The Project-Based Personnel Exchange Programme (PPP) is a bilateral research promotion initiative resulting from a 1998 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and the Department of Science and Technology (DST). This program operates with funding from various sources, with DAAD receiving support from the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), while the Government of India, through DST-DAAD Call 2023, funds the Indian side.

DST-DAAD Call 2023 – Project-Based Personnel Exchange Programme (PPP): Strengthening Indian-German Research Collaborations

The primary objective of the PPP is to enhance collaboration between Indian and German research teams working on specific scientific projects. This program, ‘Project-Based Personnel Exchange,’ primarily provides financial support for operational mobility. It places significant emphasis on the academic training and specialization of young researchers.

Application Requirements

To be considered for the PPP, applicants must provide a project description outlining concrete objectives, including details about the number and academic qualifications of the researchers seeking support. The program particularly encourages research collaborations intended to initiate major projects, such as the development of joint applications for submission to other funding organizations.

10 Hints to Help You Successfully Craft a DST-DAAD Proposal

1. Understand the Program: Thoroughly grasp the Project-Based Personnel Exchange Programme (PPP) and its specific objectives.
2. Research Collaboration: Highlight your potential for productive research collaboration with German counterparts.
3. Clearly Defined Objectives: Ensure your proposal defines the project’s objectives and expected outcomes.
4. Relevance: Demonstrate how your project aligns with the program’s goals and priorities.
5. Strong Team: Assemble a competent team with relevant academic credentials.
6. Budget Clarity: Provide a clear and well-justified budget, showing how funds will be allocated.
7. Specialization: Emphasize how the program will contribute to the academic training and specialization of young researchers.
8. Concrete Plans: Describe the practical steps you will take to achieve the proposed research objectives.
9. Partnerships: If applicable, emphasize any initiatives aimed at initiating significant projects in collaboration with German partners.
10. Review and Refine: Review and refine your proposal for clarity, coherence, and adherence to program guidelines.

For more information, please visit the DST

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DBT invites applications from Indian citizens to pursue research in the frontier areas of Biotechnology and Life Sciences for the prestigious ‘DBT-RESEARCH ASSOCIATESHIP (DBT-RA)’. Are you ready to embark on a journey of groundbreaking scientific exploration?

DBT-RESEARCH ASSOCIATESHIP (DBT-RA)

IN BIOTECHNOLOGY & LIFE SCIENCES FOR 2023-24

• The Associateship is tenable in Premier Research Institutions/Universities including non-profit R&D Institutions within India.
• The Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India supports the awarding of the “DBT-Research Associateships” under their program.
• Last date for submission of the online application – 26^th October 2023.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Academic Qualification:

• The applicants should hold a Ph.D. degree in Science, Engineering or M.D./M.S. degree in any area of medicine with research interests in Biotechnology and Life Sciences and a good academic record.
• The applicants who have already submitted the Ph.D./ M.D./ M.S. thesis is also eligible to apply.
• However, such applicants, if selected, will be offered a lower fellowship amount till they qualify for the eligible degree.

Age Limit:

• The upper age limit is 40 years for male candidates and 45 years in the case of female candidates as of the last date of application.

Employment:

• The applicants who are employed at the time of application are eligible to apply.
• However, they have to relinquish their employment to accept the fellowship.

TENURE OF FELLOWSHIP

• The Associateship is a purely temporary full-time assignment and is tenable for a period of 02 years with annual renewal.
• In exceptional cases, the fellowship may be extended up to 04 years depending upon the progress of research.

GENERAL GUIDELINES

• Candidates can avail the DBT-RA fellowship only ONCE in their career.
• Recognized academic institutions, national laboratories, and other recognized R&D institutions in India are the only tenable places for this fellowship. The host institution must offer administrative and infrastructural support.
• PhD guides/co-guides are not permitted to work with the fellows.
• Candidates cannot avail the fellowships at the same institution where they earned their Ph.D./M.D./M.S. degree.
• A mentor cannot have more than 2 DBT-RA fellows at a time.
• A mentor must hold a regular academic/research position in a recognized institution in India and should hold a PhD/MD/MS degree in science, engineering or medicine.
• Superannuated faculty (e.g., Honorary Professors, Emeritus Professors/Scientists, and DBT Distinguished Professors) could also mentor as long as they can demonstrate that resources and labs are available to them.
• Applicants from the Northeast Region (permanent residence located in the NER) can work in any university/institution in the country.
• The program awards the Associate-ships, and they can use the research grants for minor equipment, consumables, contingencies, and domestic travel.

