Experts urge India to create stronger academic and research opportunities to keep top STEM talent from moving overseas for higher studies and careers. (A representative picture)
As India celebrates its bright minds winning International STEM Olympiads, analysis of past winners shows that this cream of talent is eventually going global for higher education, research, and technology careers.A businessline analysis of 148 Indian medallists across International Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Informatics Olympiads over the previous decade (2011-2021) highlights India’s continuing challenge of retaining elite research talent.Only 18 per cent of the 148 winners (27) are currently settled in India, with a majority (59 per cent) in the US. The UK, Canada, Germany and Hong Kong are among the other top locations they are now based in.Math and informatics winners show highest overseas migrationThe share of champions who have moved outside to pursue their careers is highest in the Math (IMO) and Informatics (IOI) Olympiads. Chemistry offers a more balanced picture, with 14 of the 40 medallists now in India, although the US attracted a significant share of the cohort. Many Olympiad alumni went on to careers in research, technology companies and academia, while others pursue doctoral studies at leading international universities.
