Grant in Computer Science

Department of Science and Technology

International Cooperation Division

DST – NSF Joint call for proposals

Application Deadline – 14th august 2023

Guidelines for Submitting Collaborative Proposals under the Department of Science and Technology (DST) of Government of India and U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) Collaborative Research Opportunities

Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India and National Science Foundation (NSF) of U.S have signed an Implementation Agreement (IA) on research Cooperation. This DST – NSF collaborative research opportunity focuses specifically upon discoveries and innovations in areas of mutual interest that develop new knowledge in all aspects of computing, communications, and information science and engineering, advanced cyber infrastructure, secure and trustworthy computing, and cyber physical systems. NSF intends to make awards to the U.S. investigators participating in the recommended collaborative proposals, and DST intends to make awards to the Indian investigators participating in the recommended collaborative proposals.

Potential Areas of Research

DST and NSF invite active Indian and US scientists / researchers to submit proposals for Joint Research Project in the following broad areas:

  1. Computer and Information Science and Engineering

  • Algorithmic Foundations; Communications and Information Foundations; Foundations of Emerging Technologies; Software and Hardware Foundations

  • Computer Systems Research; Networking Technology and Systems

  • Human-Centered Computing; Information Integration and Informatics; Robust Intelligence

  • Advanced Cyberinfrastructure

  1. Cyber-Physical Systems

  • Engineered systems with a seamless integration of cyber and physical components, such as computation, control, networking, learning, autonomy, security, privacy and verification, for a range of application domains.

  1. Secure and Trustworthy Cyberspace

  • Cybersecurity and privacy, drawing on expertise in one or more of these areas: computing, communication and information sciences; engineering; economics; education; mathematics; statistics; and social and behavioral sciences.

Proposals submitted in other research areas will not be considered.

Eligibility for Indian Applicants

  • The Principal Investigator (PI) and other investigators in India should be scientists/ faculty members working in regular capacity in Universities/ Deemed Universities/ Academic Institutes and National Research & Development Laboratories/ Institutes as well as working in private non-profit institutions that carry R&D activities. The Indian Principal Investigator (PI) should not be retiring or leaving the parent institute during the proposed duration of the project.

  • Number of proposal submission for Indian investigators as PI is limited to one per call while they can involve as Co-PIs in maximum of two proposals.

  • The Indian scientists 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 31 December 2023 are also not eligible to be a member of the research team.

Guidelines

      1. DST and NSF will allow investigators from both countries to collaborate to write a single proposal that will undergo a single review process at NSF, the Coordinating Agency.

      2. Proposals must represent an integrated collaborative effort between the India and US investigators. Proposals are expected to adhere to the research areas, funding limits, and grant durations for the participating NSF programs and for the DST programs from which funding is sought. Investigators are advised that all documents submitted to DST or NSF may be shared with the other agency in order to implement the two-way agency activities.

      3. The proposal should describe the full proposed research program, including the total Indian and U.S. resources that will be part of the project. NSF investigators should indicate only the NSF expenses in the NSF budget. DST investigators should indicate only the DST research expenses on the DST budget form. The DST budget and budget justification must be included in the NSF proposal as a Supplementary Document. The Budget section of the DST proposal should clearly indicate the DST budget with full justification. Proposals that request duplicative funding may be returned without review.

      4. Indian and US Investigators should submit identical Summary, Description and References in their proposals, using the respective forms prescribed by DST and NSF. Applications submitted by one side only; not on prescribed format and received after due date will not be accepted. Indian/US Investigators should, therefore, ensure that their counterpart submits an application with identical components as described above, on prescribed format as per guidelines of nodal agencies by due date.

      5. Title of the project submitted on both systems should be identical.

      6. All proposals should be supported with brief bio-data of entire project team members indicating their affiliation, date of birth, highlights of academic and research activities / awards. For US investigators, date of birth is not required and their bio-sketches may be as per NSF guidelines.

      7. Through this partnership, India researchers may receive funding from DST and U.S. researchers may receive funding from NSF respectively.

      8. Selected Projects of Indian PIs will be supported up-to 20 million Indian rupees by DST and up-to $600,000 to US PIs by NSF for duration up-to three years.

      9. The support to Indian PIs are primarily for exchange visits, consumables, contingency and minor equipment/accessories (not costing more than 20% of project cost). It may be noted that both sides may not get equal grant (USD to INR). Budget requirement would be assessed as per current norms of human resources or international visit rate. Travel entitlement will be by economy class.