HOW TO APPLY

• Application for the DBT-RA program shall be by ONLINE mode only.
• To apply, interested applicants may kindly visit DBT-RA Online Portal https://ra.dbtindia.gov.in/
• Applicants must register on the DBT-RA Online portal, fill in complete information in the online application form and submit it before the closing date of application.
• The organization awards the Associate-ships, and the applicant needs to fill out the online application form, which includes information about Personal Information, Academic Qualifications, Research Contribution, Referee Details, Proposed Research Work, Proposed Mentor Details, and Proposed Host Institution.
• Documents to be submitted along with Online Application Form include:

1. Self-attested pdf copy of DOB certificate

2. Self-attested pdf copies of degree certificates

3. A Consent letter from the mentor. (The format for the Consent letter is available at the DBT-RA portal.)

• Names and contact details of the Referees are to be provided by the applicant while filling out the application form.
• When you submit the online application form, you should send an email with a link to submit a letter of recommendation to the email addresses of all the referees mentioned in the application form.
• Referees must upload a PDF copy of the letter of recommendation on the portal by 26th October, 2023. The applicant shall ensure that the referee provides the recommendation letter on time.
• A letter of recommendation uploaded on the portal after the closing date of the application shall not be accepted.
• Application forms not submitted through the DBT-RA Online Portal shall not be accepted.

CONTACT INFORMATION

For any queries, please contact DBT-HRD Project & Management Unit, Regional Centre for Biotechnology, Faridabad, Haryana at ra.dbt@rcb.res.in.

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Are you passionate about advancing Innovation & STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) education and communication? The National Council for Science & Technology Communication (NCSTC) is calling for proposals to support projects in this critical area. Here’s how NCSTC is leading the charge in shaping the future of science and technology communication in India.

NCSTC’s call for proposals under the “Innovation & STEM Demonstration” initiative is a testament to its commitment to advancing STEM education and communication. By inviting innovative projects and ideas, NCSTC aims to transform the way we engage with and understand science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Innovation & STEM Demonstration: A Focus on the Future

In recent years, the field of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) has evolved rapidly, becoming increasingly integral to our lives. To keep pace with these changes, NCSTC recognizes the need for innovation and STEM demonstration activities. Thus, NCSTC invites proposals that align with this vision and aims to revolutionize STEM education and communication.

A Multifaceted Approach

NCSTC’s commitment to advancing STEM is evident in its multifaceted approach. The organization produces a wide range of software materials intended to foster mass awareness of science and technology. These materials encompass audio-visual programs, films, CDs, and publications, all designed to engage and educate the public.

Demonstration Projects: A Key Priority

Within the realm of STEM communication, NCSTC places particular emphasis on Demonstration Projects. These projects are pivotal in showcasing the practical applications of STEM concepts and technologies.T

o strengthen STEM demonstration, NCSTC has established a dedicated Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) known as ‘S&T Demonstration.’ This committee has the task of providing guidance on proposal content, form, impact assessment, and related policy matters

Monitoring, Mentoring, and Evaluation

NCSTC is committed to ensuring the success of its STEM initiatives. To this end, the organization closely monitors the physical and financial progress of projects, as well as their technical content.

Collaboration with nominated experts ensures effective mentorship and guidance throughout the project lifecycle. Periodic on-site reviews, group evaluations, and assessments of final outcomes are conducted to guarantee that objectives are met.

Submitting Your Proposal

If you’re enthusiastic about advancing STEM education and communication in India, this is your opportunity to make a significant impact. Submit your proposal under the “Innovation & STEM Demonstration” initiative by NCSTC. Your innovative ideas and projects could play a vital role in shaping the future of STEM education and outreach.

SUBMISSION OF PROPOSALS: Proposals in NCSTC format

Deadline: Welcome throughout the year.

A soft copy (MS Word file) of the proposal should also be sent in addition to hard copies of all the prescribed documents.

