Dr Renu Swarup elected as fellow of INSA, honoured for leadership in biotechnology

New Delhi: Dr Renu Swarup, eminent geneticist and former Secretary of India’s Department of Biotechnology (DBT), has been elected as a Fellow of the Indian National Science Academy (INSA).

Dr Swarup has been a driving force in shaping India’s biotechnology landscape, both through her research and her roles in science policy. Over her three-decade career she has contributed significantly in areas such as Biotechnology policy development, including the Biotechnology Vision (2001) and subsequent national strategies.

Dr Renu Swarup served in the DBT, Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India for nearly 29 years. She was instrumental in formulation of the Biotechnology Vision in 2001, National Biotechnology Development Strategy in 2007 and Strategy II, 2015–20 as the Member Secretary of the Expert Committee. She has been a supporter of women scientists and has been involved in several initiatives   that   encourage   participation of women in scientific and technological research. She initiated a DBT scheme called Biotechnology Career Advancement for Women Scientists (BioCARe). Dr Swarup was also the Chairperson of Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC).

Her election as INSA Fellow thus recognizes not only her research contributions, but also her leadership in enabling innovation, capacity building, and science policy.

Now as an INSA Fellow, Dr. Swarup is expected to engage further in strategic direction and advisory input for scientific research and policy in biotechnology, especially in addressing global challenges such as public health, environmental sustainability, and climate resilience.

Announcements from INSA, academic bodies, and science policy circles have welcomed the decision, calling it a well-deserved recognition of Dr. Swarup’s multifaceted contributions. Her peers and institutions highlight her commitment to excellence, her role in institution-building, and her efforts to make science accessible and impactful.