      10. The proposals will be reviewed by experts contacted by NSF, the Coordinating Agency, in competition with other proposals received for the same funding round of the program to which the proposal is submitted, using NSF’s merit review process. DST will check that the Indian investigator has an active and appropriate role and confirm their eligibility at the onset of the process.

      11. The Data Management Plan must include mechanisms for sharing and archiving data including, experimental data, results, and software developed and their associated privacy and security aspects.

      12. For projects involving human subjects/participants or vertebrate animals, investigators should follow both DST and NSF policies, submitting documentation to each as appropriate.

How to apply

The Indian researchers can download the proposal formats from websites www.dst.gov.in / https://onlinedst.gov.in/ and should submit completed application form and all relevant information through e-PMS portal of the DST. Proposals must be submitted to DST through the e-application system provided at https://onlinedst.gov.in/ by 14th August 2023 through proper channel. It should be ensured that application with identical title has been submitted by his / her US counterpart to NSF by due date. Proposal not submitted through either ePMS portal by due date will not be considered.

Instructions for uploading proposal to DST on e-PMS

  • Log on to https://onlinedst.gov.in to access the home page of the “DST e-PMS Portal” and register. After registration, log in and submit the joint project proposal in prescribed Format.

  • Before filling up the form Indian applicants are advised to carefully go through the Relevant Advertisement published at the DST Website (www.dst.gov.in) and also available under Proposal Formats in the e-PMS Portal after logging in the portal site.

  • To save time and avoid data loss, please download the appropriate proposal format and fill all the information required as per the format as a Word and PDF file and then keep it ready for upload during submission of mandatory documents.

  • Click on “Submit proposals” link which would take to a page seeking multiple information starting with – General information, Principal investigator etc.:

  • After filling all above particulars, there is provision to preview your details before final submission of application form on clicking on “Preview” button. Preview page will display all facts/particulars that have mentioned on entry time. If the applicant is sure with filled details, then click on “Submit” button to finally push data into server.

  • Applicants are advised to carefully fill in and verify the details required for the online application themselves, as no change will be possible/ entertained after clicking the FINAL SUBMIT BUTTON.

Documents Required for Indian Investigators (PDF only)

  • Complete Project Proposal (Annexure I)

  • Certificate from Investigator(s) (Annexure II)

  • Endorsement from the Head of Organization (on letter head) (Annexure III)

  • Conflict of Interest (Annexure IV)

  • Biodata of entire project team members (Max: 3 pages per Investigator) including date of superannuation / tenure completion, their affiliation, date of birth, field of specialization, highlights of academic and research activities / awards, significant accomplishment etc., in a single pdf file.

Contact

For DST

For NSF

Dr Praveenkumar Somasundaram

International Cooperation Division

Department of Science & Technology

Technology Bhawan, New Mehrauli Road

New Delhi – 110 016

praveen@nic.in

Dr Mohan Kumar

Program Director, CNS Division CISE Directorate

National Science Foundation (NSF)

mokumar@nsf.gov

and

Dr Bridget Turaga

Program Director, Office of International Science and Engineering

National Science Foundation (NSF)

bturaga@nsf.gov

International Travel Grant

International Travel Support

International Travel Support (ITS) Scheme provides financial assistance to Indian researchers for presenting a research paper in an international scientific event (conference, seminar, workshop etc.) held abroad. In addition, support is also provided to young scientists (age limit below 35 years as on date of start of the event) for attending training programmes, Short-term schools and Workshops. Economy class air-fare by shortest route, airport-tax and visa fees are provided under the scheme. Registration fee as per actual or Rs. 50,000/- whichever is less will be provided to young scientist (Age< 35 on the date of start of event) in addition to the above support. Applications can be submitted within the window of 60-90 days in advance from the date of start of the event. The system will not accept early or late submission of applications. However, applicant who has already submitted a proposal will not be eligible to apply again within next 90 days from the date of submission of the first application.

Scope:

The ITS scheme is to provide financial assistance for presenting a original research paper or chairing a session or delivering a keynote address in an international scientific event held abroad (conference/seminar/symposium etc.). This scheme also provides support to young researchers (Age<35 years on the date of start of event) for attending workshop, short term training programmes and schools being organized outside India.

