Impacting Research Innovation and Technology (IMPRINT – II)

IMPacting Research INnovation and Technology (IMPRINT II), a joint programme of Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) and Department of Science & Technology (DST) (steered by Science and Engineering Research Board, SERB) is aimed to address major engineering challenges that the country must address and champion to enable, empower and embolden the nation for inclusive growth and self-reliance. This is a unique technology development initiative of the Government of India for translation of research knowledge into viable technology (products and processes). The entire gamut of activities was divided into ten identified domains namely, Advanced Materials (AM), Energy (EN), Environment & Climate change (EC), Healthcare (HC), Information & Communication Technology (IT), Manufacturing (MT), Nanotechnology hardware (NT), Security & Defence (SD), Sustainable Habitat (SH) and Water & River Systems (WR).

Prime Minister’s Fellowship for Doctoral Research

Prime Minister’s Fellowship for Doctoral Research scheme is a prestigious initiative of SERB towards the advancement of university research engagements in line with industry requirement. This scheme is aimed at encouraging young, talented, enthusiastic, and result-oriented scholars to take up industry-relevant research by partnering with institutions of academic excellence. The intent was to leverage research with industry’s innovative capacity by providing access to know-how and facilities. These are critical in advancing expertise and technologies leading to tangible economic outcomes like patents, licenses, non-patented and non-licensed new products, and processes.

Under this scheme, fulltime PhD scholars get double the JRF/SRF fellowship amount, as scholarship. The scheme has the provision to award up to 100 new scholarships every year. As per the provisions of the scheme, the scholarship is given for a maximum period of four years. While one-half of this scholarship comes from the government, the second half comes from a partner company which also works closely with the candidate on the research project. The first batch of fellowship commenced in 2013. Since then, more than 300 fellowships have been awarded. Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) on behalf of SERB implement the scheme.

The scheme is open-ended and applications can be submitted anytime within 14 months from their PhD registration, through the portal www.primeministerfellowshipscheme.in or www.serbficci-iirrada.in.

Aim :

• To encourage and inspire promising young Indian Ph.D researchers to pursue industry relevant research in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, Agriculture & Medicine.
• To build industry academia partnership for advancing R&D.
• To boost research on industrially relevant subject areas.

Key Features of the Fellowship :
In addition to attractive scholarship, the Prime Minister’s Fellowship emphasises on providing a unique and invigorating experience to selected fellows. It ensures best national and international exposure for them and provides mentoring through industry and academic experts through the mechanism of annual review meetings. In addition, periodically mentorship sessions are also organised with the help of expert external agencies.

Eligibility :

1. The applicant should be a full-time PhD scholar in any recognized Indian university / institute / research laboratory. The scholar’s PhD registration date should not be more than 14 months from the date of submission of application.
2. The applicant should have a valid industry partner who should be ready to support the research project financially as well as provide guidance and mentorship.
3. The mutually agreed topic of research, between the applicant and the supporting company, should be innovative, have practical relevance and industrial application.
4. The selected applicant should be willing to work with / in the supporting company as and when required during the project period.
5. The applicant should not draw any other fellowship after the selection.

Selection Parameters :

1. The projects should be innovative and of high scientific merit; with discrete R&D as opposed to exploratory investigation.
2. The proposed research project should have a high commercialisation potential.
3. The applicant, the academic guide and the industry mentor should have strong track record.

How to Apply :

1. • Register as a student on the portal or www.primeministerfellowshipscheme.in or www.serbficci-iirrada.in. The application form should be prepared according to the guidelines and submitted online through the website as mentioned below:-
   • www.primeministerfellowshipscheme.in (CII co-ordinating industry chambers) or
   • www.serbficci-iirrada.in(FICCI co-ordinating industry chambers)
2. Download the Call for Proposal and Document Checklist
3. Tie up with a company and get the required undertakings signed from a valid signatory in the company as well as in the host institute
4. Collect all documents and make digital copies of each
5. Fill the application form online (the form cannot be downloaded and requires net connectivity while filling)
6. Submit application
7. Do not send any physical copy of the application / documents to CII / FICCI

For more information on Prime Minister’s Fellowship for Doctoral Research scheme, kindly visit
www.primeministerfellowshipscheme.in or www.serbficci-iirrada.in

Formats and Guidelines

Objectives :
VAJRA Faculty Scheme is instituted to bring a strong international connect to the R&D ecosystem of India. The scheme offers adjunct / visiting faculty positions to overseas scientist / faculty / R&D professional including Non-resident Indians (NRI) and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) to undertake high quality collaborative research in public-funded academic and research institutions of India. VAJRA Faculty will engage in collaborative research in cutting edge areas of science and technology with one or more Indian Collaborators. VAJRA Faculty may also be involved in technology development, start-ups, etc.

Eligibility :

1. The scheme is open to overseas scientist / faculty / R&D professional including NRI and OCI.
2. The overseas scientist/faculty should be an active researcher working in a leading academic / research / industrial organization with proven track record of research and development.
3. Indian Collaborator(s) should be a regular faculty/researcher in academic/research institutions.
4. Indian Collaborator(s) from Top 10 Private Institutions as per the NIRF ranking are also eligible to apply if the Institute contributes 50% of the cost.

