Receiving the MBSI Women Scientist Award (2024–2025): A Journey of Research, Responsibility, and Recognition

Any award or recognition in the field of academics is not just a personal milestone, but it reflects an individual’s effort within research and commitment to creating knowledge.

And Ditimoni Dutta has been honoured with the Women Scientist Award in Microbiology
In her words – 

“ I, Dr. Ditimoni Dutta, was honored with the Women Scientist Award (State Level) for the academic year 2024–2025, conferred by the Microbiologists Society of India (MBSI), a nationally registered professional body.”

This award is given to showcase the academic excellence and significant contribution of women scientists in the field of microbiology and allied life sciences disciplines and was dedicated by the Microbiologists Society of India. 

About the Microbiologists Society of India (Authority & Trust)

The Microbiologists Society of India (MBSI) is a nationally registered professional body (Reg. No. MAH/4814/SAT) dedicated to promoting microbiological sciences across education, research, and industry. 

MBSI’s objectives include organizing all microbiology courses at all educational levels. It further aims to foster relationships between all educational institutions, whether government or non-government. It advises on public health microbiological issues and holds conferences, seminars, and research initiatives for the awareness and promotion of activities within the field.

Source: MBSI

Each year, MBSI announces a structured and transparent call for applications for various awards, including the Women Scientist Award, through official notifications circulated across academic networks and professional platforms. These awards are designed to recognize excellence based on merit, contribution, and measurable academic outcomes.

The Entire Selection Process

For the 2024–2025 evaluation period, the MBSI award notification clearly outlined:

• Eligibility criteria and age limits
• Evaluation period and academic scope
• Prescribed application format
• Required documentation
• Submission timelines

Other documents required

• Detailed Curriculum Vitae
• Proof of age and academic qualifications
• Research publications and book chapters
• Conference presentations and academic recognitions
• Teaching, research, and outreach records

The evaluation process is completely merit-based, conducted at the state level, and guided by the recommendations of expert committees in accordance with established MBSI norms.

Expertise in Research and Teaching (Expertise)

The award evaluation placed strong emphasis on:

• Research quality and output
• Innovation and originality
• Societal relevance and sustainability
• Teaching and academic engagement
• Contribution to microbiology and allied disciplines

Ditimoni’s work in sustainable food packaging, biodegradable biopolymers, and applied microbiology, along with her academic and teaching engagements.  These research areas address real-world challenges in environmental sustainability, food safety, and the development of safe, socially aligned products.

The academic responsibility is also a key area that underscores the importance of knowledge transfer, student development, and ethical science remaining at the core of the work.

Award Ceremony at a National Academic Platform (Authority)

The Women Scientist Award (State Level) was formally conferred during an International Conference on “Trends in Biological Sciences”, held from 8–10 December 2025 at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi.

Receiving the award in the presence of eminent academicians, scientists, and researchers from across the country added significant academic value and credibility to the recognition. Such platforms reaffirm the importance of peer-reviewed excellence and collective scientific progress.

Experience as a Woman Scientist: Beyond Recognition

This award represents more than an individual achievement—it reflects the evolving role of women scientists in shaping the area of research, education, and innovation. Navigating academic responsibilities alongside research leadership requires perseverance, adaptability, and sustained commitment.

The recognition serves as encouragement for women scientists to continue contributing meaningfully to research through environmentally responsible innovation and academic mentorship, and also inspires future women researchers to pursue research in microbiology and allied sciences with confidence.

Commitment to Excellence and Scientific Progress

The MBSI Women Scientist Award reinforces the belief that impactful research, transparent evaluation, and ethical scholarship remain central to scientific progress.

In Ditimoni’s words – 

“It serves as a motivation to continue contributing to high-quality research, interdisciplinary innovation, and academic excellence.”