Eligibility :

  • Applicant should be an active Indian researcher engaged in R&D work in recognized academic institutions or research laboratories in India.
  • The applicant should have an invitation for presenting an original scientific paper. Similar invitation is required in the case of young scientists attending training programmes such as short term courses, summer/winter schools, workshop etc.
  • The applicant should not have availed financial assistance under this Scheme during the last three years.
  • The scientific event should be of an international character. Invitation of personal nature such as for carrying out post-doctoral work, informal training programmes/courses, internship, observer-ship etc. will not be eligible for support.
  • Applicant must have obtained Master’s degree in Science or Bachelor’s degree in professional courses from a recognized University by the time of submission of application.

Nature of Support:

This scheme provides to & fro economic class air fare by the shortest route, airport tax and visa fees for attending the specific event. Registration fee as per actual or Rs. 50,000/- whichever is less will be provided to young scientist (Age< 35 on the date of start of event) in addition to the above support. The support is provided on reimbursement basis as per actual expenditure incurred by the applicant within the guidelines of the scheme. However, Taxi fare will not be reimbursed.

Documents required :

  • An endorsement letter duly signed and stamped by competent authority of the institute.
  • A copy of letter of acceptance of the presenting paper (oral/poster) by the organizers.
  • A copy of the abstract of the paper to be presented. Please be sure to include name of all the authors, authors’ affiliated institutions with full address and title of the abstract.
  • Biodata with complete list of Scientific / Technical publications and Patents, if any.

Application Stage:

  • Endorsement by the Head of the Institution Download Template
  • Certificate by the Applicant including Event Benefits Download Template
  • Bio-data of the Applicant
  • Acceptance Letter from the Organizer
  • Abstract(s) of the paper(s) to be presented
  • Event Details
  • Event Details
  • Date of Birth Certificate
  • Event Benefits
  • Financial Support from Other Sources

Claim Reimbursement Stage:

    • Claim Form (to be generated from the online system while submitting claim details)
    • Bank Account Details Download Template
    • Air/Rail/Bus/Others tickets
    • Cash Receipt of Air Ticket
    • Boarding Passes
    • Visa Charges
    • Registration Receipt
    • Participation Certificate
    • Certificate(s) for amount received from other sources
    • Lowest Available Fare Certificate ( from authorized agent only)
    • Any other(Miscellaneous Upload)

Terms & Conditions of ITS grant:

  • Travel grant should be used only for attending the scientific event for which the SERB accorded its approval.
  • The Institute/Applicant should submit the claim bills, and other necessary documents within 90 days of the last day of the event.
  • The host institute/Applicant shall ensure that the fund released is used exclusively and appropriately for which it has been sanctioned.
  • If the applicant to whom the travel grant has been awarded leaves the institution, the Institute and the applicant should inform SERB immediately, and the grant released, if any, should be refunded back by the Institute to SERB immediately by means of DD drawn in favour of “Fund for Science and Engineering Research”.
  • If the results of research are to be legally protected, the results should not be presented in international fora without action being taken to secure legal protection for the research results.
  • If any candidate found to have furnished incorrect / misleading information at any stage, his/her candidature will be cancelled and no reimbursement will be made. The candidate will also be debarred for next three years for availing support under this scheme.

How to apply online:

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

  • Applicant(s) should first register into the online website click here to register
  • After log-in, kindly go to Menu –> Proposal Submission –> Form Submission –> Select scheme and start filling the form online.
  • The researchers are required to apply online through the portal between 60-90 days in advance prior to the start date of the event. The system will not accept early or late submission of applications.
  • Application submitted through any other mode will not be considered.
Contact Person:
The contact details of Programme Officers are given below:

Dr. Sukumar Dey, Scientist ‘C’
Science and Engineering Research Board
3rd & 4th Floor, Block II,
Technology Bhavan, New Mehrauli Road,
New Delhi-110016
Telephone: 011-26552151/2114, 011-26511084
Email: ms[dot]its[at]serb[dot]gov[dot]in

 

Grants for Women Scientists

Women Scientist Scheme-B (WOS-B) focuses on projects related to Science & Technology (S&T) interventions for societal benefit. Such project proposal should address a well-identified societal challenge and deliver possible solution(s) by way of development of viable technology/technique and/or lab-to-land technology transfer, its adaptation and scaling up. Women scientists who wish to apply under this scheme are required to develop their own project/proposals for scientific and technological solutions to address issues preferably at enhance quality-of-life the grassroots level. The proposal must clearly bring out the societal benefit to be accrued through well conceived plan for development of technology/technique and/or adaptation/ customization. The candidate should have adequate S&T skills and be adept at techniques to deliver the proposed outcome. Projects which have the potential for sustainable income generation, lead to appreciable reduction in drudgery and enhancement of quality-of-life besides capacity building of women at the grassroots level are encouraged.

