THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BENGALURU, OCTOBER 27, 2026

A new trust has been launched in Bengaluru to carry forward the legacy of eminent space scientist Dr K Kasturirangan by supporting young researchers and promoting innovative solutions to societal challenges across space and technology, education, sustainability and public policy.

The Dr Kasturirangan Trust was inaugurated on October 25, with its first initiative, the Dr Kasturirangan 2027 Fellowship, opening for nominations on October 27.

The fellowship will support six PhD and post-doctoral researchers whose work spans more than one of the trust's four focus areas and has practical, real-world applications.

Each selected fellow will receive a one-time grant of Rs 4 lakh towards research expenses, besides mentorship, opportunities to present their work at two workshops annually and access to a growing community of peers.

The initiative seeks to encourage interdisciplinary research and help young scholars translate their ideas into solutions that address pressing challenges facing society.

The trust will also support research through fellowships, scholarships and grants, organise conferences, facilitate book-writing and scientific curation, and collaborate with institutions in India and abroad to advance research and strengthen public policy.

In the long term, it aims to build an institution dedicated to future-oriented thinking, research and problem-solving for India.

"Dr Kasturirangan believed in the power of knowledge and research to address the challenges facing our country. Through this Trust, we hope to carry forward his vision by bringing people and institutions together to find solutions that benefit society and support future leaders," Dr Sanjay Rangan, a trustee of the organisation, said.

The fellowship is open to candidates who submitted their PhD theses between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2026.

In its inaugural year, candidates will be considered through nominations made either by a group of eminent individuals who knew Dr Kasturirangan or by leading universities. An open call for applications is planned for subsequent years.

Nominations will close on December 31, 2026, while the first cohort of fellows is scheduled to be announced on April 25, 2027.

The trust is a non-profit, non-political public charitable organisation governed by a Board of Trustees, an Advisory Board and an Executive Council. Its guiding principles include responsible research, compassion, excellence and respect for nature.

Dr K Kasturirangan (1940-2025) was among India's most influential space scientists. He served as chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) from 1994 to 2003, overseeing a significant phase in the country's space programme.

He subsequently contributed to national science and education policy as a Rajya Sabha member and a member of the Planning Commission. He also chaired the committee that drafted the National Education Policy 2020.

In recognition of his contributions, he was awarded the Padma Vibhushan in 2000.

The trust seeks to build on his six-decade legacy in science, technology and education by nurturing emerging researchers and fostering collaborations that can generate lasting public benefit.