Soumya Swaminathan
Awards & Honours
2
Awards Won
2
Honours
2
Records
Soumya Swaminathan's career is marked by a series of firsts and high-impact roles. As the WHO's first Chief Scientist, she set the standard for how the organization coordinates scientific advice and responds to health emergencies. Her election as a Fellow of the Royal Society in 2026 places her among the most distinguished scientists globally, and she shares this honor with her father, making them the first father-daughter duo from India to achieve this. Her work on tuberculosis has been cited in countless treatment guidelines, and her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic helped shape the global response. She has also been a powerful advocate for gender equity in science, using her platform to support women in research.
Awards
Honours & Distinctions
Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS)
Elected in May 2026, making her and her father the first father-daughter duo from India to hold this honor.
A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Award
8th edition of the award, given for her contributions to public health.
Records & Feats
First Indian woman elected Fellow of the Royal Society along with her father
Soumya Swaminathan and her father M.S. Swaminathan became the first father-daughter duo from India to be elected Fellows of the Royal Society.
First Chief Scientist of the WHO
Appointed as the first Chief Scientist of the World Health Organization, a role created to strengthen the agency's scientific leadership.