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Tata Innovation Fellowship

Nominations are invited for "Tata Innovation Fellowship" a highly competitive new scheme instituted by the Department of Biotechnology to recognize and reward scientists with outstanding track record in biological sciences and a deep commitment to find innovative solutions to major problems in health care, agriculture and other areas related to life sciences and biotechnology.

The scientist should have publications of highest order and contributed to knowledge generation that has created significant impact in the field or translational possibilities for development of a process or product. The scientist must have done some specific work with high degree of innovation. The nominee should also highlight prestigious award(s) and other recognitions such as fellowship(s) of major academies.

This scheme is intended to complement similar schemes of other funding agencies. The nominations (10 copies) duly forwarded by the host institute may be sent to Dr. Meenakshi Munshi, Principal Scientific Officer, Department of Biotechnology, Block-2, 6-8th Floor, CGO Complex, Lodi Road, New Delhi � 110 003 latest by 15th December, 2006 on the prescribed format (available on DBT website www.dbtindia.gov.in).

Objectives

The aim is to reward interdisciplinary work of high quality with emphasis on innovation.

Scope

All areas of Life Sciences and Biotechnology including related areas in health care, agriculture, engineering, environment science, etc. will be covered by this fellowship.

Eligibility

The fellowship is open to Indian Nationals residing in India who are below the age of 60 years. The applicant should possess a PhD degree in Life Sciences, Agriculture, Veterinary Science or a Master's degree in Medical Sciences, Engineering or an equivalent degree in Biotechnology related areas. The applicant must have adequate professional experience in the specific area. The candidate must have a regular position in a University/Institute/Organization and should be engaged in research and development. If he/she is availing any other fellowship, he/she will have to opt for only one of the fellowships. Under this highly competitive scheme only a limited number of awards will be given every year.

Duration

The duration of the fellowship will be initially for three years, extendable further by two years on a fresh appraisal.

Financial Support

The amount of the fellowship will be Rs.20,000/- per month in addition to regular salary from the host institute. In addition, each Fellow will receive a contingency grant of Rs.5.00 lakh per annum for meeting the expenses on consumables, equipment, international and domestic travel, manpower and other contingent expenditure to be incurred in connection with the implementation of ongoing research. The Fellows are expected to play a mentoral role by organizing a science meeting during the tenure of the fellowship with predominantly young scientists as participants. The number of scientists participating in such meetings should be in the range of 15-30. The meeting will create a road map for research in his/her area of interest. DBT will provide support of the meeting.

The Tata Innovation Fellows would be eligible for regular research grant(s) through extramural and other research schemes of various S&T agencies of the Government of India.

Host Institution

The candidate will continue to work at the place of his/her employment. The Institution where the candidate is working would provide the necessary infrastructure and administrative support for pursuing the research.

Selection

Selection of Tata Innovation Fellows will be made by an empowered Selection Committee specially appointed for the purpose.