Prof Gagandeep Kang, Executive Director, Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI), Faridabad has called it quits. Known for her inter-disciplinary research studying the transmission, development and prevention of enteric infections and their sequelae in children in India, she has unexpectedly resigned from her position at THSTI.

According to the response shared with the media, Prof Kang has stated personal reasons behind taking this step. Hoping to make a smooth transition for her exit from THSTI, she will be returning to Vellore to be with her family.

Meanwhile her resignation is also being linked with the way the government is expediting the development of indigenous COVID-19 vaccine Covaxin. This takes us back to the shutting down of the panel on COVID-19 drugs and vaccines that she was chairing.

Her exit from THSTI has come as a surprise to several scientists and academicians since she still had one more year left in her tenure to get over at the institute.

Last year, Prof Kang was in the news when she became the first Indian woman to be inducted as a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS) in London.