Nature and Duration of Support :

1. The residency period of VAJRA Faculty in India would be for a minimum of 1 month and a maximum of 3 months.
2. VAJRA Faculty will be provided US$ 15000 in the first month of engagement and US$ 10000 p.m. in subsequent two months. While no separate support is provided for travel, accommodation, medical / personal insurance etc. the host institute may consider providing additional support.
3. Return visit of Indian faculty to the Institute of VAJRA Faculty: One research visit by the Indian host to the Institute of the VAJRA Faculty for a period not less than a week and not exceeding 30 days will be supported. Board will provide return economy airfare, not exceeding Rs. 1.5 lakh, per-diem and accommodation as per the norms of the Board.
4. Student mobility (Doctoral & Postdoctoral Level: Across labs): Collaborative research visit of not more than 2 students, doctoral, preferably co-advised / post-doctoral level after 2 years of engagement from the research group of Indian host to the Institute of the VAJRA Faculty for a duration of three to six months will be supported. Board will provide a return economy airfare, one-time contingency grant of Rs. 60,000/- and fellowship equivalent to the norms of the Board.
5. Research Contingency Grant to the hosting Indian Collaborator: Rs. 5.0 lakh per year of research visit per VAJRA Faculty to the Indian host to meet expenses related to the collaborative research will also be provided.
6. Support to engage VAJRA Faculty to give lectures in his/her area of expertise in the host Institute: Support to VAJRA Faculty to the tune of Rs. 1.0 lakh per year for this activity will be provided.

Application & Selection Procedure :

1. Application for VAJRA Faculty Scheme can be submitted throughout the year.
2. The Indian collaborator should identify appropriate overseas faculty/ researcher and jointly frame a research plan.
3. The Lead Indian collaborator should submit the application online at www.serbonline.in.
4. Endorsement certificate from Indian Institution and approval letter from overseas faculty institution for participation as VAJRA Faculty, should be uploaded during the time of submission.
5. On submission of the online application, a link to view the submitted application would be sent to the overseas faculty. On his acceptance, the application would be deemed formally submitted for further consideration.
6. The Committee for evaluating the applications will meet twice a year and make its recommendations. SERB will announce the results subsequently.

How to Apply Online :

1. The Lead Indian Collaborator should register in SERB Online Portal.
2. If there are Other Indian Collaborator(s) as part of the proposed work, then it is to be ensured that all the other Indian Collaborator(s) are registered in SERB online portal and have filled all mandatory fields in Profile Details section under User Profile.
3. Under "Form Submission" choose Scheme: VAJRA for opening the online submission form.
4. Following documents need to be uploaded in PDF format:
   1. CV of VAJRA Faculty (including academic qualifications, research experience, awards/honors and maximum of ten relevant research publications. Document size should not be more than 10 MB)
   2. Technical details of the proposed work Download Template
   3. Certificate from Lead Indian Collaborator Download Template
   4. Endorsement Letter from Indian Collaborator Institution Download Template
   5. Letter from Institution of VAJRA Faculty

Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), a statutory body under the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India has launched "SERB International Research Experience (SIRE)".

This Program aims to impart high-end research training in frontier areas of Science and Technology, which are of interest to India by providing opportunity to visit leading institutions/universities across the globe for a period of 02-06 months. The applicant should have Ph.D. degree in the area of Science and Engineering from recognized institutions in India. The applicant holding a permanent position in any Indian research institution would be eligible to apply. The age limit for applying under this scheme shall be 40 years. Age relaxation will be given as per GoI norms in respect of SC/ST/OBC/physically challenged and women candidates. SERB under this program selects candidates in frontier areas of S & T and supports their visit to top institutions around the globe, preferably to the institutions where internationally acclaimed scientists are working. The applicant should himself/herself correspond with the proposed host institution for their visit under this program. The candidate should also submit a letter of approval of research plan from the host.

Objectives

1. To build national capacity in frontier areas of Science and Technology by providing opportunities for International R&D experience by SIRE fellows.
2. To tap the expertise gained by SIRE fellows to strengthen/initiate national programmes in their domain knowledge.
3. To encourage research activities in priority areas which are still less explored in Indian context.

Eligibility

1. The scheme is open to Indian nationals only.
2. Applicant should have Ph.D. degree in the area of Science and Engineering from recognized institutions in India. The applicant must hold a permanent position in any Indian research and academic institution.
3. Applicant having MBBS / MD degree and Veterinary doctors are also eligible to apply
4. Applicants having Teachers Associateship for Research excellence (TARE) award are also eligible to apply
5. Applicant must submit a letter of support from the overseas host institution along with application.
6. The age limit for applying under this scheme shall be 40 years (as on date of submission of application). Age relaxation of 5 years will be given to applicants belonging to SC/ST/OBC/physically challenged and women categories.

