Lab Hopping

This is a compelling non-fiction journey that takes readers inside India’s science laboratories to examine the continuing gender gap in the field. It centers on the experiences, triumphs, and challenges faced by women in science, offering thoughtful analysis and real-world perspectives. The intended reader is curious about science, gender studies, and policy, from students to professionals, and the tone is insightful, respectful, and hopeful. The book unfolds through story-led conversations and on-site observations across a diverse range of cities. It blends interviews with scientists at different career stages with vivid accounts from laboratories, creating a distinctive, human-centered portrait of how work culture, institutions, and societal expectations shape outcomes. Readers will encounter nuanced discussions, grounded in concrete experiences, that invite reflection rather than simply presenting statistics. Concepts such as gender dynamics in STEM, systemic barriers, mentorship, funding, and policy responses are explored with clarity, making complex issues accessible and engaging. Readers will move through the material by listening to authentic voices from the lab and examining the broader context of Indian science. The narrative prioritizes curiosity and critical thinking, encouraging readers to compare models of feminism and science policy while considering India-specifi