The JC Bose fellowship is awarded to active scientists in recognition for their outstanding performance. The fellowship is scientist-specific and very selective.

Scope :
All Areas of Science (in the broadest terms) will be covered by the fellowship.

Eligibility :

1. Should be an active scientist with a record of outstanding performance apparent from the award of SS Bhatnagar prize and or fellowship of science academies (including engineering, agriculture and medicine).
2. The scientist should be in service at the time of nomination to this fellowship.
3. The nominee should be an Indian national working in institutions in India. The nominee should not be receiving any other fellowship from any other Government sources.

Duration :

1. The duration of the fellowship will be initially for five years. Should the fellow superannuate during the term of the fellowship, the fellowship can be continued if a host institution is willing to host the fellowship up to the age of 68 years.
2. The tenure of the fellowship may be extended for subsequent term of 5 years based on rigorous assessment of research performance during the tenure of the fellowship. A minimum of 25% of the applicants seeking extension will not be granted extension.
3. The fellowship can be held up to 68 years of age only.

Nature of Support :

1. The fellowship amount is Rs. 25,000 per month in addition to regular income.
2. Research grant of Rs. 15.00 lakh per annum.
3. Overhead of Rs.1.00 lakh per annum to the host institute.

Nomination :

1. The nominations can be sent by the Heads of the Institutions; JC Bose Fellows and Presidents of National science academies.
2. The nominations are received throughout the year through online (www.serbonline.in) only..

Selection :
Selection of JC Bose Fellows will be made periodically (normally twice a year) by a Search-cum-Selection Committee specially constituted for the purpose, as per the broad guidelines of the fellowship scheme.

Formats and Guidelines

The details of Programme Coordinators and Programme Officers are given below:

Department of Science and Technology (DST) in association with Indian National Academy of Engineering (INAE) has launched a Fellowship in the year 2017, named as “Abdul Kalam Technology Innovation National Fellowship” to recognize, encourage, support and promote translational research in engineering by Indian Nationals working in public funded institutions in the country, so as to transfer fundamental research output in viable technological products/devices/components/processes. In brief, the principal objective of the Fellowship is to achieve excellence in engineering, innovation and technology development. This fellowship scheme has been named after late Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, the former President of India, who was a role model in Indian technology development and self-reliance. The scheme is being administered by Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) and implemented by Indian National Academy of Engineering (INAE).

Scope :
All areas of engineering, innovation and technology are covered by this fellowship.

Eligibility :

1. The scheme is applicable to Indian nationals working in India in various capacities of engineering profession in public funded institutions.
2. The scheme is also applicable to Overseas Citizens of India working in permanent positions in public funded Institutions in India.
3. The applicant should possess adequate professional qualification and hold at least a bachelor’s degree with a proven outstanding track record in innovation or technology development.
4. This applicant should have a minimum of five (5) years of service left in the parent organization as on the date of the award.
5. The applicant should not be holding any other fellowship and in the event of selection, he/she will have to opt for only one of the fellowships.

Duration :

1. The duration of the fellowship will be initially for three years, extendable by upto two more years depending on the performance.
2. The fellowship can be held for a maximum of 5 years.

Nature of Support :

1. The fellowship amount is Rs. 25,000 per month in addition to regular income.
2. A Research grant of Rs.15.00 lakh per annum.
3. An Overhead of Rs.1.00 lakh per annum to the host institute.
4. The fellowship is taxable as per IT rule of Government of India.

Expected Outcome :
Commercialized or deployable technology; pilot scale or field trial worthy technology; patent (filed/ sold/ commercialized); working model or prototype for demonstration and trial.

Nomination :
The nominations can be sent by the Heads of the Institutions/ organizations, Presidents/ fellows of National Science/ Engineering Academies, SS Bhatnagar Awardees and JC Bose awardees. Self-Nominations shall not be accepted.
The nominations will be accepted throughout the year.

Fellowship :

1. A Maximum of 10 Fellowships will be awarded per year.

Selection :
Selection of Abdul Kalam Technology Innovation National Fellows will be made by a Search -Cum-Selection Expert Committee specially constituted for the purpose, as per the broad guidelines of the fellowship

Forwarding of Nominations :
To download the Nomination Form and submission please visit https://www.inae.in/research-innovation/abdul-kalam-technology-innovation-national-fellowship/

The submission of the Nomination form along with all supporting documents/appendices should be submitted by email to INAE at inaehq@inae.in

Contact for more information on Abdul Kalam Technology Innovation National Fellowship at INAE:-
Lt Col Shobhit Rai (Retd)
Convener cum Member Secretary
(Abdul Kalam Technology Innovation National Fellowship)
Deputy Executive Director
Indian National Academy of Engineering (INAE)
Ground Floor, Block-II,
Technology Bhavan,
New Mehrauli Road,
New Delhi - 110016
Phone: 011-26582475
Email: inaehq@inae.in
Website: www.inae.in

Formats and Guidelines

Ramanujan Fellowship is meant for brilliant Indian scientists and engineers from outside India to take up scientific research positions in India, those Indian scientists/engineers who want to return to India from abroad. The fellowship is scientist -specific and very selective. The Ramanujan Fellows could work in any of the scientific institutions and universities in the country and they would be eligible for receiving regular research grants through the extramural funding schemes of various S&T agencies of the Government of India.