Selection

Nature & Duration of Support

Guidelines :

1. The application for consideration under the SERB International Research Experience (SIRE) Program can be submitted through SERB online portal www.serbonline.in only when the call for proposal in made.
2. The applicant has to apply through online portal in the prescribed format.
3. The maximum duration of the abroad visit is limited to 06 months.
4. For scientists / researchers in regular employment, rules governing payment of salary, leave, medical, gratuity, GPF and pension etc. of the organization/ institution/ university to which the fellow belongs would continue to be applicable as per their institutional norms. No liability on any of these will be borne by SERB.
5. The candidates selected under this programme should commence their research in overseas institution within one month from the date of the offer letter, and if not, the offer will be automatically stands withdrawn and no correspondence will be entertained thereafter.
6. Applicant must submit the endorsement letter duly signed by the head of organization/ institute where the applicant is employed.
7. The candidate should also submit a letter of approval of research plan from the host.
8. Copy of acceptance letter from host institution.

How To Apply Online :

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 like Qualification, Research Experience, Fellowships (if any), Employment, Patent(if any), Publications(if any) , Projects(if any), Research Collaborations(if any) have to be provided.
5. Some of the details of your proposed work like Title (max 500 characters), Keywords (max 6), Expected output and outcome (max 1500 characters) and Tentative dates of visit etc. have to be entered at the time of submission.
6. Research Plan has to be uploaded in single PDF file not more than 10 MB. Download Template

How To Apply Online :

1. Bio-data of applicant Download Template
2. Bio-data of Overseas Host Scientist
3. Consent letter from host Download Template
4. Research Plan. Download Template
5. Plagiarism undertaking Download Template
6. Certificate from Applicant. Download Template
7. Endorsement Letter from the Head of Institution. Download Template
8. Age Proof Certificate (Class X marksheet or Birth certificate)
9. Category Certificate (In case of Age Relaxation)

Objectives :

1. To build national capacity in frontier areas of Science and Engineering, which are of interest to India by providing research training to PhD students admitted in the Indian institutions in overseas universities / institutions of repute.
2. To provide opportunity to performing Indian research students to gain exposure and access to top class research facilities in academia and labs in specific Overseas Universities.
3. To create opportunities to build long-term R&D linkages and collaborations with accomplished scientists and technologists from around the world.
4. To tap the expertise gained by these young scientists to strengthen/initiate national programmes in their domain knowledge.

Eligibility :

1. The scheme is open to Indian nationals only.
2. The applicant should have registered for full-time Ph.D. Degree in any of the recognized Institutions / Universities in India in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (including Medicine, Pharma, Agriculture, and related S&T areas) disciplines.
3. Part-time and sponsored students are not considered under the Program. Also, students who have submitted their thesis for award of the Degree of Ph.D. are not eligible to apply.

Nature and Duration of Support :
The scheme is open to Overseas Institutions who had signed an Agreement/MoU with SERB for student mobility. The applicants who intend to undertake research visit to the following Universities to whom SERB had signed MoU should apply directly to the University:

1. Purdue University, West Lafayette, USA
Contact Person: Ms. Heidi Arola (harola[at]purdue[dot]edu), Managing Director for Global Partnerships. More Details available at: http://www.purdue.edu/india/

2. University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canadar
Contact Person: Ms. Nicole Dewart (uaissp[at]ualberta[dot]ca), Senior Coordinator, Sponsored Student Program
More Details available at: https://www.ualberta.ca/international/international-relations/asia/student-mobility/serb/serb-students

The selected fellows will be paid a monthly fellowship amount equivalent to US $ 2000, one-time Contingency / Preparatory allowances of Rs. 60,000/- to cover visa fee, airport transfer charges, medical insurance etc. The selected fellows will also be provided shortest route economy class air fare from their place of work in India to the place of the host institute and back. Students should make their own arrangement for accommodation etc.

The duration of the research training is up-to a period of twelve months.

One visit, each by the Indian supervisor to the Overseas Institution where the student is working and overseas faculty to the host Indian Institution of the student during the tenure of the fellowship is also admissible under the Scheme. The following provisions are made for them to undertake research visits:

• Travel : Both the Indian supervisor and overseas scientist will be provided shortest route round-trip economy class air fare not exceeding Rs. 1.5 lakh per round trip from their place of work to the city of host institute and back. Any additional cost would have to be borne by the visitors.
• Per-diem (Subsistence Allowance) :

  Indian supervisors to Overseas Country	Overseas host to India
  US $ 75 per day up-to 30 days	Up-to 14 days	>14 and up-to 30 days
  	Rs. 3000/- per day	Rs. 2000/- per day

• Accommodation :

  Indian supervisors to Overseas Country		Overseas host to India
  Up-to 14 days	>14 and up-to 30 days	Up-to 14 days	>14 and up-to 30 days
  US $ 150 per day	US $ 100 per day	Rs. 4500/- per day	Rs. 3000/- per day

Application & Selection Procedure :
Applications will be sought annually by Purdue University, West Lafayette, USA and University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.