Abinaya Arunachalam received the 2026 Zonta Women in STEM Award

Abinaya Arunachalam, who recently completed her Ph.D. in polymer science with Marleen Kamperman, was awarded the 2026 Zonta Women in STEM Award. During her PhD she focused on bioinspired adhesives, including insect-repellent glues inspired by carnivorous plants. After her PhD Abinaya moved on and is now working as research program manager at our University.

About the Award

The Zonta Women in STEM Award uplifts innovation and celebrates the remarkable accomplishments of women between 18-35 years of age in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields and acknowledge their groundbreaking research, pioneering discoveries, and/or exemplary contributions to advancing knowledge and innovation in a STEM field. Zonta International offers 16 international awards of US$10,000 each and a complimentary one-year supporting membership in Zonta International for the next financial year.

More information and all 2026 awardees