Join NCSTC in this exciting journey to inspire and educate the next generation of innovators and STEM enthusiasts. Your proposal could be the key to unlocking a brighter future for STEM in India.

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The Science for Equity Empowerment and Development (SEED) Division, Department of Science and Technology (DST), commits to delivering science-led solutions and developing location-specific appropriate technologies aimed at improving livelihood systems and creating sustainable livelihoods for Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) Communities through the Scheduled Caste Sub Plan (SCSP) and Tribal Sub Plan (TSP) Schemes.

SCSP and TSP Objective

We invite project proposals under the SCSP and TSP Schemes with the goal of ensuring the holistic development of SC and ST Communities in the context of growing aspirations and improving their quality of life through the application of Science and Technology (S&T).

Project proposals should focus on the following key areas:

1. Development Need-Based Solutions: Utilize Science and Technology (S&T) to address the identified challenges of SC and ST Communities.
2. Enhancing Livelihood Efficiency: Implement S&T interventions to improve the efficiency of livelihood systems.
3. Creating Sustainable Livelihood Opportunities: Promote sustainable livelihood opportunities through local resource management, skill development, STI capacity building, and S&T-led entrepreneurship.
4. Strengthening S&T Delivery Mechanism: Enhance the mechanism for delivering Science and Technology solutions.
5. Efficiency in Welfare Systems: Improve the efficiency of welfare systems through Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI).

Submission Guidelines

Interested applicants are encouraged to review the detailed guidelines and format for submitting Project Proposals, available at https://onlinedst.gov.in/.

Important Dates:

• Last Date and Time for Submission of Online Proposals: 15/10/2023, 5:00 PM

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The  Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (BRICS) STI Framework Programme is on the lookout for outstanding research projects in 2023. This program has a unique goal: to support top-notch research in areas that can benefit from a global approach. It aims to foster collaboration among researchers and institutions across the BRICS nations. Check this BRICS 6th Call for Proposal 2023 – Climate Change Research Opportunity.

Focus Area: Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation

The BRICS STI Framework Programme is particularly interested in projects related to Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation. For research to be impactful, it should tackle one or more of the following critical challenges:

1. Building Resilience: This involves adapting and responding to climate change challenges at the local level, especially at the catchment scale. Researchers will explore innovative ways to make communities more resilient in the face of climate change.
2. Earth Observation Technology: Cutting-edge technology plays a pivotal role in assessing the impacts and consequences of climate change. Earth Observation technology will be used to study these changes comprehensively.
3. Systematic Response: The WEF (Water, Energy, Food) nexus approach will be employed for cross-sectoral management of climate change. This integrated approach recognizes the interconnectedness of these essential elements and seeks sustainable solutions.
4. Risks to Coastal Areas: Low-lying coastal areas face unique challenges due to climate change. Researchers will delve into the risks and solutions for these socio-ecological systems.

How to Submit BRICS Call for Project Proposals

For those eager to contribute to this important research initiative, detailed guidelines and submission formats for Project Proposals can be found at the following link: BRICS 6th Call for Proposal Guidelines.

This program encourages researchers from at least three of the BRICS nations to collaborate and address the pressing issues of our time. By working together, we can make a significant impact on Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation.

Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a global effort to combat climate change. Your research could make a world of difference.

Last Date and Time for Submission of Online Proposals: 31/10/2023, 5:00 PM

Important Dates: Friday, September 22, 2023 to Tuesday, October 31, 2023

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In our rapidly changing world, various complex challenges affect societies on a large scale. These problems span across different domains, including the environment, technology, health, energy, waste management, water resources, agriculture, economics, and more. Addressing these challenges requires innovative solutions that can make a real difference in people’s lives.

Department of Science & Technology (DST)

The Department of Science & Technology (DST) recognizes the importance of harnessing the knowledge and expertise of women scientists and technologists who have completed their Ph.D.

Through the Women In Science and Engineering (WISE)-Societal Challenges with Opportunities (SCOPE) Fellowship Program, DST offers a unique opportunity for these women to contribute their skills for the betterment of society.

WISE-SCOPE Fellowship

The primary goal of the WISE-SCOPE Fellowship Program is to support projects that directly tackle grassroots challenges using science and technology interventions.

