Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Thiruvananthapuram hosted a two-day Women Chemists’ Conclave in association with the Royal Society of Chemistry on the occasion of International Women’s Day. The programme, which concluded on Sunday (March 8, 2026), was organised under the theme ‘Women in Chemistry: Leadership, Innovation, and Impact’.

Subhasis Chaudhuri, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Bombay Stock Exchange and former director of Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay, attended the conclave as the chief guest. The event was presided over by the founding director of IISER Thiruvananthapuram, E.D. Jemmis, and the current director, J.N. Moorthy, both distinguished chemists.

The conclave, conceptualised by R.S. Swathi, Head, School of Chemistry, and Swetavalli Raghavan, Head of Innovation, Strategy and Government Affairs, Royal Society of Chemistry, brought together women chemists from 32 academic institutions across India.

A major outcome of the deliberations was the founding of the Women in Chemistry Council (WICC), dedicated to advancing the professional growth and leadership of women chemists. The council will focus on mentoring, leadership development, policy engagement, innovation and community building within the chemical sciences.

The WICC also resolved to champion the cause of equity and inclusivity in the chemical sciences by advocating supportive professional environments, celebrating the accomplishments of women chemists, and encouraging more young women to pursue careers in chemistry.