Swarnajayanti Fellowships 2003

The Government of India instituted the Swarnajayanti Fellowships to commemorate the 50th year of India's Independence. Under the scheme a selected number of young scientists, with a proven track record, are provided special assistance and support to enable them to pursue basic research in frontier areas of science and technology. The fellowships are scientist specific and not institution specific, very selective and have close academic monitoring.

NATURE OF SUPPORT: The support will cover all the requirements for performing research and will include a fellowship of Rs 25,000 per month for five years, for those scientists who do not draw any salary from any other source. The fellowship will be limited to Rs 10,000 per month for those who draw salary from another source. In addition to fellowship, grants for equipment, computational and communication facilities, consumables, contingencies, administrative support, national and international travel and other special requirements will be covered. Scientists selected for the award will be allowed to pursue unfettered research with a freedom and flexibility in terms of expenditure as approved in the research plan.

DURATION: The duration of the fellowship will be for a period not exceeding five years.

ELIGIBILITY: The applicant should possess one of the following degrees or equivalent: PhD in Science/Engineering, Masters in Engineering or Technology/MD in Medicine. Scientists should be active in the frontier areas of science and engineering with outstanding contributions, (research publications, peer recognition etc.) in his areas of research. The fellowship is open to Indian Nationals residing in India or abroad. The scientists can choose to work at any S&T institution in India. The fellowship is open to scientists between 30 to 40 years as on December 31, 2003.

SELECTION: The selection procedure will include consideration at various stages. An empowered committee will make the final selection based on the recommendation of expert committees. Scientists selected for the award should have accomplished innovative original research in frontier areas of science & technology.

APPLICATION: Applications for the Swarnajayanti Fellowships are invited from eligible candidates in the format given below. The candidates may be required to submit further additional information and or presentation before final selection. Only one copy of the application in the prescribed format along with the project document should reach Shri Neeraj Sharma, Director, Department of Science and Technology, Technology Bhavan, New Mehrauli Road, New Delhi-110 016.

Applications received after the prescribed duration will not be considered.

Web site: www.dst.gov.in

FORMAT FOR APPLICATION

1.       Broad Subject Area (Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Earth & Atmospheric Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, Engineering Sciences).

2.       Specialisation

3.       Name of the candidate

4.       Mailing Address (must indicate Telephone, Fax and e-mail address)

5.       Date of Birth

6.       Educational Qualification:

      (Starting from Bachelors degree onwards)

7.   a.        Details of professional training and research experience, specifying period.

b.                   List of significant publications during the last 5 years. One copy each of the best 5 papers published during the last five years must be enclosed.

8.  Details of employment.

9.  Professional recognition, awards, fellowships received.

      10.  Details of the proposed project to be undertaken during the fellowship period:

(Also specify the work at present engaged in, future plan, prospects after the fellowship, how are these related to the strengthening of basic research in the country etc.)

     11. Detailed financial requirements for 5 years and phasing for each year.

     12. Name of the institution where project is to be implemented.

     13. Nomination/Recommendation: This should be from Fellows of the National Academies, Directors of National Laboratories, Heads of S&T Department, GoI or Vice-Chancellors and should indicate the candidate's competence for the Fellowship and should be sent directly to the Department of Science and Technology in confidence.