These projects aim to provide practical solutions to a wide range of societal issues, such as improving livelihoods, reducing drudgery, addressing health and nutrition concerns, managing natural resources, promoting sustainable agriculture, mitigating climate change, and enhancing disaster management capabilities.

To be eligible for this fellowship, your project proposal should focus on developing viable technologies or techniques that can be applied from the laboratory to the field, with the potential for adaptation and scaling up to benefit society.

WISE-SCOPE Fellowship – Broad Thematic Areas

Your proposal should align with one of the following broad thematic areas:

1. Energy, Water, and Waste Management (EWWM): Explore innovative ways to manage energy, water, and waste resources efficiently and sustainably.
2. Engineering and Technology Development (ETD): Drive advancements in engineering and technology to address pressing societal needs.
3. Environment, Climate, and Sustainable Development (ECSD): Contribute to efforts aimed at protecting the environment, combating climate change, and promoting sustainable development.
4. Agriculture and Allied Sciences (AAS): Focus on improving agricultural practices and related sciences to enhance food security and rural livelihoods.
5. Health, Food, and Nutrition (HFN): Devote your expertise to improving health, food quality, and nutrition for communities in need.

The WISE-SCOPE Fellowship Program offers a unique platform for women scientists and technologists to be at the forefront of solving real-world problems. By participating in this initiative, you can make a meaningful impact on society and contribute to a brighter and more sustainable future for all.

Don’t miss this opportunity to turn your scientific knowledge into practical solutions that benefit communities across the country. Apply today and be a part of the change-makers in science and engineering!

For more details please visit: onlinedst.gov.in

Important Dates: Wednesday, August 16, 2023 to Saturday, August 31, 2024

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The Department of Science and Technology (DST), Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India, New Delhi, and the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) conduct the India-Japan Cooperative Science Programme (IJCSP) to promote bilateral scientific collaboration between Indian and Japanese scientists. Applications are invited from eligible Indian researchers /scientists to submit proposals for Joint Research Projects and Joint Workshops/Seminars under IJCSP.

 Areas of cooperation:

Support is available in the following scientific areas:

1. Physical Sciences
2. Chemical Sciences
3. Life Science & Agriculture
4. Mathematics & Computational Science
5. Astronomy & Earth Science
6. Materials & Engineering

II.  Who can apply:

• The joint application must include one Indian and one Japanese Principal Investigators, who would be responsible for technical as well as administrative coordination of the project and its periodic scientific and financial reporting to DST/ JSPS respectively.
• The Principal Investigator (PI) and other investigators in India should be scientists/ faculty members working in a regular capacity in Universities/ Deemed Universities/ Academic Institutes and National Research & Development Laboratories/ Institutes as well as working in private nonprofit institutions that carry on R&D activities. It is preferred that a member of the project team may be designated as Co-PI. The Indian Principal Investigator (PI) should not be retiring or leaving the parent institute during the proposed duration of the project.
• The Japanese PIs must be full-time researchers employed at Universities or other

research institutions recognized by JSPS. Further details in respect of the Japanese participant’s JSPS website (www.jsps.gov.jp) may be referred to.

The Indian applicants who are in any way involved in the implementation of two or more projects that were previously supported by the DST

(International Group) and that are not expected to be completed by 31st March 2024 are not eligible to be a member of the research team.

Indian and Japanese PIs must submit the same project proposal to the respective Authorities responsible for the implementation of the Executive Programme. Proposals submitted in only one Country will not be considered for evaluation.

• Projects must refer to activities to be completed within the period of validity of the Executive Programme and must be drafted in English.
• Each Principal Investigator (PI) must submit one proposal only. All applicants must fulfill national eligibility rules to apply for mobility grants (see below and check national annexes for specific requirements). Proposed collaborations should build on and reinforce already existing research activities between teams in both countries and should contribute with significant added value to these activities. Funding will be granted within the limits of available annual resources of each Party.

III.  Duration of the Project:

The duration of the projects would be up to two years. (Visits to be completed within one year and 10 months).

IV. Kind of support available:

• The sending side would provide the international travel cost and receiving side will provide local hospitality including accommodation charges, per-diem, and local travel.

