Fellowships & Scholarships
The DST-STI-PFP was instituted in 2016 to generate a critical mass of policy researchers. The objectives are enhancing human resources that can engage with and contribute to the STI policy domain and to strengthen the knowledge base, think tank, and evidence based policy making. The goal is to build up the cadre of academic STI policy researchers in the country, such that these Fellows may actively contribute in policy making in academia, research organizations, or even in government. The fellowship would provide an opportunity to develop the skills for young scientists and engineers who are interested in engagement with the STI policy domain and/or as STI policy researchers. It aims to attract and encourage top-quality researchers to work on the issues pertaining to STI policy and contribute their knowledge and analytical skills in the policy realm. The number of Postdoctoral Fellowships to be awarded per year is around 8, which can be increased or decreased at DST’s discretion.
Eligibility: Science/ Medicine/ Engineering/ Social Science (with a background of STI policy) academic scholars, STI policy researchers, with good academic record and holding a Ph.D. degree (within the last 3 yrs) are eligible to apply. Applicants must be capable of doing independent research work and have at least 3 publications in peer reviewed journals. Age limit is 35 yrs. The Review Committee would select candidates based on their research track record and the relevance, quality, and significance of their proposals.
Fellowship amount: The selected Postdoctoral Fellows are awarded a fellowship of Rs. 80,000/- (consolidated) in the level of INSPIRE Faculty. An amount up to Rs. 2 Lakh would be granted annually for covering research-related costs and contingency. The duration is for 2 years (with a possibility of extension of one more year, depending upon performance).