Who Power Space is a flagship online academic panel discussion by SPACE India, open to students, educators, researchers, and space science enthusiasts worldwide. Curated to foster thoughtful dialogue, the programme balances intellectual depth with accessibility, ensuring meaningful engagement for learners across age groups and academic backgrounds.
Programme Objectives
Confirmed Panellists
SPACE India is honoured to present an eminent panel of women leaders whose contributions span research excellence, international advocacy, and emerging scientific achievement:
Prof. (Dr.) Annapurni Subramaniam, FASc., FNASc.
Director, Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bengaluru
A distinguished astrophysicist and academic administrator, Prof. Subramaniam has made landmark contributions to stellar astrophysics and continues to shape India’s astronomical research ecosystem and institutional leadership.
Ms. Mamta Pommier
Chair, International Astronomical Union (IAU) – Women in Astronomy Working Group
A global advocate for gender equity in astronomy, Ms. Pommier works at the intersection of science, policy, and inclusion, advancing representation and collaboration across the international astronomical community.
Ms. Banita Dash
Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar Awardee (2022) | Asteroid Discoverer
Representing the next generation of scientific talent, Ms. Dash exemplifies the power of early curiosity and perseverance, inspiring young learners to pursue discovery-driven pathways in space science.
Event Details
The programme will feature a moderated panel discussion, followed by an interactive Q&A session.
E-certificates will be awarded to all registered participants.
Registration
Participation is free and open to all.
School Register here: https://forms.gle/wRtDkKDJUfYb7f6n8
Individual Register here: https://forms.gle/APYEQBYsb1Vfexwa
SPACE India – “Building a future where talent, not gender, defines leadership in science.”
Achievements
- Science outreach has been conducted at popular locations
- SPACE has conducted Heritage Walk with Archaelogical Survey of India at Jantar Mantar
- Science Activities were conducted at public event ‘Raahgiri’ where the public participated with great enthusiasm.
In 2022, SPACE conducted an online quiz with iAstronomer students and a webinar where eminent speakers like Prof. (Dr.) Dipankar Banerjee, Director, ARIES observatory and Prof. (Dr.) PrajvalShastri Adjunct Professor, ICRAR, Australia was invited. https://youtu.be/WIgfykPHSPgGallery
Media