Objective :
The scheme provides support to active researchers/ scientists/engineers who want to return to India from abroad and contribute their work for the country.

Scope :
All areas of science (in the broadest terms) will be covered by the fellowship.

Eligibility :

1. The Fellowship is open to brilliant Indian scientists and engineers working abroad and are below the age of 40 years.
2. The Nominee should possess a higher degree or equivalent, such as Ph.D. in Science/ Engineering, Masters in Engineering or Technology/ MD in Medicine, etc. and have adequate professional experience.
3. These Fellowships are very selective and only those who have a proven/ outstanding track-record as evident from their research publications and recognition"s would be eligible.
4. In case of selection of the candidate for regular position in the Univ./ Institute, the candidate will not be eligible for receiving grant under Ramanujan Fellowship
5. The Fellowship is only for those scientists who are not holding any permanent/ tenuretrack/ contractual position in any Indian Institute/ University.
6. The Nominee should be working abroad at the time of nomination.

Nature & Duration of Support :

1. The amount of the Fellowship will be Rs. 1,35,000/- per month (consolidated including HRA).
2. Each Fellow will, in addition, receive a research grant of Rs.7.00 lakh per annum and Rs.60,000/- per annum as overhead charges.
3. The duration of the fellowship will be for five years, and not extendable.

Mode & Selection of Application :

1. The scientists can choose to work at any S&T Institution including University Departments or other Academic Institutions and National Laboratories in India, provided the Institution at which they wish to pursue research is willing to provide the necessary administrative and R&D basic infrastructural support to facilitate research. This fellowship is meant for working in new areas and laboratories in order to expand their research capabilities, other than the one, where the candidate has obtained his/ her doctorate degree. Nominations from Ph.D guides of the candidate and nominations from the same institute where they opted for their Ph.D. will not be considered.
2. Individual Scientists and Technologists should approach the Institutions of his/ her choice for hosting them for the fellowship and forwarding their nominations to SERB for the fellowship.
3. Selection of Ramanujan Fellows will be made periodically by an empowered Search- cum-Selection Committee specially appointed for the purpose.
4. Ramanujan Fellowship nominations are accepted throughout the year.
5. The Nominations should only sent through the head of the organisation/ university/ institute or an authorised academic personnel of the organisation/ university/ institute

Formats and Guidelines

The project proposal should be prepared according to the guidelines and submitted online through the website www.serbonline.in
The details of Programme Advisors / Coordinators and Programme Officers are given below:

Objective :
The SERB-National Post Doctoral Fellowship (N-PDF) is aimed to identify motivated young researchers and provide them support for doing research in frontier areas of science and engineering. The fellows will work under a mentor, and it is hoped that this training will provide them a platform to develop as an independent researcher.

Eligibility :

1. The applicant should be an Indian citizen.
2. The applicant must have obtained Ph.D./M.D./M.S. degree from a recognized University. Those who have submitted their PhD/M.D/M.S thesis and are awaiting award of the degree are also eligible to apply. However, such candidates, if selected, will be offered lower fellowship amount till they qualify the eligible degree.
3. The upper age limit for the fellowship is 35 years at the time of the submission of application, age will be calculated by taking the date of closure of the respective call. Age relaxation of 5 (five) years will be given to candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC/Physically Challenged & Women candidates.
4. NPDF can be availed only once by a candidate in his/her career.
5. Mentor must hold a regular academic / research position in a recognized institution in India. Should hold Ph.D. degree in Science or Engineering.
6. A mentor shall not have more than two SERB NPDF fellows at any given time.
7. Aspirants of NPDF, ECRA and CRG (EMR) can submit their proposal only once in a calendar year in any one of these schemes.

