The “High Risk – High Reward Research” scheme, implemented by the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) under the Department of Science & Technology, Government of India, is designed to support research proposals that are conceptually novel and inherently risky. These proposals aim to challenge established hypotheses and offer “out of the box” approaches to solving critical scientific and technological problems. The objective is to foster breakthrough research that can potentially shift paradigms and lead to the emergence of new technologies.
Nature of Proposals Supported
- Innovative & Risky:
Proposals must present bold, transformative research ideas with significant risk elements that promise high rewards if successful. - Breakthrough Impact:
Expected outcomes include major theoretical or experimental advances, formulation of new hypotheses, or breakthrough science that paves the way for new technologies. - Exclusion:
Proposals focusing on incremental advances that yield only marginal improvements will not be considered.
Duration of Support
- Standard Duration:
Funding is typically provided for a period of three years. - Extension:
In exceptional cases, based on performance evaluation by the expert committee, the support may be extended for an additional six months (up to a total of five years).
Benefits
- Unstructured Budget:
There is no fixed budget limit for projects under this scheme. - Comprehensive Coverage:
The research grant covers expenses related to equipment, consumables, travel, contingency, and overheads. - Evaluation Process:
Proposals are rigorously evaluated through peer review processes as approved by SERB.
Eligibility
- Citizenship:
Applicants must be Indian citizens residing in India. - Employment:
Applicants must hold a regular academic or research position in a recognized institution (e.g., universities, national laboratories, R&D institutions). - Application Type:
Proposals can be submitted by an individual or a team of investigators. In team proposals, a Principal Investigator (PI) must be clearly identified to spearhead and administer the project. - Patent/Intellectual Property Requirement:
It is expected that the PI has secured or applied for necessary patents and intellectual property rights related to their breakthrough research.
Application Process
Mode: Online
- Call Notification:
- The call for proposals is announced on the SERB websites (www.serbonline.in and www.serb.gov.in).
- Registration:
- Applicants must first register on the SERB online portal. Click here to register.
- Profile Completion:
- Fill in all mandatory fields in the “Profile Detail” section (bio-data, photo, institute address, etc.). Ensure any Co-Investigators (if applicable) are also registered.
- Proposal Submission:
- Navigate to “Menu → Proposal Submission → Form Submission.”
- Select the scheme “High Risk – High Reward (HRR)” and click on “Start Submission.”
- Enter details including:
- Project Title: (Maximum 500 characters)
- Project Summary: (Maximum 3000 characters)
- Keywords: (Up to 6)
- Project Objectives: (Maximum 1500 characters)
- Expected Outputs/Outcomes: (Maximum 1500 characters)
- Budget Details: Covering research personnel, consumables, travel, equipment, contingency, and overheads.
- Upload all additional technical documents in a single PDF file (maximum size: 10 MB).
- Submission Confirmation:
- Review your proposal carefully and click “Submit.” Proposals will be evaluated based on recommendations from the Programme Advisory Committee (PAC).
Documents Required
- Biodata (as provided in the user profile)
- Certificate/Declaration from the Principal Investigator
- Endorsement Letter from the Head of the Institution
- Quotations for approved equipment (to be uploaded within one month of the approval letter, if applicable)
- Any other documents as specified in the prescribed format (all attachments must be in PDF)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
-
What is the difference between an EMR project and a High Risk – High Reward (HRR) project?
EMR projects typically focus on incremental improvements, while HRR projects involve high-risk, transformative research with the potential for breakthrough outcomes. -
Does the Board have priority areas for funding under HRR?
Funding is generally available for proposals that promise paradigm-shifting research; specific priority areas may be highlighted in the official guidelines. -
Can I apply for an HRR project if I am already executing another SERB project (such as an EMR project)?
Applicants should not be simultaneously managing multiple SERB projects if it conflicts with the HRR scheme’s guidelines. -
Can I apply for another HRR project if I am currently executing one in a different domain?
No, a PI is allowed to have only one active HRR project at any given time. -
What is the maximum amount of the grant?
There is no prescribed budget limit for HRR projects; funding is determined based on the project’s requirements. -
Are Co-Investigators allowed in HRR projects?
Yes, but team proposals must clearly designate a Principal Investigator, and all Co-Investigators must be registered on the SERB portal. The budget cannot be separately allocated to both the PI and Co-Investigators. -
Is there a specific timeline for applying under this scheme?
The call for proposals is announced periodically on the SERB website. Check the official portal for the latest notifications. -
Can I use the research grant for international travel?
No, the grant is intended for equipment, consumables, travel (domestic), and other R&D expenses as per SERB-CRG guidelines. -
What happens if I am away from my institute for more than 6 weeks?
Extended absences require prior permission from SERB as per the guidelines.