Job Description

Rukhmabai Grants Edition 6: Applications Open for Grants Supporting Women Science Writers

Three grants of ₹40,000 each are available for women science writers and journalists to develop stories about inspiring Indian women in STEM. Applications close on December 15, 2026.

Women scientists across India are making remarkable contributions to research, technology and innovation. Yet, many of their stories remain underrepresented in mainstream science communication. The Rukhmabai Grants – Edition 6, announced by Rukhmabai Initiatives, aim to address this gap by supporting women science writers and journalists who want to bring these stories to a wider audience.

The latest edition offers three grants of ₹40,000 each to women writers interested in exploring the intersection of science, gender and society through compelling stories about contemporary Indian women in STEM.

Applications opened on November 1, 2026, and will remain open until December 15, 2026.

What do the Rukhmabai Grants offer?

Each selected grantee will receive ₹40,000 to produce three stories: two profiles and one feature story.

The initiative encourages writers to identify and document fascinating stories of Indian women working in STEM, particularly those who have overcome personal or professional challenges on their journeys towards scientific excellence.

The selected stories will aim to make science more engaging and accessible while highlighting the experiences, perspectives and contributions of women in scientific and technological fields.

In addition to financial support, grantees will have opportunities to participate in activities supporting Rukhmabai Initiatives’ work in science communication. These include a Story Spotlight, a short online conversation about their published story during the monthly Women Shaping STEM event.

The stories will be published under a Creative Commons CC BY-ND 4.0 licence and shared with partner outlets for republication, with appropriate credit to the writer and Rukhmabai Initiatives. This approach is intended to extend the reach of the stories and introduce them to a wider readership.

Who can apply?

The grants are open to applicants who meet all three eligibility requirements:

• Identify as a woman science writer or journalist.
• Have a strong interest in STEM, gender and the intersection between them.
• Are Indian citizens aged 18 years or above.

What should applicants submit?

Applicants will need to provide two sets of information.

1. About the applicant

• Name, email address and city.
• A short professional biography.
• Two or three writing samples, submitted as links.
• Confirmation that the eligibility criteria are met.

2. Story proposals

Applicants must submit pitches for three proposed stories: two profiles and one feature. Each pitch should be approximately 150–200 words and include:

• A description of the proposed story.
• Why the applicant wants to tell these stories.
• Availability for a short online conversation about the story at one of Rukhmabai Initiatives’ monthly events. This information is for planning purposes and does not affect selection.

An important requirement is that everyone being profiled must agree to be featured and photographed.

How will the grantees be selected?

The selection process involves three stages:

1. Initial evaluation: Applications will be reviewed by the Rukhmabai team and external evaluators after the submission deadline.
2. Interview: Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview.
3. Final selection: Successful applicants will be announced as grantees, and their stories will be commissioned.

Important dates

An opportunity to bring women’s stories in STEM into focus

Science communication plays an important role in shaping how society understands research, innovation and the people behind scientific progress. Documenting the journeys of women in STEM can also provide visibility to their achievements, challenges and perspectives, inspiring future generations to explore scientific careers.

Through the Rukhmabai Grants, women science writers have an opportunity to develop meaningful stories while contributing to a broader conversation about gender representation in science and technology.

For aspiring and established women science writers interested in telling stories that connect science with society, this edition offers both financial support and a platform to reach wider audiences.

How to apply

<escape>Number of grants:</escape> 3
<escape>Grant amount:</escape> ₹40,000 per grantee
<escape>Application deadline:</escape> December 15, 2026

Apply here: https://forms.gle/bKvKLGiPYEKvaukS7

Read the complete guidelines: https://rukhmabai.com/grants/#guidelines

Official website: https://rukhmabai.com/grants/