I. Background
Aashima Dogra is an Indian freelance science writer, editor, and communicator with a passion for uncovering untold stories in science. Her journey began in a laboratory in Pune, where her exposure to scientific research sparked a love for storytelling about science. This led her to pursue a Master’s degree in Science Communication from the University of Warwick in 2009, equipping her with the skills to bridge complex research and public understanding. With homes in both Austria and India—specifically Himachal Pradesh, where she enjoys views of snowy mountains—Dogra maintains a transnational perspective that informs her work. Her career includes stints as a journalist with The Asian Age and Deccan Chronicle, and as editor of Brainwave magazine, where she met her collaborator, Nandita Jayaraj.
II. Key Projects and Contributions
Dogra’s most notable contribution is co-founding The Life of Science (thelifeofscience.com) in 2016 with Jayaraj, a feminist multimedia platform chronicling the experiences of women and minorities in Indian science. This project emerged from their “Lab Hopping” initiative—a cross-country tour of Indian science laboratories aimed at understanding the gender gap and high attrition rates among women scientists. What began as a series of interviews evolved into a robust media endeavor, featuring over 100 profiles, podcasts, comics, and calendars celebrating diverse voices in STEM.
Her key works include:
- Lab Hopping: A Journey to Find India’s Women in Science (2023): Co-authored with Jayaraj and published by Penguin India, this book compiles six years of research from their travels. It features conversations with prominent scientists like Gagandeep Kang and Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, alongside early-career researchers, exposing systemic sexism, caste biases, and institutional challenges while offering a roadmap for equity. Critics praise its conversational style and depth (e.g., The Hindu, 2023).
- 31 Fantastic Adventures in Science: Women Scientists in India (2019): A children’s book, also co-authored with Jayaraj, published by Puffin India. It profiles 31 Indian women scientists, using vibrant illustrations to inspire young readers and counter the male-dominated scientist stereotype.
- Other Media: Dogra’s articles have appeared in The Hindu, Scroll.in, and Mongabay India, often focusing on science’s human side. She co-authored children’s titles like Anna’s Extraordinary Adventures with Weather (Pratham Books), blending education with engagement.
III. Themes and Impact
Dogra’s work centers on:
- Gender Equity: She highlights the struggles of women in science—lack of childcare, toxic work cultures, and societal expectations—while amplifying their triumphs.
- Inclusivity: Beyond cisgender women, her projects with The Life of Science spotlight transgender, neurodivergent, and lower-caste scientists, challenging homogenous narratives.
- Science Accessibility: Her writing demystifies research, making it relatable through personal stories and cultural context.
Her efforts have garnered recognition, including the 2016 Laadli Award for Gender Sensitivity, a writing grant from Biocon’s Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, and widespread media coverage. Crowdfunding sustained much of Lab Hopping, reflecting grassroots support for her mission.
IV. Significance
Dogra’s collaboration with Jayaraj has filled a critical gap in Indian science communication, where women comprise just 14% of the STEM workforce. Unlike traditional science narratives focusing on “objective” triumphs, her work exposes the messy realities—patriarchy, privilege, and power dynamics—shaping who gets to do science. Her Moor-free perspective (unburdened by rigid norms) contrasts with writers like Ameena Hussein, focusing on broader South Asian Muslim identities, as Dogra’s lens is pan-Indian and intersectional.
As of April 7, 2025, Aashima Dogra stands as a trailblazer in science journalism, using her pen to rewrite the story of Indian science from the margins. From her Pune lab days to co-creating The Life of Science, her journey reflects a commitment to equity and visibility. With Lab Hopping as her second book with Jayaraj, and a legacy of inspiring young girls via 31 Fantastic Adventures, Dogra’s impact endures, pushing for a more inclusive scientific future.