Procedure for Applying:

Proposals are to be submitted online on WOS portal http://online-wosa.gov.in Those interested in submitting proposal have to register at this portal and submit the proposal onlinePlease read guidelines available on the portal carefully before submitting the proposal. Detailed guidelines are given below also. Send one hard copy of submitted proposal to Mrs. Namita Gupta, Scientist-‘G’, KIRAN Division, Department of Science and Technology (DST), Technology Bhawan, New Mehrauli Road, New Delhi-110016. Superscribe envelope with ‘Women Scientist Scheme-B (WOS-B)’. For further inquiries regarding WOS-B please send email to: wosb-dst[at]gov[dot]in

Guidelines for Implementation of WOS-B Projects[PDF]274.52 KB

Online Submission of Project Proposals – Click here

For queries send Email to: wosb-dst[at]gov[dot]in

Grant in Artificial Intelligence

Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India and Russian
Science Foundation (RSF) have arrangement for funding of Joint Research
Proposals in India and Russia in the areas of Basic Science.Under this Programme,
each project will receive annual funding of up to equivalent of US $ 100,000 in
respective national currencies.
DST and RSF invite active Indian and Russian scientists / researchers to submit
proposals for Joint Research Project in the following areas under DST- RSF cooperation:
1. New Materials;
2. Сlean energy;
3. Smart healthcare and medicine;
4. Safe food;
5. Smart transport and telecommunications;
6. Plant and Animal Bio-Technology;
7. Artificial Intelligence;
8. Earth Quake and Ocean Science.
Proposals submitted in other research areas will not be considered.
Terms of the project grant
• The duration of each project is three years.
• Project on each side to be implemented by a project team consisting of at least 4
members and maximum up to 10 members. It is desirable that the team may consist of
min 50% of young scientists/faculty (below 45 years).
• Indian PIs should be scientists/faculty members working in a regular capacity in
universities, academic institutes and national research and development
laboratories/institutes. The Indian Principal Investigator (PI) should not be retiring or
leaving the parent institute during the proposed duration of the project.
• Project coordinators on both sides must have published at least 10 research articles
in SCI indexed journals in last 5 years.
• It is expected that each supported project would result in to at least 10 research
publications in SCI indexed journals.
• The Indian and Russian team leaders should submit identical application to
respective nodal agency, upon consultations, using the respective forms prescribed
by DST and RSF. Applications submitted by one side only; not on prescribed format
and received after due date will not be accepted. Indian/Russian team leaders
should, therefore, ensure that their counterpart submits an identical
application onprescribed format as per guidelines of nodal agencies by due
date.
The team leader shall be entitled to submit only one application to take part in
thiscompetition. There shall be no restriction on the number of projects that
one organization may implement.
• Indian researchers currently implementing any Indo-Russian joint project which
is likely to be over after 31st December 2023 are not eligible to submit proposal
under this call.
• The Indian scientists 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 31 December 2023 are
also not eligible to be a member of the research team.
All proposals should be supported with brief bio-data of entire project team
members indicating their affiliation, date of birth, highlights of academic and
research activities / awards.
Indian researchers should submit their proposals on format available at
www.onlinedst.gov.in. After registration, they should move to scheme and
format section where details about this call would be available in the
International cooperation (bilateral).
Title of the project submitted on both systems should identical.
Opening of call for proposal is 17
th March, 2023
List of selected projects is likely to be posted on website www.dst.gov.in
and www.rscf.ru in 15th December 2023.
Russian and Indian teams should comply to national regulations described
in thecall documentation.
Expected start of projects: 1
st April 2024.
The size of one grant of the RSF shall range from 4 (four) to 7 (seven) million
Rubles annually. The size of one grant from the Department shall range up to 7
(seven) million Indian rupees annually.
Kind of support available for Joint Project:
Each project will receive annual funding of up to Rs. 70,00,000 from DST and up to Rbls
70,00, 000 from RSF. This funding will cover the following expenses in connection with a
project;
• Consumables, Accessories, Fellowships and other research expenses;
Expenditure by project team in their country would be borne by the respective
country, i.e., DST would support expenditure on Indian side of the project
whereas RSF would meet the expenditure of Russian side.
• Support for Exchange visit component: The sending side would provide return
international airfare, accommodation, per diem, etc. Presently for the approved
visit of Indian scientists to Russia, following expenditure are agreed: international
fare (from nearest airport to destination city by economy excursion class), cash
allowance @ US $ 50 per day for visit less than a week and US $ 40 per day for
longer visit; accommodation upto US $ 100 per night (subject to receipt US $ 125
in case of Moscow / St. Petersburg), local transport upto US $ 25 (subject to
receipt) and overseas medical insurance by silver class for visit duration.
• A maximum of 40 % of the Indian side’s budget may be allowed for
consumables.
• No support for the equipments.
• Contingency and Institutional Overhead: As per DST norms.
Assessment of applications
All applications received by the notified round closing date will undergo a peer
review process and then be referred to an independent advisory panel for
consideration and ranking. DST and RSF will conduct parallel review of the
applications respectively based on the agreed criteria. DST and RSF will make joint
decisions based on the review results. DST and RSF may consider inviting Project
coordinators for presentation of the proposed work as part of the review process.
Applications must attain a positive rating to be considered eligible for funding. Joint
selection of successful applications by DST and RSF will be discussed by the
respective nodal agencies and informed by the rankings. Decisions are made by the
DST-RSF Joint Working Group and will be final.
Submitting an application
The Indian researchers can download the proposal formats from websites
www.dst.gov.in / https://onlinedst.gov.in/ and should submit completed application form
and all relevant information through e-PMS portal of the DST. Proposals must be
submitted to DST through the e-application system provided at https://onlinedst.gov.in/
by 15th June 2023 through proper channel. It should be ensured that application with
identical title has been submitted by his / her Russian counterpart to RSF by due date.
Proposal not submitted through either ePMS portal by due date will not be
considered.
For further details and clarifications, if any, kindly contact any of the following in India
For India                                                                                                            For Russia

