The Indian Institute of Technology Bombay is organizing an Institute Colloquium on December 6, 2024.
 
The details of the lecture are provided below:

Title: "Opportunities & Challenges for Women Scientists in defense research sector"

Speaker: Dr. Tessy Thomas, Distinguished Scientist, Former Director General of Aeronautical Systems and Former Project Director for Agni-IV missile in Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO)

About the Speaker:
Dr. Tessy Thomas is a distinguished Indian scientist and a key figure in the country’s defense research and missile development, also known as the “Missile Woman of India.” She made history as the first female scientist to lead a missile project in India. As the Project Director for the Agni-IV and Agni-V missile at the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), she played a crucial role in developing this medium-range ballistic missile, significantly enhancing India’s defense capabilities. Dr. Tessy holds a degree in electronics and communication engineering and began her career at DRDO in the 1980s. In 2018, she was appointed Director General of Aeronautical Systems at DRDO, where she contributed to advancing India’s aerospace and defense systems. Dr. Tessy has received numerous honors, including the DRDO Performance Excellence Award and the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Award for her contribution for making India self-reliant in the field of missile technology. Her accomplishments continue to inspire women pursuing careers in science, technology, and the defense sector.

Speaker's webpage:
https://www.iitk.ac.in/doaa/convocation/data/Profile_Dr._Tessi_Thomas.pdf

Abstract:
Defence research domain is critical to national security and technological advancement, offering diverse career opportunities for scientists. However, women in this field often face unique challenges, like underrepresentation in leadership roles, and balancing work-life demands. In this talk, Dr. Thomas will highlight the significant contributions of women in defence research and the importance of their participation in driving innovation. She will discuss the evolving landscape for women scientists, focusing on how mentorship, policy support, and organizational reforms can create more inclusive environments. Dr. Thomas will also address strategies for overcoming common barriers and empowering women to pursue careers in defence technology, including advanced optics and photonics. Drawing from her extensive experience in defence technology, Dr. Thomas aims to inspire and motivate the next generation of women scientists to take on leadership roles, contribute to technological breakthroughs, and shape the future of defence research. This session will offer valuable perspectives on how the sector can leverage diversity to enhance its scientific and technological capabilities.