Welcome to our 34th #womanoftheweek! Today, we will be discussing Kamal Ranadive, an Indian Biologist! Enjoy!
Born in 1917, Kamal Ranadive was a biologist who researched cancer and its connection to viruses. Her father was a biologist who taught at Fergusson College in Pune, and encouraged her to follow a similar career path. Ranadive got her bachelor’s degree in Science in 1934, Master’s Degree in Science in 1943, and then doctorate degree in cytology in 1949. She earned her doctorate while working at the Indian Cancer Research Centre.
Ranadive became director of the Indian Cancer Research Centre and established the Experimental Biology Laboratory and Tissue Culture Laboratory of the center. She was also one of the first researchers to propose a link between breast cancer and heredity. Her further research on viruses and diseases led to more investigation on the causes of leukemia and breast cancer. Additionally, Ranadive studied Mycobacterium leprae, the bacterium that causes leprosy. She helped develop a vaccine to treat the disease. Ranadive, along with eleven other female scientists, started the Indian Women Scientists' Association (IWSA) to support other women in STEM.
Kamal Ranadive is an inspiration to any woman in a STEM field, and even girls aspiring to go into STEM. She has made significant contributions to medicine and health. In addition, Ranadive provided information to women in villages, assisting them with their medical problems through government funded programs. She was awarded the Padma Bhushan for Medicine, in 1982, and has written over 200 scientific papers throughout her career.
This is a Woman of the Week article, a weekly deep dive into an amazing women of color. For more incredible stories like this one, check out our article on Chiaki Mukai and Sarah Winnemuca! Make sure to follow us at @likeagirlglobal on Instagram for more updates and original content!
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