Science & Tech 11 May 2026

Kuljeet Kaur Marhas Becomes First Indian Woman Elected Fellow of The Meteoritical Society

Professor Kuljeet Kaur Marhas was elected a Fellow of The Meteoritical Society in 2026, becoming the first Indian woman and only the third Indian to earn the honour.

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Professor Kuljeet Kaur Marhas has been elected as a Fellow of The Meteoritical Society in 2026 for her outstanding work in planetary science and cosmochemistry. She is the first Indian woman to receive this honour, and only the third Indian scientist after Devendra Lal and J.N. Goswami.

She works at the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) in Ahmedabad. Her research focuses on isotopes, pre-solar grains, Calcium-Aluminium-rich Inclusions, and materials brought back from space missions such as Stardust, Hayabusa and Apollo.

The Meteoritical Society is an international body that studies meteorites and other materials from space to understand how the Solar System formed. Being elected a Fellow is a mark of high scientific standing.

Her work has improved the understanding of the origin and evolution of the Solar System through advanced isotopic analysis. For aspirants, this is an important 'first' to remember, along with the name of PRL, Ahmedabad.

Key Points to Remember

  • Prof. Kuljeet Kaur Marhas elected Fellow of The Meteoritical Society (2026)
  • First Indian woman to receive this honour
  • Only the third Indian after Devendra Lal and J.N. Goswami
  • Works at the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), Ahmedabad
  • Specialises in cosmochemistry, isotopes and pre-solar grains

Exam Relevance

Relevant for UPSC and SSC (Science & Technology, Persons in News) and all general awareness sections.

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