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The SERB POWER Fellowship aims to support outstanding women researchers and innovators in Indian academic institutions and Read More... R&D labs who hold a Ph.D. in science and engineering. Read less
Details
The Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) under the Department of Science & Technology has introduced the POWER Fellowship. This initiative, short for 'Promoting Opportunities For Women in Exploratory Research', is designed to bridge the gender gap in science and technology research funding. It aims to ensure that talented women scientists in India have fair chances and equal opportunities in research and development.
What Is This Scheme?
The SERB - POWER Fellowship is a program dedicated to recognizing and supporting excellent women scientists across India. If you are a woman researcher or innovator with a Ph.D. in any science or engineering field and work in an Indian academic institution or R&D laboratory, this fellowship could be for you. It's all about empowering women in research and development activities.
Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?
This fellowship is specifically for women who are actively involved in scientific research. You need to have a strong track record as an independent investigator. The scheme targets women holding a Ph.D. in any branch of science and engineering, working in recognized academic institutions and R&D labs in India. Importantly, you must be in regular service throughout the fellowship period.
Why This Scheme Is Important
The primary goal of the SERB - POWER Fellowship is to foster diversity in research. By providing dedicated support, it encourages women scientists to pursue their innovative ideas and excel in their fields. It helps mitigate gender disparities in research funding and ensures that their contributions are recognized and valued, leading to advancements in science and technology.
Objective
Benefits
- 100% of Project cost excluding/except Hard Interventions.
- 90% of Hard Intervention is eligible for the North Eastern Region, UT of Jammu & Kashmir and Hill States, and 75% of Hard Intervention for Others.
** This may include remuneration of Cluster Development Executive (CDE) and other expenses incidental to the entire 3-year project implementation.
Sources and references
Eligibility Criteria
- You must be an active woman scientist with a proven history of excellent research as an independent investigator.
- You should be an outstanding woman researcher or innovator working in any Indian academic institution or R&D laboratory, holding a Ph.D. in any science or engineering discipline.
- You need to be in regular service throughout the entire fellowship duration.
- You must be a citizen of India, aged between 35 and 55 years, and currently employed in an institution within India.
- You should not be receiving any other fellowship from government sources while you are a POWER Fellow.
How To Apply
The application process is entirely online. You can submit your nominations through the official SERB online portal: www.serbonline.in. Nominations are accepted year-round, so there's no specific deadline.
The process generally involves:
- The applicant fills out the application form on the online portal.
- After submission, SERB sends an email with a link to the nominator.
- The nominator clicks the provided link to review the application details and forwards the nomination to SERB.
Heads of Institutions or Fellows of National Academies can send nominations.
Documents Required
- Identity proof of the candidate
- Passport size photograph
- Proof of age
- Certificates for educational qualifications
- Details of professional awards, recognition, or fellowships received
- Bank details (Account Number, Bank Name, Branch, IFSC Code)
- Any other document as may be required by the board.
FAQ’s
How long does the SERB POWER Fellowship last?
The SERB POWER Fellowship is awarded for a fixed period of three years. There's no option to extend it beyond this timeframe.
Can I apply for the SERB POWER Fellowship if I'm already receiving another government fellowship?
No, you cannot receive any other fellowship from government sources while you are availing the SERB POWER Fellowship. You can only receive one fellowship at a time from government funding.
What kind of support can I expect as a SERB POWER Fellow?
As a SERB POWER Fellow, you are entitled to a monthly fellowship of ₹15,000 in addition to your regular income. You also receive a research grant of ₹10 lakhs annually, which can be used for minor equipment, research personnel, consumables, and domestic travel. Additionally, your host institute will receive overhead support.
Who are the eligible candidates for the SERB POWER Fellowship?
The fellowship is for outstanding women researchers and innovators working in Indian academic institutions and R&D laboratories who hold a Ph.D. in any science or engineering field. You should have a strong research record and be in regular service throughout the fellowship period.
Is there an age limit to apply for this fellowship?
Yes, you must be between 35 and 55 years of age at the time of submitting your proposal to be eligible for the award.
Can a researcher apply for the SERB POWER Fellowship more than once?
No, a researcher can avail the SERB POWER Fellowship only once. If you are selected and successfully complete the fellowship, you cannot be nominated for it again.
What scientific fields are covered by the SERB POWER Fellowship?
The fellowship covers all areas of science and engineering, in the broadest sense. If your research falls within these disciplines, you are encouraged to apply.
When can I submit my application for the SERB POWER Fellowship?
You can submit nominations for the SERB POWER Fellowship throughout the year via the online portal. There isn't a fixed last date for application acceptance.
Can the research grant money be used for international travel?
No, the research grant provided under the SERB POWER Fellowship cannot be used for international travel expenses.
What happens if I need to travel abroad for research or collaboration?
If you are visiting abroad for more than 6 weeks, you must seek permission from SERB. During visits abroad exceeding 8 weeks, you might not be eligible to receive the fellowship amount, research grant, or overhead charges, especially if no student is drawing emoluments from the project during that period.
How are SERB POWER Fellows selected?
The selection of POWER Fellows is carried out twice a year by a dedicated Search-cum-Selection Committee that evaluates the applications.
Can a fellow relocate to a different institution during the fellowship?
Yes, a SERB POWER fellow can change their host institute. This requires obtaining No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from both the old and new institutes, along with final financial papers, an undertaking, and an appointment letter from the new institute stating the joining date and duration.
What are the heads under which the research grant can be spent?
The annual research grant of ₹10 lakhs can be used for purchasing minor equipment, hiring research personnel, covering consumables, miscellaneous expenses (contingencies), and domestic travel related to research.
What is the procedure for releasing the grant for subsequent years?
For the grant to be released in subsequent years, you need to submit two hard copies of the Statement of Expenditure (SE) and Utilization Certificate (UC) in the prescribed format. These are to be submitted annually, covering the period from April 1st to March 31st (or from the Date of Start to March 31st for the first year).
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