Nature & Duration of Support :

1. The fellowship is tenable only in India and can be implemented in any of the recognized academic institutions, national laboratories and other recognized R & D institutions. The host institution should provide necessary administrative and infrastructural support.
2. The fellows will not be allowed to work with the Ph.D. guide/co-guide. It is also normally not availed at the same Department / institution where the candidates have earned their PhD/M.S/M.D degree.
3. The fellowship is purely a temporary assignment, and is tenable initially for a period of 2 years.
4. The fellows will be entitled to receive the grants as given below:

• Research grant can be used for minor equipment, consumables, contingencies and domestic travel. There is no provision for providing manpower support under this scheme. The Fellow is expected to undertake the research objectives by himself/herself during the entire duration of the fellowship.
• The fellows are not eligible to receive any other fellowship from any Government or Non-Governmental source during the tenure of the fellowship.
• The fellows must seek the consent of SERB if he/she intends to be away from the implementing institute (except for field work related to the project) continuously for a period more than eight weeks.

Selection & Mode of Application :

1. The call for applications for SERB-N PDF will be notified through the websites www.serbonline.in and www.serb.gov.in
2. The application form along with a research proposal highlighting the objectives of the research work to be undertaken should be submitted online through the website www.serbonline.in
3. The applicant must identify a suitable Mentor under whom the proposed research would be carried out.
4. The selection will be based on the recommendations of an Expert Committee that will be constituted by the SERB. If required, the applicants may be called for personal interview.

How to Apply Online :
For successful online submission of the application the following points may be noted:

1. Applicants should first register into the online website www.serbonline.in click here to register
2. After log-in, applicants are required to fill all the mandatory fields in Profile Detail section under User Profile, which includes Bio data, photo, Institute Address, etc.
3. Details including Project Title (max 500 characters), Project summary (max 3000 characters), Keywords (max 6), Objectives of the proposal (max 1500 characters), Expected output and outcome of the proposal (max 1500 characters) should be provided online at the time of submission of the application.
4. Work Methodology and Research plan has to be uploaded in single PDF file not more than 3 pages (max 10 MB).
5. For details one may visit http://serbonline.in/SERB/npdf?HomePage=New

Documents Required (in PDF) Should be in Prescribed Format :

1. Biodata (under user profile section)Download template
2. Age Proof Certificate.
3. Qualification Certificate.
4. Category Certificate (in case of Age Relaxation).
5. Undertaking Certificate by the applicant Download template
6. Endorsement Certificate from the Mentor & Host Institute Download template
7. Short CV of the mentor (see online portal for its format).

Termination of the Fellowship :

1. If any fellow wishes to terminate the fellowship, he/she shall inform the SERB through the mentor and host institute immediately. The implementing institute should not incur any expenditure from the date of termination of the project or the date of resignation of PI. The institute will also arrange for submission of documents mentioned above.
2. SERB reserves the right to terminate the Fellowship at any stage if it is convinced that appropriate progress is not being made or the grant has not been utilized properly.

Leave :
SERB PDFs are entitled to leave as per rules of the host institution. Participation in scientific workshops held in India or abroad will be treated as on duty. Maternity leave as per the Govt. of India instructions issued from time to time would be available to female candidates in all categories.

Formats and Guidelines

The details of Programme Advisors / Coordinators and Programme Officers are given below:

Objective :
The INSPIRE Faculty Scheme of Department of Science and Technology (DST) and Ramanujan Fellowship Scheme of the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) offer opportunities for young scientists to initiate and sustain research careers in various fields of science and engineering. These schemes do not offer extension of the fellowship after completion of five years. The support link is broken after the end of the tenure of the respective fellowships.

In order to provide a platform for sustainment of their research for some more time, SERB Board has recently approved a new ‘SERB Research Scientist (SRS) Scheme’ for the awardees of INSPIRE Faculty and Ramanujan Fellowships, who fail to secure regular positions after completion of the regular tenure of five years in the respective schemes. The fellows will be called ‘SERB Research Scientists’.The scheme provides an opportunity for them to continue their research activities and also to explore for regular positions during the intervening period.

Identify and provide a platform for sustainment of the research career of INSPIRE Faculty and Ramanujan Fellows for an additional period of two years after completion of the regular tenure of five years in the respective schemes.

Eligibility :

1. The scheme is open only to INSPIRE Faculty and Ramanujan Fellows.
2. The applicant should have completed or nearing completion of the tenure of INSPIRE Faculty of DST or Ramanujan Fellowship of SERB. Application shall be submitted within six months before or after completion of regular tenure of the schemes. However, previous batches may be allowed to apply now at the opening of this new scheme.
3. The upper age limit for INSPIRE Faculty/Ramanujan Fellows is 40 years at the time of submission of application.
4. SRS can be availed only once by a candidate in his/her career.

