Nearly 75 Indian expatriate scientists are likely to return to India over the next three years to work on various science and technology projects under the government’s new scholarship scheme at a cost of around Rs 80 crore. The first batch of 22 researchers has been selected and is expected to join the company in April this year.

The ‘Vaibhav’ program launched by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) has completed its first call for proposals and launched its second call. We appeal to all scientists of Indian origin who are engaged in active research in reputed institutions abroad for at least five years to collaborate with reputed institutions/universities, including IITs in India.

They will be required to spend 1-2 months per year for up to three years and will receive an annual grant of 400,000 rupees ($4,800). While they may take leave to come and work in India for a short period, they must submit a consent form from their institution. The scholarship also covers an annual international trip to India from their alma mater, along with two months of fully-equipped local accommodation, as well as Rs 1 lakh per year for studies in India, and domestic travel to institutions within India.

“During the first call last year, we received about 302 proposals, 22 of which have been shortlisted and will receive award letters soon. We hope they can join their respective institutes after April.” Department of Science and Technology (DST) ) said Dr. Charu Agarwal.

The ministry will also provide financial support of up to Rs 5 lakh per annum to the institute for three years to facilitate the research work of the researcher. Although they can only stay two months out of the year, the institute is required to complete the program over three years, with fellows connected through online meetings to take breaks throughout the year.

Artificial intelligence and machine learning are areas of greatest concern

These scientists are selected based on research proposals submitted by the host institutions with which they intend to collaborate. All funds will also be released to the institute, which will distribute the funds to the fellow. While the scholarship is open to all fields under Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine (STEMM), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and Data Science have generated the most interest.

“This is a great opportunity for our scientists working abroad to collaborate with local counterparts on projects that will be of huge value to both parties. New innovations and future technologies are available to the Indian diaspora, and they can collaborate with those here Students share and, at the same time, get an opportunity to build their network and collaborate on research publications. It is like giving something back to the country in some way. It is a win-win situation,” said Dr. Agarwal of DST International Cooperation Department.

Some areas are also prioritized in line with the government’s scientific mission. The government has recently launched several science missions, including the National Quantum Mission, National Supercomputing Mission, Deep Sea Mission, and the plan is to involve the Indian diaspora in relevant projects, ultimately strengthening these missions and building the necessary human resources in the long run.

Most applications from the United States and Canada

The ministry plans to screen as many as 75 scientists based on research proposals from countries around the world, which will also benefit Indian researchers. The first call issued last year resulted in around 302 proposals, 22 of which have been selected across 18 different verticals. A second call in January will conclude review of applications after March 15.

Scientists from several countries including the United States, Sweden, Norway, Australia, Singapore, Japan and the United Kingdom applied during the first call, according to officials. However, the largest number of applications came from scientists in the United States and Canada, who were keen to collaborate with local research institutions.

The proposals were scrutinized by a review committee of experts from different ministries such as Earth Sciences, New and Renewable Energy, Health, and Electronics and Information Technology and subsequently shortlisted by an apex committee. The scholarship is open to all Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), Persons of Indian Origin (POI) and Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs) currently working abroad.