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This scheme aims to recognise and support outstanding senior Indian scientists, who have retired but continue to Read More... make significant contributions to Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM), and Medicine, promoting research and development in India. Read less
Details
In India, several ministries and departments offer prestigious chairs or professorships to honour accomplished individuals. To further boost research and development (R&D), the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) runs the National Science Chair scheme. This initiative is designed to acknowledge and celebrate the remarkable achievements of senior Indian scientists who have retired but are still actively contributing to scientific advancements.
What is the National Science Chair Scheme?
The National Science Chair scheme by SERB is dedicated to recognizing active, eminent, and retired Indian scientists. It aims to honour their significant contributions to Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM), and Medicine, both in India and internationally. The core idea is to foster excellence and encourage growth in R&D by leveraging the experience of these seasoned researchers.
Who is this Scheme For?
This scheme is specifically for senior Indian scientists who have retired from their regular service but are still engaged in research. It targets those who have a proven track record of outstanding contributions and continue to be passionate about research, aiming to promote scientific excellence and leadership.
Why is This Scheme Important?
The National Science Chair scheme is crucial because it ensures that the vast expertise of experienced scientists is not lost after retirement. By providing continued support and recognition, it allows these individuals to keep contributing to R&D, mentor younger researchers, and advance scientific knowledge and innovation in the country. It recognizes that age should not be a barrier to continued scientific exploration and contribution.
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Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the National Science Chair, nominees must meet the following criteria:
- The nominee must be an active Indian scientist or academician living in India.
- They should have a remarkable research history in any area of STEM or medicine, especially over the last five years.
- The nominee must have received national or international recognition for their work, such as being a fellow of prestigious scientific academies or receiving S&T awards.
- They can be affiliated with an academic institution or R&D lab, or they must have secured consent from a future host institution for their research.
Important Note: At the time of applying or if offered the award, the nominee should not hold any administrative positions and must not be receiving any honorarium, fellowship, or salary from any other institution or organization.
Assessment Criteria:
The National Science Chair Advisory Committee (NSCAC) will decide the assessment criteria, which generally include:
- The nominee's exceptional research record and international standing in their field.
- The quality and originality of the proposed research plan.
- The nominee's ability to guide young researchers and promote scientific talent in India.
How To Apply
Nominations for the National Science Chair scheme are accepted only through the online portal of the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB). Aspiring candidates or their nominators can visit the official website to submit their applications.
- Online Application: Submit nominations through the SERB online portal at www.serbonline.in.
Documents Required
When submitting a nomination, the following documents are generally required:
- A Research Proposal (up to five pages) that includes an introduction, objectives, methodology, budget, and expected outcomes.
- An Endorsement Letter from the head of the proposed Host Institute.
- A Certificate from the Nominee confirming their consent and eligibility.
Official Sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official SERB website.
FAQ’s
How can I apply for the National Science Chair (NSC) award?
Nominations for the NSC Award can only be submitted online via the SERB online portal, which is located at www.serbonline.in.
What are the main requirements to be eligible for this fellowship?
You need to be an active Indian scientist or academician with a strong research record in STEM or medicine over the last five years. You must have received recognition from national/international scientific bodies, like fellowships in academies or S&T awards. You should be affiliated with an academic or R&D institution, or have consent from a future host institution. Importantly, you should not be holding administrative roles or receiving any salary/fellowship from other sources when the award begins.
What specific extra documents are needed for a nomination?
You will need to submit a Research Proposal (up to five pages) detailing your Introduction, Objective, Methodology, Budget, and expected outcomes (for Mode-1 nominations). Additionally, an Endorsement Letter from the head of your Host Institute and a Certificate from the Nominee are mandatory.
I am an Indian citizen working as a Professor abroad for the last 5 years, and I am over 65. Can I apply?
Yes, you can apply. However, you would need to resign from your current position in the foreign institution and obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from them to be eligible for the NSC Award.
Which fields of study are covered by the NSC Award?
The fellowship is open to researchers working in the broad areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM), and Medicine.
Who evaluates the nominations submitted for this award?
Your nomination will be reviewed by a dedicated National Science Chair Advisory Committee (NSCAC).
Who makes the final decision on selecting awardees?
The final decision rests on the recommendations made by the National Science Chair Advisory Committee (NSCAC), which is composed of eminent experts in science and technology. SERB largely bases its decisions on these expert recommendations.
Will I be informed once a decision is made about my selection?
Yes, you will typically be notified about the selection outcome about four to six weeks after the selection committee meeting. We cannot share individual information before this to ensure timely notifications for all.
Can I contest the decision if my nomination isn't recommended?
You can certainly submit a plea against the decision. However, any ruling on such pleas will be made only after thorough discussion and deliberation in a subsequent NSCAC meeting.
If I qualify for both Mode-I and Mode-II, can I apply for both simultaneously?
No, you cannot apply for both Mode-I and Mode-II at the same time. If your application isn't accepted for consideration in one mode, you are welcome to apply for any other relevant program in subsequent calls, provided you meet the eligibility criteria.
What are the most critical factors considered during selection?
The primary focus is on the individual nominee's track record. For more detailed information on the selection criteria, please refer to the eligibility and assessment criteria sections.
When and how can a recipient begin their NSC Award tenure?
SERB sends an award letter to both the nominee and the host institution. The nominee must join within six months of the offer date and submit an acceptance letter to the host institution, indicating their desired start date. The host institution then forwards this to SERB with bank details for fund transfer. SERB processes this for approvals, and a Sanction Order is issued, mentioning the award's start date based on the nominee's joining date.
Can I hold other fellowships concurrently with the NSC Award?
No, you cannot receive any other fellowship during the tenure of the NSC Award. However, you can seek additional research funding from other agencies, excluding fellowships or salaries. If you wish to switch to another fellowship, you must first surrender the NSC Award by submitting a surrender certificate, expenditure statement, utilization certificate, project completion report, and any unspent balance to SERB.
Is it possible to postpone the award's start date mentioned in the Sanction Order?
No, you cannot delay the implementation date once the Sanction Order for the award has been issued. Your joining date at the institute will be considered the start date of your fellowship.
Can I conduct my research by being associated with two academic institutions simultaneously?
It is best to have one primary host institution for fund management and account purposes. However, you are welcome to collaborate with other institutes or organizations as part of your research.
Does the host institute receive extra funds for the expenses related to hosting me?
The host institute receives overheads at a rate of ₹1,00,000/- per annum. There are no provisions for additional funds beyond this.
Is the grant money received under the NSC Award subject to taxes?
Yes, the grant received under the NSC Award is taxable according to the Income Tax rules.
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