Nature & Duration of Support :

1. The SRS Scheme will be made effective only after completion of the tenure of the respective INSPIRE Faculty/Ramanujan Fellowship.
2. The SRS scheme can be availed only once by a candidate in his/her career.
3. The SRS is tenable only in India and can be implemented in any of the recognized academic institutions, national laboratories and other recognized R & D institutions. The host institution should provide necessary administrative and infrastructural support.
4. The Faculty/Fellow can either implement the SRS Scheme from the present host institution or opt to choose a different host institution that is suitable to the objectives of the proposed research work.
5. The SRSs will not be allowed to work at the same Department / institution where the candidates have earned their PhD/M.S/M.D degree.
6. The SRS is purely a temporary and contractual assignment, and is tenable for a period of 2 years, extendable to one more year, subject to performance evaluation. Under any circumstances, the support is not extendable beyond three years.
7. The SRSs will be entitled to receive the grants as given below:

Objectives :
The fellowship is designed to identify and reward excellent women researchers in Indian academic institutions and R&D laboratories, holding Ph.D. degree in any branch of science and engineering.

Eligibility :

• The nominee should be an active scientist with an excellent record of research performance as an independent investigator.
• The nominee should be in regular service throughout the duration of Fellowship.
• The nominee should be an Indian citizen between 35-55 years of age working in institutions in India.
• The nominee should not be receiving any other fellowships from Government sources during the tenure.

Nature and Duration of Support :

• Fellowship of Rs. 15,000/- per month in addition to regular income.
• Research grant of Rs. 10 lakh per annum. Research grant can be used for minor equipment, manpower, consumables, contingencies, and domestic travel.
• Overheads for the host institute.
• Fellowship duration will be fixed for three years, without the possibility of extension.
• Successful POWER Fellows cannot be re-nominated for a second time.

Application & Selection Procedure :

• Applications for POWER fellowships are invited through nominations. The nominations should be sent by the Heads of the Institutions or Fellows of National Academies.
• The nominations will be received throughout the year through online (www.serbonline.in) only.
• Selection of POWER Fellows will be made twice a year by a specially constituted Search-cum-Selection Committee constituted for the purpose.

SERB - Women Excellence Research Grant is a one-time award given to women scientists below 40 years of age and who have received recognition from any one or more of the following national academies such as Young Scientist Medal, Young Associate etc.

1. Indian National Science Academy, New Delhi
2. Indian Academy of Science, Bangalore
3. National Academy of Science, Allahabad
4. Indian National Academy of Engineering, New Delhi
5. National Academy of Medical Sciences, New Delhi
6. National Academy of Agricultural Sciences, New Delhi

These women researchers will be supported with a research grant of Rs 5.00 lakh per annum for a period of 3 years. The applications (two hard copies) in the format given below be sent to the secretary, SERB. The call for proposals will be notified through the website annually.

A copy of the proposal (in one file in PDF) may also be sent by email to: shilpipaul@serb.gov.in Women Scientists who have received the award earlier are not eligible to apply again.

This scheme aims to facilitate mobility of faculty members working in a regular capacity in State Universities / Colleges and in private Academic Institutions to carry out research work in an established public funded central institution such as IITs, IISc, IISERS, National Institutions (NITs, CSIR, ICAR, ICMR labs and other central institutions) and Central Universities, located preferably nearer to the institution where the faculty member is working. Research work will be carried out in such a manner to ensure that PI continue to work in the host institute as well as his / her parent institute on mutually agreed terms between the PI and Mentor.

Eligibility :

1. Indian citizen residing in India holding Ph.D. degree in Science / Engineering or MS / MD in Medicine are eligible to apply.
2. The applicant(s) must hold a regular academic / research position in State Universities/ Colleges and private Academic Institutions.
3. Applicant should not hold any ongoing research projects or any fellowship at the time of submission of application.
4. The upper age limit for the award is 45 years at the time of the submission of application. Age relaxation of 5 (five) years will be given to candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC/Physically Challenged & Women candidates.
5. Mentor should be at the level of Associate Professor/Scientist E, or higher level.
6. Only one candidate will be allowed to work with a mentor at any given point of time.

Nature of Support : Not exceeding three years covering areas under Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Engineering Sciences, Earth & Atmospheric Sciences & Mathematical Sciences, including interdisciplinary areas.

Research fellowship of Rs. 60,000/- per year (in addition to the researcher"s own salary) will be provided subject to completion of minimum 90 days research work per year in the host institution. Research grant of Rs. 5 lakhs per annum (50% each to host and parent institution) and overheads (as per SERB norms) will be provided.

Selection and Mode of selection :

1. • The call for proposals will be notified through the website www.serbonline.in and www.serb.gov.in
2. • The proposals will be evaluated through peer review processes as per SERB guidelines.