DST provides the following support under the Programme:

Costs for the exchange of researchers and contingency @ Rs 25,000 per year will be financed and NO other support like consumables, manpower or equipment, etc should be expected or proposed under the Mobility program.

• For Indian Researchers – Cost of International airfare to and from the designated research location, visa fee, airport taxes, overseas medical insurance premium for the approved visit duration, and airport transfers in India.
  • For joint workshops/seminars to be organized in India, local travel costs of selected Indian participants and organizing expenses may also be considered for support as per DST norms.
  • For Japanese Researchers – Cost of accommodation in a guest house, per diem, and domestic travel expenses in India including airport transfers as per DST norms.

V.   Guidelines for Proposal Submission

1. Proposals

• Duly filled relevant application forms distributed by the Department of Science and Technology (also available on the websites www.dst.gov.in in India and www.jsps.gov.jp in Japan) which are approved by the heads of the institutions of the coordinators
• Curricula vitae of both research teams.
• Letter of intent exchanged between the coordinators of the project.

2. Submission

• The deadline for the submission of proposals is 6^th September 2023.
• The Indian researchers can download the proposal formats from websites www.dst.gov.in/ www.onlinedst.gov.in and should submit a completed application form and all relevant information. Proposals must be submitted to DST through the e-application system provided at www.onlinedst.gov.in in DST format ONLY by 6th September 2023 through the proper channel. It should be ensured that application with the identical title has been submitted by his / her Japanese counterpart to JSPS by the due date.

·         Proposal submitted only on one side will not be considered.

• Japanese Principal Investigators need to submit proposals with a matching joint research project/seminars plan to JSPS simultaneously. Japanese Researchers are requested to contact JSPS for their application submission period, documents to be submitted etc.

VI.   Evaluation of Proposals

• Proposals will be initially evaluated at the national level. Project proposals will be evaluated according to the following criteria:

-Scientific relevance of the research project

• Methodology and documentation
  • Coherent Qualification of the Applicants
  The added
  • value of the proposed staff exchanges for project activities added
  value to the bilateral cooperation contribution
  • of the project in addressing societal challenges
  • Use and dissemination of results

Preference will be given to applicants having ongoing national projects on the same problem and wishing to connect with their counterparts through Indo- Japanese joint collaboration to bridge the research gap through mobility grants in accomplishing the objectives of the ongoing national project.

• Proposals will be evaluated independently by the Department of Science and Technology in India and JSPS in Japan using their own procedures. Decisions towards funding will be mutually agreed upon based on the grades (on a 1 to 10 scale) received on the two sides. Coordinators are likely to be informed in April/May 2024 about the evaluation results. The jointly approved projects are likely to be started in June 2024.

• Please note that only jointly submitted proposals to DST and JSPS will be considered.

VII.   Publication of Results

For the Indian side, the list of selected projects will be uploaded on the DST website – www.dst.gov.in

LAST DATE FOR SUBMISSION OF PROPOSALS: 6th September 2023

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Indo-German International Research Training Groups (IRTGs), in which German universities cooperate with research institutions in other countries, combine innovative top-level research and the structured promotion of excellent early career researchers. As bilateral collaborations set up by experienced scientists, IRTGs promote systematic scientific cooperation through joint research programmes and corresponding qualification measures for (post) doctoral researchers.

Background and Description of International Research Training Groups

A central feature of International Research Training Groups is coordinated and reciprocal research visits by doctoral researchers at the respective partner institutions. IRTGs can only be established by universities and research institutions entitled to confer doctoral degrees.

The Department of Science and Technology (DST), the Government of India, and the German Research Foundation (Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, DFG) have agreed on a joint application and funding scheme to support Indo-German International Research Training Groups.

Structure of Indo-German Research Training Groups

Applications for Indo-German IRTGs intended for DFG-DST funding are open to all subject areas covered by DST, and interdisciplinarity in joint projects is encouraged. An IRTG should be run by two teams of participating researchers in India and Germany, respectively.

Each team should have approximately 5 to 10 members with proven expertise both in the IRTG’s main research topic and in providing outstanding supervision to doctoral students.

