IIT Guwahati Alumna Souraja Kundu Secures Prestigious 2025 Quad Fellowship
In a remarkable achievement for the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IITG), alumna Souraja Kundu has been awarded the esteemed 2025 Quad Fellowship. This fellowship is recognized as one of the most competitive international awards in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) disciplines.
About the Quad Fellowship
The Quad Fellowship is an initiative supported by the governments of four nations: Australia, India, Japan, and the United States. Its primary aim is to nurture cross-national collaboration, develop global leaders in STEM fields, and promote interdisciplinary innovation. Selected scholars benefit from:
- Financial support for graduate studies
- Global leadership training
- Curated academic programs
- Access to a lifelong international network of scientists, technologists, and innovators
Souraja Kundu’s Academic Journey
Souraja Kundu, a member of the IIT Guwahati Batch of 2021–25, graduated with a B.Tech. in Electronics and Electrical Engineering. Her academic excellence was recognized during the institute’s 27th Convocation, where she was awarded the Governor of Assam Gold Medal. This prestigious award is given to students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance.
Pursuing a PhD in Machine Learning
With the support of the Quad Fellowship, Souraja plans to pursue a PhD in Machine Learning at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) in the United States. This opportunity aligns with her long-held ambition to delve deeper into the field of machine learning, an area she is passionate about.
Her Reflections on the Fellowship
Upon receiving the fellowship, Souraja expressed her gratitude and excitement. She stated, “The best thing about the Quad Fellowship is the opportunity I get to make friends with interdisciplinary STEM researchers across the world and take initiatives together to create impact on the social and policy level through our research. I am grateful for all the research opportunities I got from IIT Guwahati. Thanks especially to my mentors who supported me in every aspect to learn, grow, and explore whatever research I wanted to pursue.”
The Selection Process
The selection process for the Quad Fellowship is known for its rigor and competitiveness. It involves several stages, including:
- Online application submission
- Expert review of applications
- Final panel interview
Applicants are evaluated based on various criteria, including:
- Academic excellence
- Ability to bridge cultural differences
- Commitment to driving scientific impact
- Readiness to take on leadership roles in addressing global challenges
Impact on IIT Guwahati and Future Aspirants
Souraja Kundu’s achievement is not just a personal milestone but also a significant addition to IIT Guwahati’s legacy of producing globally impactful researchers and innovators. Her success serves as an inspiration for young STEM aspirants across India, encouraging them to pursue their dreams and contribute to scientific advancements.
Conclusion
The recognition of Souraja Kundu through the Quad Fellowship highlights the importance of international collaboration in education and research. As she embarks on her journey at Carnegie Mellon University, her story will undoubtedly motivate many students to strive for excellence in their academic and professional pursuits.
Note: This article is based on information available as of December 2025 and aims to celebrate the achievements of Souraja Kundu and the initiatives supporting STEM education globally.