How to apply online :
For successful online submission of the application the following points may be noted:

1. Applicant(s) should first register into the online website.
2. After log-in, applicant(s) are required to fill all the mandatory fields in Profile Detail section under User Profile. which includes Bio-data, Photo, Institute Address etc.
3. Summary of the project proposal; Project Title (max 500 characters), Abstract of the proposed work (max 3000 characters), Keywords (max 6), Objectives of project (max 1500 characters), Expected output and outcome of the proposal (max 1500 characters), have to be entered at the time of proposal submission.
4. Other relevant information of the proposal must be uploaded in single PDF file not more than 10 MB as other technical document (OTD).

Documents required (in PDF) should be in prescribed format :
For successful online submission of the application the following points may be noted:

1. Biodata of the applicant (under user profile section)
2. Other technical details of the proposal
3. Certificate from the Investigator
4. Endorsement certificate from the Head of Parent Institution
5. Endorsement Letter from the Head of host Institution
6. CV of the Mentor
7. Category certificate
8. Age proof certificate
9. Joining report
10. Mandatory 90 days attendance certificate by the end of the financial year
11. Plagiarism undertaking

Preamble :
SERB Science and Technology Award for Research (SERB-STAR) is a prestigious award instituted by SERB to recognize and reward outstanding performance of Principal Investigators (PIs) of SERB Projects. SERB has been supporting basic research in frontier areas of science and engineering through its various programs and schemes. The number of researchers under the ambit of SERB has increased over the years and they contribute significantly towards the progress of science and engineering in the country through their research endeavour. SERB-STAR is an initiative to acknowledge such exemplary contributions in research and also to motivate the PIs of ongoing projects for outstanding performance.

Nature of Support :

1. Fellowship of Rs. 15,000/- per month, research grant of Rs. 10 lakh per annum and Rs.1 lakh per annum as overhead charges for a period of three years.
2. Upto 30 awards per year and not more than 90 at any time

Eligibility :

1. The nominee should have completed individual-centric SERB project in previous three financial years with “Excellent” grading. Only the PI of such projects and not the Co-PIs shall be eligible.
2. The applicant must hold a regular academic/research position in a recognized academic institution or national laboratories or any other recognized R&D institutions. [The term “Regular” refers to: (1) Those who are appointed by the institutions against the ‘sanctioned ‘post. Such positions are regularized/confirmed after the probation period is over (2) Those who are appointed in a tenure post but are likely to be renewed after the end of the tenure].
3. The age of the nominee should be within 40 to 50 years as on December 31 of the year in which the call is made.
4. PIs who have an ongoing fellowship/honorarium such as JC Bose Fellowship, Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize, Swarnajayanti Fellowship, etc. are not eligible.
5. Individuals who are nominated for SERB STAR but are unsuccessful can be renominated for consideration in the following year subject to fulfilling other eligibility criteria.

Application and Selection Process :

1. The application would be by nomination which must be submitted online through the website www.serbonline.in
2. Call for nomination would be made once in a year.
3. Nomination shall be made by the Head of the Institution of the nominee.
4. At Stage 1 - Preliminary Scrutiny, verification of eligibility criteria including “Excellent” grading will be carried out by SERB. Only those nominations found eligible, would be considered for
   Stage 2 - Award Selection Process.
5. The selection by a competent committee will be based on performance of completed projects and other research work would carry a top up weightage.

Scientific Social Responsibility :
SERB has adopted Scientific Social Responsibility (SSR) Policy to imbibe a culture of social commitment among SERB Grantees. The policy intends to effectively utilize scientific infrastructure and expertise of SERB grantees to benefit other S&T stakeholders especially the less-endowed researchers and the society. SERB Grantees need to undertake some SSR activities during their project period. SSR activities need to be chosen during submission process. Depending on the activities chosen additional budget would be provided under separate head to carry out the chosen activities.

Instructions for Online Submission :

1. PI need to register in SERB online portal, www.serbonline.in
2. After log-in, PI need to fill all the mandatory fields in Profile Details section under User Profile which includes Bio data, Photo, Institution Address, etc.
3. Under ‘Form Submission’, choose Scheme: STAR, and fill the STAR nomination form which includes details of completed project, other scientific contribution, nominator details, etc.
4. After filling the details, PI should select “Send STAR nomination form to Nominator”
5. Nominator would receive intimation via email with a link to SERB online portal, to view the filled-in STAR Nomination form.
6. Nominator can choose to submit the nomination to SERB or resend the form to Nominee with his comments for any revision.
7. Once submitted, PI and Nominator will receive intimation regarding successful submission.