Dr. Sibashisa Dash,                                                                                          Mr. KONOVALOV Sergei

Scientist ‘C’, International Division,                                                             International Division Russian

Department of Science & Technology                                                          Science Foundation

Ministry of Science & Technology, GOI                                                       GSP-2, 109992,ul. Solyanka, d. 14,

Technology Bhawan, New Mehrauli Road                                                   str. 3MOSCOW (Russia)

New Delhi – 110016, India                                                                              E-mail: konovalov@rscf.ru

Tel: +91-11-26590317                                                                                       URL: www.rscf.ru

E-mail: sdash.dst@gov.in
URL:www.dst.gov.in /
www.onlinedst.gov.in

Grant in Science, Mathematics, Engineering

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.

Objectives

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

  • 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.
  • 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).
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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

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

Selection & Mode of Application

  • An applicant is eligible to apply only one proposal during a call (as a PI or Co-PI).
  • Any proposal technically rejected should not be resubmitted without any substantial revision to any schemes or programs of the SERB.
  • Not more than one project is allowed at any given time as a Principal Inventor under the program TETRA.
  • 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”.
  • The proposals will be evaluated through a stringent peer-review processes by a suitable Programme Advisory Committee.
  • 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:

  • Applicant should first register into the online website.  click here to register.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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
  • Documents required (in PDF) should be in prescribed format:
    i. Biodata (under user profile section) Download Template
    ii. Certificate from -> Principal Investigator/Inventor Download Template
    iii. Endorsement Letter from the Head of Institution Download Template
    iv. Documents related to Technology Transfer from completed/ ongoing project
    v. Support Letter if there is any tie-up with any Start-up or Industry
  • Plagiarism undertaking Download Template

Contact Details

Member Secretary

Dr. Pramod Kumar Prasad, Scientist ‘D’
Science and Engineering Research Board
3rd & 4th Floor, Block II,
Technology Bhavan, New Mehrauli Road,
New Delhi-110016
Tel: +91-011-26511077
Email: pk[dot]prasad[at]serb[dot]gov[dot]in

Program Coordinator

Dr. Praveen Kumar S, Scientist ‘F’
Email: praveen[at]nic[dot]in

Continuing Grant in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

Advancing Research in the Geosciences Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)

January 20, 2023

Invites proposals to existing NSF programs focused on advancing understanding of geoscience with artificial intelligence or machine learning.

Dear Colleagues:

The National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Directorate for Geosciences (GEO) encourages the submission of proposals that advance our understanding of geosciences using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) methods.

