Dhanbad: Madhulika Gupta, assistant professor in the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology at IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, was selected for the globally renowned Schmidt AI Science Faculty Fellowship Programme at the University of Oxford, becoming one of only three scientists from India and the sole woman scientist from the country in this year’s cohort.Gupta secured the fellowship after clearing a highly competitive four-stage selection process comprising a pre-proposal, full proposal, interview and post-interview evaluation.She was selected for her proposal, “AI-Driven Multiscale Design and Optimisation of Sustainable Aviation Fuels for Climate-Resilient Energy Systems,” which focuses on using artificial intelligence to develop sustainable aviation fuels and advance climate-resilient energy technologies.“It is an honour to represent India and IIT (ISM) Dhanbad through this prestigious fellowship. I look forward to fostering meaningful international collaborations, strengthening AI-driven research at the Institute, and translating the knowledge and opportunities gained into impactful research and innovation,” Gupta said.The recognition adds to Gupta’s growing international profile. Earlier this year, the Royal Society of Chemistry featured her in its International Women’s Day 2026 special collection for her research on the in silico design and experimental validation of a high-entropy perovskite oxide for Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) cathodes. In 2024, she was among 20 women scientists nominated by the Anushandhan National Research Foundation to represent India at the ASEAN-India Women Scientists Conclave in Singapore.Her research spans computational chemistry, biomolecular recognition, computer-aided drug discovery, molecular simulations and sustainable energy materials, with a focus on AI-driven solutions to global scientific and energy challenges.