Documents Required (in PDF format) :

1. Project completion report (PCR)
2. List of publications resulting from the completed project (if any)
3. Reprints of publications (if applicable)
4. Details of patents from the completed project (if any)
5. Patent documents (if applicable)
6. Documents related to technology transfer (if any)
7. List of complete publications, patents and any other significant contribution
8. Endorsement certificate Download template
9. Certificate from PI Download template
10. Technical Document Download template

SERB-TETRA (Technology Translation Award) is a new scheme for catalizing technology translation in academic setting. Translation research has gained considerable focus as it has the potential to elevate results from fundamental research to a given technology readiness level, in turn catalyzing symbiotic growth of institutional infrastructure to offer a platform for scale-up of entrepreneurial ventures, supported by a variety of funding mechanisms. SERB-TETRA will challenge scientists executing SERB grants, such as CRG, to establish an effective, functional and synergistic working collaboration with an industry partner to elevate their breakthrough results and technologies to TRL level 5 and beyond. It is implicit that PIs would have obtained necessary patents and IPR.

TETRA Support will help entities having successful ideas to kickstart new venture processes. With a seed capital, flexible working spaces and interaction between mentor and startup entrepreneurs, the SERB-TETRA will expand the scope by providing numerous networking opportunities, followed by presenting the finished prototype to an audience of large investors, established MSMEs and private companies, and public sector enterprises.

SERB-TETRA would be awarded to select PIs who have clearly demonstrated translational potential of their research (patents, etc.) and have established contact with industrial partners for fast-track graduation to a prototype stage and beyond. PIs would have also identified technology incubators in their own institution or in the vicinity who could support their endeavors. It is envisaged that a well-defined strategy to augment research innovation, via technology incubators, will add value to the CRG and other funding mechanisms supported by SERB.

Objective :
SERB-TETRA aims to provide award to competitively funded Core Research Grants (CRG) and similar projects, holding potential and promise for translation at TRL 5 or beyond.

Eligibility :

1. Submissions under TETRA can be made only by PIs of ongoing research grants and all extramural grants completed in last three years, where PI holds or applied for a patent.
2. Applicants [Principal Inventor (PI) and / or Co-Inventor(s)] should be Indian citizens. Foreign nationals (including OCI and NRI) are also eligible to apply provided they fulfil the eligibility criteria notified by SERB (SERB Funding Guidelines for foreign nationals dated 27th Oct 2016).
3. The applicant(s) must hold a regular academic/research position in a recognized academic institution or national laboratory or in any other recognized R&D institution in India with at least 3 years of service remaining.
4. Private Academic institutions with valid UGC / AICTE / PCI approval, Private R&D Institutions with valid DSIR-SIRO recognition and Voluntary and Non- Governmental Organizations registered under NITI-AAYOG Darpan portal are eligible to host a project.
5. The PI and Co-Investigator(s) should hold Ph.D. degree in Science, Mathematics, Engineering or M.D / M.S. / M.D.S. / M.V.Sc degree at the time of applying for grant.

Nature & Duration of Support :

1. The funding will be provided normally for a period of two years.
2. The award will entail an unstructured budget up to 15 lakhs per year (without international travel), including overhead.

Selection & Mode of Application :

1. An applicant is eligible to apply only one proposal during a call (as a PI or Co-PI).
2. Any proposal technically rejected should not be resubmitted without any substantial revision to any schemes or programs of the SERB.
3. Not more than one project is allowed at any given time as a Principal Inventor under the program TETRA.
4. The Call for applications will be notified through the website "www.serbonline.in" and "www.serb.gov.in". The application form along with a proper research proposal highlighting the research work to be undertaken should be submitted online through the website "www.serbonline.in".
5. The proposals will be evaluated through a stringent peer-review processes by a suitable Programme Advisory Committee.
6. The selection will be based on the recommendations of Program Advisory Committee (PAC) constituted by the Board. If required, the applicants maybe called for discussion/ presentation.

Plagiarism : Proposals submitted must be original in ideation and content. Plagiarism in any form will not be acceptable. All submitted proposals might be subjected to a third-party similarity check and proposals are liable to be rejected if found plagiarised. Any text taken verbatim from other source needs to be identified using quotation marks and proper reference. Applicants are requested to pre-check their proposals for plagiarism before uploading.

Scientific Social Responsibility : SERB has adopted Scientific Social Responsibility (SSR) Policy to imbibe a culture of social commitment among SERB Grantees. The policy intends to effectively utilize scientific infrastructure and expertise of SERB grantees to benefit other S&T stakeholders especially the less-endowed researchers and the society. SSR activities need to be chosen after approval and depending on the activities chosen additional budget would be provided under separate head to carry out the chosen activities. SERB Grantees need to undertake the proposed SSR activities during their project period.

