Apply for the SERB POWER Fellowship: ₹10 Lakhs Research Grant for Women Scientists

The SERB – POWER (Promoting Opportunities For Women in Exploratory Research) Fellowship was launched by the Department of Science & Technology, Government of India to mitigate gender disparity in science and engineering research funding. It aims to enhance diversity by providing excellent women scientists in Indian academic institutions and R&D laboratories with support for independent research in various branches of science and engineering.

Objectives

• Identify and reward outstanding women researchers holding Ph.D. degrees.
• Promote exploratory research and innovation in Indian academic institutions and R&D laboratories.
• Ensure equal access and opportunities in research funding for women scientists.

Duration of Fellowship

• Fixed for three years, with no possibility of extension.
• Successful POWER Fellows cannot be re-nominated for a second term.

Benefits

• Fellowship:
  ₹15,000 per month in addition to the recipient’s regular income.
• Research Grant:
  ₹10 lakhs per annum, which can be used for:
  • Minor equipment
  • Research personnel
  • Consumables
  • Contingencies
  • Domestic travel
• Overheads:
  Allocated for the host institution.

Eligibility

• The nominee must be an active, outstanding woman scientist or innovator working in an Indian academic institution or R&D laboratory.
• Must hold a Ph.D. in any branch of science or engineering.
• Must be in regular service throughout the fellowship.
• Indian citizen aged between 35 and 55 years, working in institutions within India.
• Should not be receiving any other fellowships from Government sources during the fellowship period.

Application Process

Mode: Online

Nomination Procedure

• Applications are invited through nominations.
• Nominations should be submitted by the Heads of Institutions or Fellows of National Academies.
• Nominations are accepted throughout the year via the SERB online portal (www.serbonline.in).

Application Procedure

1. The applicant fills out the application form on the online portal.
2. Upon submission, SERB sends a mail with a link to the nominator.
3. The nominator clicks the link, verifies the application details, and forwards the nomination to SERB.
4. Both the applicant and the nominator receive confirmation upon successful submission.

Selection Procedure

• The selection of POWER Fellows is carried out twice a year by a specially constituted Search-cum-Selection Committee.

Documents Required

• Identity proof of the candidate
• Passport-size photograph
• Proof of age
• Educational qualification certificates
• Details of professional awards/recognitions/fellowships
• Bank details (account number, bank name, branch, and IFSC code)
• Any other supporting documents, as required

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Who is eligible for the SERB POWER Fellowship?
  Outstanding women scientists in regular service in Indian academic institutions or R&D labs, holding a Ph.D., aged between 35 and 55 years.

• Is there any age limit for eligibility?
  Yes, candidates must be between 35 and 55 years of age.

• I am already availing another fellowship. Am I eligible?
  No, the nominee should not be receiving any other fellowships from Government sources during the tenure.

• Is the fellowship taxable?
  Yes, the fellowship amount is taxable as per applicable laws.

• What areas are covered under the SERB POWER Fellowship?
  All branches of science and engineering.

• What support does a SERB POWER Fellow receive?
  A monthly fellowship of ₹15,000, an annual research grant of ₹10 lakhs, and overhead support for the host institution.

• What is the duration of the fellowship?
  Three years, with no extension.

• How many times can a person avail of the SERB POWER Fellowship?
  A successful fellow cannot be re-nominated.

• When can one apply for the SERB POWER Fellowship?
  Applications are accepted throughout the year via the SERB online portal.

• Who can nominate for the fellowship?
  The nomination must be sent by the Head of the Institution or a Fellow of a National Academy.

• How is the subsequent research grant disbursed?
  The research grant is provided annually and can be used for minor equipment, research personnel, consumables, contingencies, and domestic travel.

• Can a fellow change the host institute during the fellowship?
  Changes in host institute are generally not permitted without prior approval from SERB.

• Is there a provision for extension of the fellowship?
  No, the fellowship is fixed for three years.

• What are the selection criteria for the POWER Fellowship?
  The criteria include the nominee’s research performance, innovation, and overall contributions to science and engineering.

• Under which heads can the research grant be used?
  It can be used for minor equipment, research personnel, consumables, contingencies, and domestic travel.

• Can the research grant be used for international travel?
  No, the research grant is limited to domestic travel.

• Do I need permission if I am away from my institute for more than 6 weeks?
  Yes, if a fellow is away for more than 6 weeks, permission must be sought from SERB.

• If I am visiting abroad for more than 8 weeks, can I still avail the fellowship amount and research grant?
  The fellowship terms require that the fellow remains in regular service; extended stays abroad beyond stipulated periods may require prior approval.

• Can I use the research grant for travel to attend a conference?
  Yes, but only domestic travel expenses are eligible under the research grant.

• If I am collaborating abroad, can I get an extension for that period?
  Extensions for collaborative work abroad are generally not provided; any such requests need to be reviewed by SERB.

Sources and References

• Official Website