(February 21, 2025) Ishika Mahajan grew up listening to stories of Marie Curie and Kalpana Chawla, names her mother made sure she knew. “During my childhood, my mother ensured that I read about women scientists who achieved recognition and shattered barriers. This has had a significant impact on me,” Ishika recalls.
Today, at 23, Ishika is doing the same for a new generation of young women in STEM. She was named Young Innovator of the Year 2023 by Women in Innovation SA, an Australian government-supported initiative recognising outstanding contributions to science and technology.
Ishika Mahajan
From a small town in Gurdaspur, Punjab, to the cutting-edge labs of Adelaide, Australia, Ishika’s journey has been shaped by resilience, groundbreaking research, and a mission to inspire young women in science.
A Mission to Combat Brain Cancer
At the heart of Ishika’s work is a commitment to fighting Glioblastoma, one of the most lethal forms of brain cancer. “I discovered my passion in researching brain cancer, recognizing that there is a significant journey ahead in addressing this formidable and deadly form of cancer,” says the Global Indian.
Ishika’s research at the Centre for Cancer Biology focuses on repurposing FDA-approved drugs for central nervous system disorders and cancers, hoping to accelerate treatment options.
Her multidisciplinary background in AI, Machine Learning, and Bioinformatics has allowed her to identify promising therapeutic targets for brain cancer. She is also working with patient-derived tumor explants organoids (PD-TEO), a groundbreaking technology that reduces the need for animal testing while providing faster, more accurate results.
“Dr. Guillermo Gomez, my supervisor, believed in an extremely young kid and gave her a chance to lead this project. Brain cancer is a difficult fight, and the work in drug repurposing that me and my lab are working on is a way to improve the survival of patients,” she shares.
Recognition and a Growing List of Achievements
Winning Young Innovator of the Year is just one of the many accolades Ishika has received. Over the past four years, she has accumulated over 35 awards for her work in leadership and STEM. She has also been a finalist for the 7News Young Achiever Award, earned a diploma in Genomics from Harvard University, and secured a BUPA UniSA International Student Grant, among other recognitions.
She attributes much of her drive to her father’s words: “A guiding principle in my life, instilled by my father, is to aspire for ambitious dreams in order to attain significant life goals. This is the philosophy I’ve embraced,” she says.
From Punjab to Australia: A Journey Against the Odds
Coming from Gurdaspur in Punjab, where girls are often expected to prioritise marriage over education, Ishika faced her fair share of obstacles. “I hail from Gurdaspur, where people still prefer marrying their daughters rather than investing in their education,” she explains.
Her father, however, had a different perspective. “One of his friends questioned why he was investing so much in my international education, but he always supported me,” she recalls.
Moving to Australia was a financial challenge for her family, but Ishika managed to secure a scholarship from the University of South Australia, easing some of the burden. Even so, adjusting to a new country wasn’t easy. “I have worked hard to build personal and professional connections from scratch. Today, people recognize me and my work, which I truly believe is crucial for new migrants,” she says.
Paving the Way for Women in Science
Beyond her research, Ishika is deeply committed to making STEM more inclusive for women—especially immigrants and women of color. “Being a scientist as a woman is unconventional, but that’s how you inspire more girls to become cool scientists—by leading as one,” she says.
She is determined to use her platform to mentor and guide young girls who want to enter STEM fields. “I plan to do a PhD, but my goal is also to make a positive impact on my community by providing guidance to young girls aspiring to pursue careers in STEM. I plan to achieve this through mentoring and active support for initiatives that promote and enhance STEM education,” she says.
Indians in Australia and Ishika’s Role in the Diaspora
Ishika’s journey reflects the growing contributions of young Indian innovators in Australia. As international students and professionals, the Indian diaspora has been making waves across fields like medicine, technology, and research.
However, success doesn’t come easy. Building a career from scratch in a foreign country requires resilience, something Ishika knows well. “To build a life in this new environment, it’s crucial to actively take the initiative and venture beyond your comfort zone by participating in activities that may seem daunting,” she advises.
Ishika Mahajan
Looking Ahead: A Future in Research and Mentorship
Ishika is just getting started. With plans to pursue a PhD, her research in brain cancer is expected to pave the way for faster, more effective treatments.
But for her, the bigger mission is inspiring others. “If I can lead by example and show young girls that if she can do it, so can I—my goal will be fulfilled,” she says.
From a small town in Punjab to becoming a rising star in Australian science, Ishika Mahajan’s story is one of perseverance, ambition, and a determination to make a difference—not just in the lab, but for future generations of women in STEM.