How to Apply Online :
For successful online submission of the application the following points may be noted:

1. Applicant should first register into the online website. click here to register
2. After successful registration, user will be sent a confirmation mail on registered emaiID. User must click on the url provided in the mail to confirm registration.
3. After log-in, applicant(s) are required to fill all the mandatory fields in Profile Detail section under User Profile. which includes Bio-data, Photo, Institute Address etc.
4. Details of Patent, Publications in last 5 years, Projects, Research Collaboration, Academic Supervision of all investigators (PI and all Co-Inventor's) has to be provided.
5. Some of the details of your proposed work like Title (max 500 characters), Patent summary (max 3000 characters), Keywords (max 6), Translation Methodology (max 1500 characters), Expected output and outcome (max 1500 characters), Innovation (max 1000 characters), Gap area (max 1000 characters) and Advantage of Prototype/ Product to be developed (max 1000 characters) have to be entered at the time of proposal submission.
6. Other relevant information of the proposal has to be uploaded in single PDF file not more than 10 MB as other technical document (OTD). Download Template
7. Documents required (in PDF) should be in prescribed format:
   • Biodata (under user profile section) Download template
   • Certificate from -> Principal Investigator/InventorDownload template
   • Endorsement Letter from the Head of Institution Download template
   • Documents related to Technology Transfer from completed/ ongoing project
   • Support Letter if there is any tie-up with any Start-up or Industry
8. Plagiarism undertaking Download template

Background :
The landscape of Indian science has been expanding at an accelerated pace. It is therefore advisable to match the pace while providing opportunities for growth of senior scientists, even beyond superannuation too. In the absence of these opportunities, eminent academicians and performing senior scientists, at times face challenges to continue research. These scientists possess great amount of knowledge and more importantly the experience that they have accumulated over many years, a non-replaceable treasure that can be lost if avenues are not made available to them.

These elites have an excellent track record as evidenced by their election to the prestigious Science and Engineering Academics as well as high impact publications, patents and recognition. Although, there is currently no systematic data regarding the highly knowledgable retirees productivity all over the world, a survey conducted in 2014 revealed that out of the superannuated medical professors from 20 countries, many continued teaching and more than 40% had published research papers and / or books of repute.

There are a few chairs/professorships available in the country instituited by various ministries / departments/ academies with public funds. Considering the limited number of such opportunities, SERB has been catering to one such scheme - National Science Chair (NSC).

Purpose :
The main aim of the scheme is to recognise active eminent senior resident Indian superannuated scientists for their outstanding contributions both nationally and internationally, in the area of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) and Medicine, to promote excellence and growth in R&D.

Implementation :
The NSC will be implemented in two modes. In the first one, the support will be extended to those senior eminent scientists who after superannuation, continue to be active in research but do not possess a formal supporting arrangement. Thus, the need of a mechanism is required to utilize their expertise and let them sustain their efforts in research. The other mode will recognize outstanding superannuated scientists to establish a benchmark for stature, value and eminence in national and international Science & Technology (S&T) communities.

Descriptive details of the basic rationale, primary objective and eligibility conditions for nomination for NSCs in Mode-1 and Mode-2 in respect of nominees (with > 65 years and superannuated- also those left with maximum six months period service to reach the age of 65 after the closing date of nomination):

Mode-1: Scientific Excellence :
The performing senior scientists who have made outstanding contribution to research, as evidenced by S&T output indicators (i.e. publications, patents, technology transfer, software development or an impact on policy) and wish to continue their work in R&D will be recognized through this mode. SERB recognizes the need for utilizing the expertise of exceptionally meritorious senior scientists. Non-utilization of their expertise, in one sense, is a national loss and age should not be a criteria for performing scientists.

Objective :
To extend continuance of support for excellence in R&D activities of eminent senior superannuated scientists who are passionate in research as evidenced by the S&T output.

Eligibility for nomination :

1. The nominee should be an active resident Indian scientist/academician, with outstanding research track record in any one or more areas of STEM and medicine, partiularly during the last five years.
2. The nominee must have received recognition for his/her work from national / international scientific bodies such as fellowship in prestigious academies and S&T awards.
3. The nominee could be affiliated to an academic institutions / R&D lab or should have consent on the subject from the future host institution.

Mode-2: Science Leadership :
This mode is more to do with recognition for thought leadership made by the awardee during the most active part of professional life and also in the recent period. The nominee will be an active researcher with tangible impact of work carried out and developing an international reputation as a Research & Development leader. This may include mentoring younger colleagues, conducting innovative research, publishing results in SCI journals and assist in policy formulation. The exact nature of work may be any one or a combination of all the aforesaid activities.