The participating researchers’ expertise at the two locations should be complementary and provide added value to the IRTG. Each team of participating researchers in an IRTG should be based at a single institution in India and Germany, respectively. In convincingly justified cases, an IRTG may be based in more than two institutions.

The Indian and German teams in an IRTG should jointly formulate a high-quality and coherent research and training programme to be implemented on both sides. The teams should have common research interests and objectives and these must be reflected in a common framework and joint project. Applications are submitted by the host institutions.

For every IRTG, one member of the team on each side serves as spokesperson, being responsible for the proposal and the scientific coordination of the IRTG. This also includes responsibility for reporting to DST and DFG, respectively.

The programme should provide for regular exchanges of academic staff and doctoral students for the purposes of joint research and training. Doctoral students should spend a period of at least 6 months (and up to 1 year) in total during their PhD project at the respective partner institution for research and training and each doctoral student should have both an Indian and a German supervisor. On the German side, approximately 10 to 15 doctoral researchers will be funded within a single IRTG in parallel. The partner site in India should support a group of doctoral researchers of roughly the same size.

Funding Guidelines for Indo-German Research Training Groups

Both the DST and the DFG will provide funding for IRTG project-specific costs incurred by their respective partner institutions. In accordance with the respective internal policies of the DST and the DFG, funds can be requested for the following activities:

• Funding for PhD positions/fellowships up to 48 months per doctoral researcher,
• Project-specific funding for dissertation research projects (e.g. consumables),
• Longer-term, coordinated and reciprocal research visits (one or more with an overall duration of 6-12 months) by doctoral students to the respective partner institutions,
• Joint workshops, conferences and seminars,
• Short-term visits, lectures and workshops by the participating researchers.

As an additional support mechanism, both the DST and the DFG will make funds available to support preparatory meetings for IRTG applications.

Duration of Funding for Indo-German Research Training Groups

Indo-German IRTGs will be supported for a potential maximum of 9 years, divided into two funding periods, with a mid-term evaluation on whose outcome the grant of the second period depends.

Both parties will accept only joint proposals by Indian and German institutions. All joint applications are to be prepared according to the respective DST/DFG guidelines for IRTGs and have to provide separate budget requests for the Indian and German part of the project.

Application and Evaluation of Proposals

The Indo-German consortium will first need to submit a joint IRTG draft proposal simultaneously to DFG and DST. (For DFG, the proposal needs to be submitted by the German university.) There are two deadlines per year: 1 February and 1 August.

DFG and DST will evaluate the draft proposal independently. On average, around 6 to 8 months are needed for the review.

If both agencies conclude their review with a positive decision, DST and DFG then invite the consortium to submit a joint full proposal according to a mutually agreed timeline. Again, the joint full proposal must be sent to DST and DFG simultaneously.

Submission must be in accordance with the respective funding organisation’s guidelines and through the established submission systems.

Renewal proposals for the second funding period are submitted 12 months before the end of the first funding period. They are submitted by the German host university to DFG and by the Indian spokesperson/host institution to the DST in parallel. Submission must be in accordance with the respective funding organisation’s guidelines and through the established submission systems.

Full proposals and renewal proposals will also be evaluated separately by DST and DFG.

The reviews of all proposals will be based on the DFG criteria for International Research Training Groups.

Preparatory Workshops

For new Indo-German IRTG initiatives, the DST and the DFG provide the possibility to support a workshop for the preparation of an IRTG proposal. Funding can be granted only if research cooperation is already established and plans for the IRTG have already been consolidated. The workshop funding may either be applied for prior to the draft proposal submission or – after positive evaluation of the draft proposal – prior to submission of the full proposal.

The application process for Indian Scientists:

Formats for draft proposal as well as full proposal submission are in Annexure -1 and Annexure -2 respectively. The details on how to fill the application format are given in the links provided on the next page. However, for the project formulation, Indian Coordinator has to follow IRTG guidelines in consultation with German coordinators. The project formulation has to be completed as per the IRTG Guidelines and also in consultation with German coordinators. The jointly agreed project will be submitted by Indian Scientists on DST- EPMS portal as per the link attached https://onlinedst.gov.in/Login.aspx

Participating agencies will be requested to submit the full proposal after the evaluation of the draft proposals by the Scientific Expert Committees from both sides.

