Nationality: Indian

Date of birth: 1962

Top achievements:

1. Leader in Rotavirus vaccine research
   She played a key role in developing and evaluating vaccines against Rotavirus – a major cause of severe diarrhea in children.
2. First Indian woman fellow of the Royal Society (FRS)
   She is the first Indian woman to be elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society — one of the highest honors in science.
3. Improved public health research
   Her work has focused on improving child health, sanitation, and infectious disease control in India.
4. Key voice during COVID-19
   She provided critical scientific guidance and helped communicate complex vaccine science to the public.
5. Strengthened India’s vaccine ecosystem
   Through her research and leadership, she has helped advance vaccine development and policy in India.

Her work’s impact:
1. Improved child survival through vaccine research.
2. Strengthened India’s public health systems.
3. Bridged science and policy with real-world impact.