Unleash your research potential with the Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE) INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship in India. Learn about eligibility, benefits, and how to apply for this prestigious program.
Are you a brilliant young researcher in India, passionate about pursuing a career in science? The Department of Science and Technology (DST) offers an incredible program called the Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE) Faculty Fellowship, designed to empower and support your scientific aspirations.
The Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE) Faculty Fellowship is a highly competitive program that offers a unique opportunity for science faculty to pursue innovative research projects. Learn more about the program and its benefits. The Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE) Faculty Fellowship is a prestigious program that supports science faculty in their pursuit of innovative research projects. The program is designed to foster scientific creativity and excellence, and to provide a platform for faculty members to make significant contributions to their respective fields.
This article provides a comprehensive guide to the INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship, covering its objectives, eligibility criteria, application process, benefits, and frequently asked questions.
About Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE) – Faculty Fellowship
Through the “INSPIRE FACULTY FELLOWSHIP” component, 100 individuals with Ph.D.s who are between the ages of 27 and 32 are given the chance to conduct research in both basic and applied science fields, such as engineering, medicine, agriculture, and veterinary sciences, for five years in order to become independent researchers. It offers a five-year fellowship that is quite appealing. The program’s aim is to motivate aspiring scientists to pursue careers in science, technology, medicine, agriculture, pharmacy, and veterinary medicine.
Objectives of the INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship
The INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship aims to:
- Attract and retain talented researchers in Science & Technology (S&T), Medicine, Agriculture, Pharmacy, and Veterinary Sciences.
- Foster the development of a robust Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) workforce in India.
- Nurture a culture of innovation and independent research among young scientists.
Eligibility Criteria for the INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship
- Age: Applicants must be between 27 and 32 years old at the time of application.
- Qualification: You must possess a Ph.D. degree in a relevant basic or applied science field, including Engineering, Medicine, Agriculture, Pharmacy, or Veterinary Sciences.
- Citizenship: Indian citizenship is mandatory.
- Experience: Prior postdoctoral research experience is desirable but not compulsory.
The Application Process for the INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship
Applications for the INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship are typically accepted online through the official INSPIRE portal https://online-inspire.gov.in/. The application process usually involves:
- Registration: Creating an account on the online portal.
- Filling Out the Application Form: Providing details about your academic qualifications, research experience, research proposal, and preferred host institutions.
- Uploading Documents: Submitting scanned copies of your Ph.D. degree certificate, transcripts, publications (if any), and other relevant documents.
- Selection Process: Shortlisted candidates may be called for an interview.
Benefits of the INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship
The INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship offers a compelling package to support your research endeavors:
- Generous Fellowship: A handsome monthly fellowship of ₹1,25,000 with an annual increment.
- Research Grant: A substantial annual research grant of ₹7,00,000 for five years to cover your research expenses.
- Institutional Affiliation: The opportunity to work at a premier Indian academic or research institution.
- Career Development: Gain valuable experience and establish yourself as a leading researcher in your field.
Documents Required
For Application
- Passport Size Photograph
- Proof of Academic Qualifications (Degree / Passing Certificate / Marksheets) (from class 12th standard onwards)
- 10th Mark sheet or Certificate (for proof of Date of Birth)
- Letter of appointment (if employed)
- Community/Caste Certificate (only if the applicant belongs to SC/ST)
- First Rank Certificate for applicants who are not INSPIRE Scholars
- Details of Professional Recognitions, Awards, and Fellowships received
- Details of Professional Training and Research Experience
- Any other supporting documents
In case already enrolled in a Ph.D.
- Admission Letter (issued by University Authorities i.e. Registrar, Dean, Director, etc (Only joining as JRF will not be acceptable. In such a case, you should submit as a non-Ph.D. scholar)
- Fee Receipt for Ph.D. admission
- CV of the Ph. D. Supervisor with last 5 years of research credentials.
- Endorsement Letter (Template available at http://www.online-inspire.gov.in
- Methodology and Workplan are also to be submitted online in .pdf format if required.
For receiving the 1st Installment
- Joining Report
- Bank account detail of the Host Institute
- Undertaking signed by the Faculty Fellow
- Undertaking signed by the Host Institute
- Budget breakup on the usage of Research Grant
Upon Selection
- Duly signed “Undertaking from INSPIRE Faculty Fellow”
- Undertaking duly signed by both the competent authority from the chosen Host institution and the INSPIRE Faculty Fellow.
- Every Faculty Fellow needs to provide budget estimates with year-wise detailed break-up under various Heads such as manpower cost, consumables including chemicals, travel, contingency, overhead costs, etc. and non-recurring cost such as equipment for utilization of the Research Grant to the DST-INSPIRE Programme Division along with joining documents.
Completion of Faculty Fellowship Tenure
To settle the Faculty Fellowship grant upon completion/resignation, INSPIRE Faculty Fellow shall upload all necessary documents in his/her INSPIRE Web-Portal account such as:
- Final Technical Report in the prescribed format.
- List of Equipment procured during Faculty fellowship in the prescribed format.
- Performance Report in the prescribed format.
- Final Statement of Expenditure (SE) and Year-wise Utilization certificate (UC) for the
- Faculty fellowship duration in the prescribed format,
- Unspent balance if any (unspent balance and other earnings against the released grant (if any), shall be remitted to the Consolidated Fund of India (through Non-Tax Receipt Portal (NTRP) i.e., https://www.bharatkosh.gov.in. and the copy of the same is to be uploaded to the portal.
Transfer or Change of Host Institution (including absorption)
The Faculty Fellow needs to inform the DST-INSPIRE Programme Division immediately with the following documents to effect the change and smooth facilitation of the transfer of funds etc.
- Appointment Letter of permanent employment or justification for a change of Host Institution.
- NOC from the present Host Institute and Acceptance Letter from the new Host Institute.
- Joining Letter from the new Host Institute due to transfer or permanent employment (either the same or a different Host Institution),
- Freshly signed copy of the Undertaking (not required in case of permanent employment in the same Host Institution),
- Up-to-date financial documents from the present Host Institute (also in case of permanent employment in the same Host Institute).
FAQs on the INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship
What are the preferred research areas under the INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship?
The program encourages research across a broad spectrum of basic and applied sciences. It is particularly interested in frontier areas of research with the potential for significant societal impact.
Can I avail myself of other fellowships concurrently with the INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship?
No, you cannot hold two fellowships simultaneously during the INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship tenure.
What is the selection process for the INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship?
Applications are evaluated based on the candidate’s academic merit, research experience, quality of the research proposal, and potential for future contributions to the field.
Who should I contact for further inquiries about the INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship?
For program-specific queries, it is advisable to refer to the official INSPIRE portal or contact the Department of Science and Technology (DST).
Conclusion
The INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship is a stellar initiative by the Indian government, fostering a vibrant scientific ecosystem and propelling India’s scientific advancements. If you are a young scientist brimming with research ideas, the INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship presents an exceptional platform to translate your vision into reality. Embark on your scientific odyssey and make a significant contribution to the world of knowledge!
References
User Manual Of The Registration And Application Process
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