The application process for German Scientists:

German coordinators will be submitting the same joint proposal document on the IRTG website.

Further detailed information

Comprehensive information about Research Training Groups is available on the DFG website: www.dfg.de/gk/en.

The “Guidelines for Research Training Groups and International Research Training Groups” provide a concise overview of the funding programme: www.dfg.de/formulare/50_07.

Draft proposals shall be prepared according to DFG form 1.303en (“Draft Proposal Preparation Instructions for Research Training Groups and International Research Training Groups”): www.dfg.de/formulare/1_303.

Full proposals shall be prepared according to DFG form 54.05en (“Proposal Preparation Instructions for Research Training Groups and International Research Training Groups”): www.dfg.de/formulare/54_05.

Renewal applications consist of the renewal proposal and the progress report on the first funding period, prepared according to forms 54.07en and 54.08en: www.dfg.de/formulare/54_07, www.dfg.de/formulare/54_08.

It is advisable to consult the “Guidelines for Differentiating International Research Training Groups from Research Training Groups”:  www.dfg.de/formulare/1_312.

Information on how to apply for funding towards preparatory workshops can be found in DFG form 1.306en: www.dfg.de/formulare/1_306/

Information on the review criteria are specified here: 
for draft proposals: www.dfg.de/formulare/1_304
for establishment proposals www.dfg.de/formulare/1_305
for renewal proposals: www.dfg.de/formulare/1_307

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In an exciting development for research scholars in India, the Department of Science and Technology (DST) has recently announced a significant hike in fellowship stipends for Junior Research Fellowship (JRF), Senior Research Fellowship (SRF), and Research Associates (RA) across all three levels. This revision comes in response to long-standing demands from scholars and aims to provide better support for their research endeavors. In this article, iLovePhD delves into the details of this fellowship hike and explores the reactions it has generated within the scholarly community.

Discover the recent hike in fellowship stipends for JRF, SRF, and Research Associates. Learn about the revised stipend amounts, scholar reactions, and the impact on research scholars in India.

Understanding the JRF SRF Fellowship Hike 2023

The Department of Science and Technology has responded to the persistent calls for a stipend hike by granting approval for increased emoluments for JRF, SRF, and RAs engaged in research and development activities. Effective from January 1, 2023, the revised fellowship stipends are as follows:

1. JRF: Rs 37,000 per month
2. SRF: Rs 42,000 per month
3. Research Associate 1: Rs 58,000 per month
4. Research Associate 2: Rs 61,000 per month
5. Research Associate 3: Rs 63,000 per month

Comparing the Hike:

Compared to the last revision in 2019, the fellowship stipends have seen a substantial increase. The JRF stipend has risen by 19%, while the SRF stipend has received a 20% boost. Research Associates at various levels have experienced stipend hikes ranging from 16% to 24%, demonstrating the commitment to address the concerns of research personnel engaged in R&D programs.

Mixed Reactions from Scholars:

The revised fellowship stipends have generated a range of reactions within the scholarly community. While many scholars welcomed the move as a positive step towards recognizing their efforts and supporting their research endeavors, others expressed disappointment when comparing the stipends received in other countries, particularly the United States.

One Twitter user highlighted the difference, stating, “JRF fellowships pay Rs 4.2L/year tax-free, which is 1.5 times the per capita income. Contrast this to the US, where the typical PhD stipend of $24K is approximately 0.33 times the per capita income. Not sure what to make of it.”

On the other hand, some PhD candidates voiced their concerns about the magnitude of the hike, calling for a minimum stipend of Rs 60,000 for JRF. They argued that in a pay system where fresh faculty recruits receive around Rs 80,000 per month, a higher stipend for JRF is essential and would necessitate a more comprehensive overhaul of the system.

The recent fellowship hike for JRF, SRF, and Research Associates reflects the government’s recognition of the valuable contributions made by research scholars and their crucial role in advancing scientific knowledge. While the revised stipends address some concerns, the ongoing discussion around stipend disparities and the adequacy of the hike highlights the need for continued dialogue and reforms.

Aspiring researchers can now pursue their passion with greater financial support, paving the way for enhanced research outcomes and a thriving scientific community in India.

Also Read: PhD Funding Schemes in India 2023

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