To tackle grand challenge problems across the geosciences, researchers increasingly are turning to AI/ML methods. AI includes any computational tool that mimics human intelligence, including using logic and decision trees. ML methods use statistical techniques to enable machines to improve at tasks with experience and include neural networks that permit software to train itself to perform tasks after exposure to vast amounts of data. These are powerful tools for analyzing large and complex datasets, developing physical models, expediting computation or scaling between models, or designing and deploying sensor networks. Unique aspects of understanding Earth systems and using geosciences data can also inform and inspire new developments in AI/ML, and AI-enabled research will require a workforce prepared to understand, use, and develop appropriate AI/ML techniques.

To promote research that benefits from AI/ML and reduces barriers to its use in the geosciences, GEO welcomes proposals incorporating AI/ML methods across its broad range of programs. The geosciences collectively refers to the research supported in the Divisions of Atmosphere and Geospace (AGS), Earth (EAR), and Ocean (OCE) Sciences, and in the Office of Polar Programs (OPP). Proposals in response to this DCL must advance core geosciences program goals and use AI/ML methods toward addressing scientific problems.

Areas where AI/ML methods may be used include, but are not limited to, implementing existing AI/ML methods to address geosciences problems, developing new algorithms to build geosciences insights, and/or engaging AI/ML to explore or emulate physically based models. AI/ML methods may be posed in conjunction with other geosciences and analysis methods to address a fundamental geoscience question. Proposals may also include comparison or validation of the outputs of AI/ML techniques against outputs from other, traditional analytical methods or theoretical and experimental approaches. Activities, such as making AI/ML training datasets, software and tools openly available to the scientific community and developing a workforce trained in AI/ML techniques, may be appropriate Broader Impacts of proposals in response to this call.

HOW TO SUBMIT

This is not a special competition or new program. Relevant proposals should be submitted to an existing GEO program, according to that program’s submission guidelines. Before submission, PIs should contact cognizant program directors in the program(s) within AGS, EAR, OCE, or OPP that are most relevant to their projects to discuss the appropriate mechanism for submission.

Proposals will be evaluated by the core programs, alongside other proposals submitted to those programs. Therefore, proposals should first and foremost focus on important scientific questions in the discipline of interest. Proposals must also describe the AI/ML methods and justify how the methods address a scientific challenge or question that was previously intractable. Proposers will need appropriate expertise in AI/ML methods, which can be demonstrated through previous experience with proposed methods, collaboration with relevant data science experts, and/or pathways for training students and other researchers in AI/ML.

When making investments, NSF seeks broad representation of PIs and institutions in its award portfolio, including a geographically diverse set of institutions (including those in EPSCoR jurisdictions) and PIs who are women, early-career researchers, members of underrepresented minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities. Submissions which benefit and involve the full breadth of the geoscience research community, including undergraduates, graduate students, cyberinfrastructure professionals, and faculty at two-year and four-year institutions of higher education, including minority serving institutions and non-R1 institutions, are encouraged.

General questions about this Dear Colleague Letter may be submitted to geo-ci@nsf.gov.

Sincerely,

Alexandra R. Isern
Assistant Director for Geosciences

Grants for Women Scientists

Women Involvement in Science and Engineering Research (WISER)

Indo-German Science & Technology Centre (IGSTC), established by the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India and the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), Government of Germany invites applications from women researchers in India/Germany to participate and collaborate in an ongoing R&D&I project without applying for fresh project grant in partnering countries.

Women researchers are still underrepresented in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) due to varied reasons. The situation has improved to a certain extent over the last few years, but an imbalance remains. Keeping in view the above scenario, this scheme intends to build scientific capacity, retain and promote women researchers in India/Germany by utilising complementary expertise in science, technology, innovation and research partnerships.

Applications accepted throughout the year.

Overview of program:

  • Through this scheme, women researchers/entrepreneurs holding a regular position in academic/research institutions/industrial research organisations in India/Germany may apply to be a part of an ongoing R&D project of interest with acceptance from the host team.
  • The programme is open to all the areas of STEM.
  • The grant includes funding for basic project requirements.
  • The tenure will be for a period of 3 years or till completion of the project whichever is earlier and will cover one visit per year for short stay up to 1 month.

Financial Assistance

The grant will cover basic project assistance (including research staff*, consumables and contingency) for the awardee in the parent country and one month research stay in host country (single round-trip airfare, visa fee, medical insurance, per diem for the stay). The maximum grant for three years will be up to ₹ 39 lakhs/€ 48000.

