Dr Suman Sahai was honored with the 2008 FICCI Outstanding Women Achievers Award for Excellence in the Field of Science. Dr Sahai was presented the award in recognition of her  pioneering work on promoting scientific and legal literacy among the lay public, especially in rural areas. 

Receiving the award on behalf of Gene Campaign at a ceremony in Mumbai on 26th February, 2008. Dr Sahai said at a time when the global economy is becoming increasingly knowledge driven, science and technology have become key determinants of growth. It has become very important that ordinary citizens in India , specially those belonging to farming and tribal communities also have a chance to connect with such progress by becoming aware of  new science based developments  that impact their lives.