SERB International Research Experience (SIRE) Fellowship 2023

March 20, 2022 By Neelam Patel

The Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), which operates as a statutory body under the Department of Science and Technology in the Government of India, has introduced a new initiative called the “SERB International Research Experience (SIRE).”

The main goal of this program is to provide advanced research training in cutting-edge areas of Science and Technology that align with India’s interests. To leverage the knowledge and expertise acquired by SIRE fellows to enhance or launch national initiatives in their respective fields of expertise. It also seeks to promote research endeavors in priority areas that haven’t been extensively explored in the Indian context.

It offers individuals the opportunity to spend 2 to 6 months at renowned institutions and universities worldwide. To be eligible, applicants must hold a Ph.D. from a recognized institutions in India and have a permanent position at an Indian research institution. The age limit for applying is set at 40 years, with age relaxation as per Government of India norms applicable to SC/ ST/ OBC/ physically challenged and female candidates.

Under this program, SERB selects candidates working on forefront topics in Science and Technology and supports their visits to top global institutions, preferably those where world-renowned scientists are conducting research. Applicants are responsible for contacting the host institution for their visit and must provide a letter of approval for their research plan from the host institution.

SIRE Fellowship Details:

Organization: Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB)

Scholarship Name: SIRE Fellowship

Website: https://serbonline.in

Eligibility Criteria:

• This program is exclusively available to Indian nationals.

• Applicants must hold a Ph.D. degree in the field of Science and Engineering from a recognized Indian institution and must have a permanent position within an Indian research or academic institution.

• Applicants with an MBBS or MD degree, as well as veterinary doctors, are also eligible to apply.

• Those who have received the Teachers Associateship for Research Excellence (TARE) award can apply as well.

• As part of the application, applicants are required to submit a letter of support from the overseas host institution.

Age Limit:

The age limit for applying to this scheme is 40 years, calculated as of the date of application submission. However, there is an age relaxation of 5 years for applicants belonging to SC/ST/OBC categories, physically challenged individuals, and women.

Selection:

Candidates will be selected from among the faculty members who have obtained approval for their research plans from overseas institutions. The selection process will be overseen by a committee formed by the Board to carefully evaluate and choose the deserving candidates.

Fellowship Amount and Duration:

The chosen fellows will receive several benefits, including a monthly fellowship of US $3,000. Additionally, they will be granted a one-time Contingency/Preparatory allowance of Rs. 75,000, which is intended to cover expenses like visa fees, airport transfer charges, and insurance, both in India and abroad.

Furthermore, the selected fellows will be provided with the cost of the shortest route economy class airfare for their journey from their place of work in India to the host institute and back. This support aims to make their international research experience as comfortable and productive as possible.