Objective :
To recognize outstanding contributions made by any of the resident Indian superannuated Scientist towards excellence at the national and the global level.

Eligibility for nomination :

1. The nominee should be a distinguished resident Indian scientist/ academician in any one or more areas of expertise in STEM and Medicine, particularly during the last 10 years.
2. The nominee must be a Science Leader and have recognition for his/her work from national / international scientific bodies such as fellowship in prestigious academies and S&T awards.
3. The nominee could be affiliated to an academic institutions / R&D lab or should have consent on the subject from the future host institution.

Advisory Committee :
A committee referred to as National Science Chair Advisory Committee (NSCAC) has been constituited to oversee development of the Chairs, make recommendations for selection of the awardees, review their progress / extention, undertake assigned activities to ensure promotion, relevance and quality of R&D, as well as to meet the goal of the awards.

Nomination and Selection :
Proposal in the prescribed form will be invited from the current and former Presidents of any of the national science academies (including Engineering, Agriculture, Medicine, etc.), Directors of premier institutes like IISc, Bangalore, IISERs, IITs, NITs, National Laboratories, etc., Vice-Chancellors of Universities as well as members of Scientific Advisory Councils to the Hon’ble PM & Cabinet and members of governing bodies of Science and Engineering Research Board and Secretaries to Govt. of India in Ministries / Departments.

The proposed nomination duly completed in all respects (including the copy of research proposal in 5-6 pages providing broad outline/framework of the intended work: for Mode-1 only), signed, and routed through the Head of the Institution wherein a scientist/technologist intends to work or get associated with, should be submitted online at www.serbonline.in as and when the calls are announced. The proposals will be examined by the NSCAC to ascertain the merit. The recommendations of the Committee will be considered by the SERB to make funding decisions. Call for nomination will not be periodic in nature and will be made from time to time subject to vacancies available every year.

Number of Positions :
The maximum number of Mode-1 positions is restricted to thirty (30), whereas in case of Mode-2, it would be restricted to a total of five (5).

Tenure and Commencement :
The award will be given initially for a period of 3 years and is extendable for a maximum of another two years, subject to the recommendations of the NSCAC. Selected Chairs will have to join within a period of six months from the date of issue of the offer letter.

Nature of Support :
An amount of Rs 1.5 lakh per month will be given to both modes of awardees as fellowship. The Research Grant in case of Mode-1 and Mode-2 will be Rs 25 lakhs per annum and Rs 5 Lakhs per annum respectively. The grant shall be used for manpower, equipment, travel (including international), contingency, etc. It needs to be utilised as per the norms of the Host Institute. Items purchased out of the contingency grant will be the property of the Host Institute after the completion of tenure. However, in certain listed items, their retention by the awardee will be decided in accordance with the existing government rules and regulations on the subject. For overhead expenses, Rs. 1.0 lakh per annum will be given to the host institution.

Assessment Criteria :
The assessment criteria for selection of awardee will be decided by NSCAC and it will be generally based on the following considerations:

1. Outstanding research track record of the nominee and international standing in the field.
2. Quality / originality of proposed research plan.
3. Ability to mentor young researchers and implement proactive approaches towards advancement of S&T talent in the country.

Obligations / Terms & Conditions :

1. During tenure, the NSC will operate in affiliation to any recognised research institute / university located in India. All the grants pertaining to the NSC will be released through the Host Institute.
2. The Host Institute shall submit audited statement of accounts and utilization certificate to SERB. Release of subsequent grants will be subject to receipt of the necessary financial statements.
3. The position for Mode-1 will stand terminated from the date the NSC accepts any other position yielding regular salary/honorarium/fellowship in future. However, the awardee in both Modes-1 & 2 shall be free to seek additional funds for pursuing research from other funding agencies.
4. Support by SERB under the NSC Scheme should be acknowledged by the awardee in all publications, patents, etc.
5. The intellectual property rights arising out of the research work of the NSC will be governed by the norms of the Host institute.
6. The NSC shall furnish a detailed technical report on the work/activities carried out by him/her during the preceding year upto 31st March relevant to scientific direct contribution or promotion of scientific research. Final adjustment/settlement of accounts should be done by the host institute within a period of 60 days of termination of the position.
7. These rules and regulations of SERB may be revised or amended as and when found necessary.

Mandatory documents needed for Nomination (to be uploaded at www.serbonline.in) :

1. Research Proposal with brief Introduction, Objective, Methodology, Budget and expected outcome (upto five pages) (For Mode-1 nominations only).
2. Endorsement Letter by the head of the Host Institute (Format).
3. Certificate from the Nominee (Format).

The details of Advisor / Coordinator are given below:

Email: ns-chair@serb.gov.in