*Research staff is only for Indian awardee.

Who can apply?

  • Women holding regular/long-term research position in academia or research institute/industry.
  • No age limit (Preference to Early/Mid-career researchers).

How to apply?

For more information, please visit Basic Guidelines and FAQs.

Apply online

Contact

For Queries
Phone: +91-011-26543500
E-mail: wiser@igstc.org

Mailing Address
Indo-German Science & Technology Centre
Ground Floor, Block – II, Technology Bhavan,
New Mehrauli Road, New Delhi – 110016, India

Collaborative Research Programme

COLLABORATIVE RESEARCH SUPPORT PROGRAMME UNDER NEW IDEA FUND SCHEME

Council of Scientific & Industrial Research
Anusandhan Bhavan, Rafi Marg, New Delhi-110001

GENERAL INFORMATION
Council of Scientific & Industrial Research has an ongoing ‘New Idea Fund’ scheme through which support is given to test and validate novel and highly creative ideas, even if they have a high probability of failure. Till now the scheme was open only to CSIR scientists for support. The experiment proved rewarding. Based on its initial experience, the scope of the scheme has now been enlarged to incorporate joint proposals between CSIR laboratories on one hand and scientific institutions or universities on the other.

The Scheme
CSIR invites joint proposals from CSIR laboratories in association with scientific institutions/universities under the ‘New Idea Fund’- for support from CSIR. These proposals are meant for persuing hitherto unreported novel ideas having far reaching scientific or industrial implication. The scheme is for individuals or a group of collaborating scientists and is non-transferable. The scheme is intended to be carried out by R&D institutions/ laboratories/departments,etc. where basic infrastructure already exists. The research scheme will have a Principal Investigator (PI) either from CSIR Lab or from University/R&D Institution and Co-PI from the other collaborating Lab. The consent of each collaborating institution must be furnished with the proposal.

The tenure
The tenure of the scheme is normally two years. However, in case of lack of progress, it can be terminated earlier.

Who can apply
Under the expanded scope, scientists from Indian R&D institutions and faculty members from universities can write proposals in partnership with a CSIR laboratory. Such joint proposals shall be forwarded through the collaborating CSIR laboratory.

Procedure for applying
Ten copies of the research proposal in the prescribed format (form A1 & A2) should be submitted to DG, CSIR. The application should be forwarded, through the Head of the concerned institution duly certified that (i) the core facilities are available and will be provided to the investigator(s) to work on the proposed scheme, and (ii) the department/ institute will discharge all its obligations, particularly in respect of
management of the grants given. The proposal can be submitted either in the month of September or March. The proposal format can be obtained from Head, RDPD, Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), Rafi Marg, New Delhi 110 001.

Monitoring
Sanctioned projects are monitored on six monthly basis. The progress reports shall be submitted by the investigators to CSIR. These should be received by CSIR by Ist February and 1st September every year. The PIs are also required to present the progress of research work before the NIF Committee for midterm correction and appraisal.

Mobility Grant

Max Plank India Mobility Grants

PROFILE

Max Planck-India Mobility Grants are travel grants by which cooperation between young Indian scientists and a Max Planck Institute (MPI) is to be initiated.

Scientists who are awarded these grants must spend a minimum of one month per year at a Max Planck Institute.

The hosting Max Planck Institute will receive €5.000 per year for three years out of MPG central funds and will use this to cover costs for return tickets from India to Germany, accommodation costs, per diem, local travel costs and consumables for the Mobility Grant Holder. The mobility grant is not paid out to the candidate as a personal fellowship, but is disbursed for the candidate’s purpose through the hosting Max Planck Institute.

Grant Holders should be motivated to extend invitations to their partners from MPI to their home institutes in India in order to further enhance cooperation.

The programme ​Max Planck-India Mobility Grant” (MPIMG) is open to all Max Planck Institutes (MPI) and to all research institutions in India.

Candidates can be nominated by a Director, a Group Leader or a Principal Investigator of a Max Planck Institute. As a first step candidates need to approach a contact person of a suitable MPI.

The aim is to offer Indian scientists to get the opportunity for an annual research stay at a Max Planck Institute with access to research facilities, training and networking opportunities as well as scientific exchange.

Target Group: Excellent Indian Junior Scientists (doctorate no longer than 4 years ago at the time of the application)

Size of programme: Up to six mobility grants per year.

