Trust launched in Bengaluru to carry forward Kasturirangan’s legacy, support young researchers

In a bid to support young researchers through various initiatives, the Kasturirangan Trust was launched at an inaugural event in Bengaluru on Monday. The trust aims to carry forward the legacy of the late Krishnaswamy Kasturirangan, scientist, former Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), and former Rajya Sabha member, by supporting research, encouraging new ideas, and finding practical solutions to societal challenges.

Its work will focus on four areas: space and technology, education, sustainability, and public policy. Going forward, the trust plans to support researchers through fellowships, scholarships, and grants. It will also organise conferences, support book-writing and scientific curation, and work with institutions in India and abroad to promote research and improve public policy. In the long term, the Trust aims to build an institution dedicated to future-oriented thought, research, and problem-solving for India, according to a statement.

Sanjay Rangan, trustee of the Kasturirangan Trust, said, “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.”

As its first initiative, the Kasturirangan Fellowship 2027 will support six PhD and postdoctoral researchers whose work spans more than one of the Trust’s four focus areas and has real-world application. Each fellow will receive a one-time award of ₹4 lakh towards research costs, along with mentorship, two workshops a year to present their work, and membership in a growing peer community.

The fellowship is open to candidates who submitted their PhD thesis between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2026. In its first year, candidates must be nominated either by a group of eminent individuals who knew the late Kasturirangan or by leading universities. An open call for applications is planned in subsequent years. Nominations open on October 27 and close on December 31. The first cohort of fellows will be announced on April 25, 2027.