Giving young researchers a boost! Examine the specifics of the ASEAN-India Research Training Fellowship (AIRTF), an initiative that promotes scientific collaboration between ASEAN countries and India.
A fellowship program called the “ASEAN-India Research Training Fellowship (AI-RTF)” was started by the Indian government’s Department of Science and Technology (DST). Under the auspices of the ASEAN-India Science & Technology Development Fund (AISTDF), the program is designed to assist young, gifted scientists and researchers from ASEAN member nations—Burunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam—in their pursuit of research at any Indian research or academic institution.
Objectives of ASEAN-India Research Training Fellowship (AIRTF)
One excellent example of international cooperation in science and technology is the ASEAN-India Research Training Fellowship (AIRTF). Young researchers from ASEAN member states are inspired by this esteemed fellowship program, which is led by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India.
The following are the goals of the AI-RTF fellowship program: to encourage scientists and researchers from ASEAN member countries to travel to India and to give them the chance to work at Indian academic and R&D facilities in order to advance their research knowledge and abilities.
- To facilitate the exchange of information and contacts between the scientists and researchers of India and ASEAN Countries and create a network for building research collaborations.
As a byproduct, the Fellowship recipients might also be able to secure co-supervisors from India for their post-return Ph.D. or post-master’s degree research projects.
The Number of fellowships:
Young scientists and researchers from ASEAN member states would get fifty (50) fellowships annually to establish affiliations with Indian academic and research organizations.
Fellowship duration
- Each fellowship will last between two and six months. After the fellowship is awarded, no requests for an extension or reduction in the duration term will be considered.
- Administration and implementation
- The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI), located in New Delhi, will oversee and administer the ASEAN-India Research Training Fellowship (AI-RTF) program.
Areas in which fellowships are available:
Research areas/topics must be ASEAN-centric and in line with the ASEAN Plan of Action on Science, Technology, and Innovation (APASTI) in order to be eligible for AI-RTF funding. Working on research projects within any of the following general disciplines is eligible for the fellowship:
• Agricultural Sciences
• Biological and Medical Sciences
• Chemical Sciences & Engineering
• Computer Science & Engineering
• Physical Sciences and Mathematics
• Ocean, Earth & Atmospheric Sciences
• Engineering Sciences
• Materials, Minerals and Metallurgy
• Science Policy/IPR Management/Technology Transfer & Commercialization
• Other multi-disciplinary areas of Science, Technology and Innovation in alignment with APASTI.
Note: The fellowship is available in all fields of natural & engineering sciences, including mathematics & statistics, except humanities and behavioral sciences.
Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply for the AIRTF Program?
In order to qualify for the AIRTF program, candidates need to meet the following requirements:
- Citizenship: Candidates must be citizens of one of the following 10 ASEAN member countries: Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
- Educational Requirement: It is required to have a master’s degree in one of the following fields: engineering, technology, medicine, or the natural sciences.
- Professional Experience: The applicants’ home ASEAN member countries must employ them in a national R&D or academic institution.
- Institutional Endorsement: The application must have the support of the applicant’s home institution, attesting to the applicant’s leave for the fellowship period and their promise to return after it is over.
- Research Focus: The study plan should be in line with the engineering and natural sciences’ primary areas of concentration, which include statistics and mathematics. It’s crucial to remember that behavioral sciences and humanities and behavioral sciences are not covered under the AIRTF program.
Note: Researchers who have previously availed the AIRTF fellowship are not eligible to apply again.
Application Process
Online
Step 1: Only online applications may be submitted at www.aistic.gov.in.
Step 2: Applicants must first create an account on the ASEAN website. To register, click this link.Step 3: The applicant can log in to apply for the fellowship after completing the registration process successfully.
Step 4: Candidates must complete all needed areas in the User Profile’s Profile Detail section, including the Institute Address, Photo, and Biodata.
Step 5: Certain information needs to be entered at the time of proposal submission, such as the project title, project overview, keywords, project objectives, expected output and outcome, etc.
Step 6: The applicant may submit the application form after confirming all the information they have filled out.
Note 01: Other relevant information of the proposal has to be uploaded as a single PDF file, not more than 10 MB.
Note 02: The hard copies of the application are not required.
Note 03: The applications submitted through any other form or channel shall not be considered.
Documents Required
Documents to be submitted during application submission:
1. C.V. of Applicant
2. C.V. of Indian host
3. Copy of relevant pages of valid Passport
4. A copy of the endorsement letter from the present employer in the prescribed format
5. A copy of the acceptance letter from any Indian scientist/ institution for hosting the applicant, if selected, prescribed format
Documents to be submitted after fellowship approval:
1. Letter of acceptance by Parent Institute (Format)
2. Letter of consent by Indian Host Institute (Format)
3. RTGS details of Indian Host Institute ( Endorsed by Institute) (Format)
4. Itinerary options (Tickets to be booked by AI-RTF Secretariat) (Format)
5. Joining notification (By Indian Host Institution) (Format)
FAQs Regarding the AIRTF Program
How long does the AIRTF fellowship last?
The duration of the AIRTF fellowship varies from two to six months.
I want to perform research, but can I pick the Indian research institute where I do it?
Fellows can indicate in their application forms their preferences for particular Indian research institutions, but the program officials have the final say.
Does the AIRTF program have a language requirement?
The AIRTF program uses English as its major medium of communication. A strong command of the English language is required of applicants in order for them to contribute to academic activities and research debates.
What kind of outcomes might fellows expect from the AIRTF program?
Researchers are expected to return to their home institutions after the fellowship is over and use the knowledge and skills they have gained to advance the local scientific communities. In order to establish enduring scientific alliances, they are also urged to continue working together with their Indian counterparts.
Conclusion: Using Cooperation to Shape Science’s Future
Research in the region is greatly aided by the ASEAN-India Research Training Fellowship (AIRTF) program. The AIRTF initiative opens doors for ground-breaking discoveries and breakthroughs by supporting joint research endeavors and providing mentorship to aspiring researchers. This program shapes a brighter future for science and innovation in the area by strengthening scientific and technological links between India and ASEAN nations, in addition to empowering individual researchers.
So, are you a young investigator from an ASEAN member nation that is overflowing with research proposals? If you meet the requirements and have a strong desire to learn, the AIRTF program is waiting for you! Take off on this rewarding adventure to advance your research career and help India and ASEAN nations advance science together.
Sources
Official Website
International Cooperation Division
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