QUALIFICATION

Qualified, promising Indian postdocs (so-called ​young faculty” in India) who are already able to demonstrate a recognizable scientific profile are eligible to be nominated for the Max Planck India Mobility Grants. Nominees should have obtained their doctorate no longer than four years ago (for a doctorate in medicine: no longer than six years). A prior period as a guest at a Max Planck Institute is not a necessary precondition. Candidates for Max Planck-India Mobility Grant must be affiliated to an Indian research institution.

TO APPLY

Application from candidates to MPIs (Max Planck Directors, Group Leaders or a Principal Investigators); nomination sent through Max Planck Researchers to HQ. Proposals are evaluated according to the standard procedures for MPG.

The following documents are to be submitted electronically by the Indian scientists applying for the Max-Planck-India Mobility Grant in agreement and with signature of the nominating Max Planck Researcher:

  1. Cover page (see below)
  2. Letter of intent by the hosting Max Planck Researcher that he/​she is willing to host the candidate for a minimum of 1 month p.a. for three years
  3. Curriculum vitae (max. 2 pages)
  4. List of publications (max. 2 pages)
  5. Short project description (max. 3 pages)
  6. Statement by the candidate that he/​she is willing to spend minimum 1 month p.a. at the MPI (max. 1 page)
  7. Letter of intent from the Director of the Indian research institute / university to which the candidate is affiliated supporting the nomination and accepting the conditions as set forth (1 page).

Please ensure to send only fully completed nominations containing all documents under points 1 – 7 above electronically.
Documents to be sent to the Max Planck Society electronically:
Addressed to:
Max Planck Society
Ms. Renate Bischof-Drewitz
Division of International Relations
Hofgartenstr. 8
D‑80539 München
Germany
E‑mail: bischof-​drewitz@​gv.​mpg.​de

For more details click here

Empowerment and Equity Opportunities for Excellence in Science (EMEQ) scheme

Objective :
The Empowerment and Equity Opportunities for Excellence in Science (EMEQ) scheme is aimed at providing research support to researchers belonging to the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe in undertaking research in frontier areas of science and engineering.

Eligibility :

  1. The applicant should be an Indian National.
  2. Should be an active researcher belonging to the Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe category working on regular basis in an academic institutions/national lab or any other recognized R&D institutions in the field of Science and Engineering.
  3. The applicant should hold Ph.D. degree in Science or Engineering or M.D. / M.S. / M.D.S. / M.V.Sc. degree.
  4. The applicant should have at least four years of service remaining before superannuation as on the date of submission of the proposal.
  5. Researchers/Scientists who have ongoing project under EMEQ scheme as on the date of submission of the proposal are not eligible to apply.
  6. Co-Investigators are not allowed in the scheme

 

Nature Of Support :

  1. Funding is provided up to a maximum of Rs. 50.0 lakh (excluding overhead charges).
  2. The research grant will cover equipment, manpower, consumables, travel and contingency. Overheads will be provided as per prevailing norms of SERB.
  3. Duration of the project shall be for a maximum of three years.

 

Plagiarism :
Proposals submitted need to be original and plagiarism in any form will not be acceptable. All submitted proposals would 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 to avoid any serious repercussions at a later stage.

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.

Mode of Application and Selection :

  1. The call for applications will be made once a year and will be notified through the websites www.serbonline.in and www.serb.gov.in.The project proposal should be prepared according to the guidelines and submitted online through the website www.serbonline.in
  2. The selection will be based on the recommendations of a Task Force Committee that will be constituted by the Board. If desired by the Committee, the applicants may be called for personal discussion.

 

How to Apply Online :
For 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, 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. Some of the details of your proposal like Project Title (max 500 characters), Project summary (max 3000 characters), Keywords (max 6), Objectives of project (max 1500 characters), Expected output and outcome of the proposal (max 1500 characters), Budget (Manpower, Consumables, Travel, Equipment, Contingency, Overheads ) have to be entered at the time of proposal submission.
  4. Other relevant information of the proposal has to be uploaded as a single PDF file, not more than 10 MB, as technical document (TD)

 

Documents Required (in PDF format) :
For online submission of the application the following points may be noted:

  1. Biodata (under user profile section) Download Template

 

Formats and Guidelines

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

S.NO Name of the Program Program Coordinator Program Officer
1 Empowerment and Equity Opportunities for Excellence in Science Dr. Premila Mohan
Scientist G
Dr. T. Thangaradjou
Scientist F