Like father, like daughter: Soumya Swaminathan joins M S Swaminathan in Royal Society Honour

With the achievement, Dr Soumya Swaminathan and her late father, Bharat Ratna Prof M S Swaminathan, have become the first daughter-father duo from India to be elected Fellows of the Royal Society, the world’s oldest scientific academy.

Prof M S Swaminathan is widely remembered as the architect of India’s Green Revolution, credited for transforming the country’s agricultural landscape and ensuring food security through sustainable scientific innovation.

Dr Soumya Swaminathan is also only the second Indian woman scientist in the Royal Society’s 365-year history to receive the honour, after noted virologist Prof Gagandeep Kang.

The announcement was shared by Dr Raghunath Mashelkar, former Director-General of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and former president of the Indian National Science Academy, National Innovation Foundation and Global Research Alliance.

Sharing the news on X, he wrote: “Breaking news! Dr Soumya Swaminathan has been elected as FRS, Fellow of the Royal Society, one of the highest global honours that a scientist can receive.”

Highlighting the historic significance, he added:“With her father Bharat Ratna Prof M S Swaminathan also being elected as FRS, this is the first daughter-father FRS duo from India.”

Mashelkar further noted: “She is the second Indian woman scientist to be elected in the 365-year history of the Royal Society, the first being Prof Gagandeep Kang. A very proud moment for Indian science and indeed for all Indians. Heartiest congratulations, dear Soumya!”

A Distinguished Scientific Career

A renowned paediatrician and global expert in tuberculosis and HIV research, Dr Soumya Swaminathan has held several of the world’s most prestigious scientific leadership roles.

She served as Chief Scientist at the World Health Organization (WHO) during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic and played a critical role in shaping the global scientific response to the crisis.

She also served as Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare from 2015 to 2017.

Naveen Patnaik congratulates her

Congratulating Dr Swaminathan, former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik wrote on X: “Congratulations to Dr Soumya Swaminathan on being elected Fellow of the Royal Society — joining the league of the world’s most distinguished scientists.”

He added that the honour was a proud moment for Indian science as she follows in the footsteps of her illustrious father, Bharat Ratna awardee Prof M S Swaminathan.

“Her achievement is a shining example of India’s scientific excellence and a source of inspiration for future generations of scientists. Wishing her continued success in advancing scientific knowledge,” Patnaik said.