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Biocon Foundation, the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of BEngaluru-based Biocon Group, in collaboration with The Bengaluru Science and Technology (BeST) Cluster, and National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), has announced the launch of first-of-its-kind programme BioWISE - Women in STEM Empowered, aimed at disadvantaged science students from tier 2 and 3 universities across Karnataka, to build a career in life sciences.
BioWISE, a part of Biocon Biologics CSR initiative, is a transformative initiative aimed at enhancing access, participation, and retention of women from underserved communities in STEM, particularly life sciences. By supporting 25 women students from diverse communities through scholarships, extended internships, and mentorship, this programme is a significant step towards building a scientific ecosystem, which is diverse, inclusive, and equitable.
As the first state-level cohort, the BioWISE programme will support 25 women students, including 15 postgraduates (PG) and 10 undergraduates (UG) from life sciences backgrounds. The initiative is designed to run for 6 months for PG students and 3 months for UG students, offering them extensive exposure, training, and mentorship. BioWISE provides a multi-dimensional platform to build competencies, foster mentorship, and open up research and industry pathways for women entering the STEM specifically life sciences workforce.
Biocon Foundation will enable the initiative through funding and experts from Biocon Biologics, industry partner, will support with mentorship; while NCBS will serve as the host institute and academic mentoring partner. BeST Cluster will contribute to the program’s design, management, and implementation.
