The Paired Early Career Fellowship in Applied Research (PECFAR) is an initiative by the Indo-German Science & Technology Centre (IGSTC), a joint program by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, and the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), Government of Germany.
This fellowship aims to support Early Career Researchers from India and Germany to network, collaborate, and explore research opportunities in applied sciences. The fellowship provides an opportunity for Indian and German researchers to form a pair and jointly work on research collaborations, innovation, and lab utilization.
Objectives
- Facilitate networking and research collaborations between early-career researchers in India and Germany.
- Enhance research capabilities and opportunities in applied research.
- Expand bilateral collaboration among young researchers.
- Build long-term research partnerships through networking and interaction.
Fellowship Details
- The fellowship supports two researchers (one from India and one from Germany) as a pair.
- The selected pair will visit each other’s country for a short-term research visit to explore collaboration opportunities.
- Fellows can travel to multiple institutions in the partner country to expand their research network.
- The visits must be completed within 12 months from the award date.
Formation of a Research Pair
- The fellowship requires applicants to form a research pair consisting of one Indian and one German researcher.
- The pair is responsible for identifying each other and acquiring an acceptance letter from the host institution in the partner country.
- PhD students and Post-Doctoral researchers affiliated with research institutions or industries can also apply.
Duration of Fellowship
- Up to 2 months.
- Extension beyond 2 months is not permitted.
Benefits
| Fellowship Benefits | Indian Fellow | German Fellow |
|---|---|---|
| Fellowship Grant | €2300 per month (on a pro-rata basis) | €2300 per month (on a pro-rata basis) |
| Travel Grant (Airfare + Visa + Insurance) | ₹1 lakh (approx.) | €1500 (approx.) |
Note:
- The grant covers only travel, accommodation, and daily expenses.
- No additional research funding will be provided.
- The pair must complete both visits within 12 months of receiving the award.
- The gap between the two fellows’ visits should not exceed 6 months.
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be an early-career researcher (holding a regular position in academia, research institution, or industry).
- Must have a minimum qualification of Master’s in Science or Bachelor’s in Engineering (4-year course).
- PhD students and Post-Docs from research institutions/industries are encouraged to apply.
- Must be below 35 years of age at the time of application.
- Both fellows in a pair must apply together with an endorsement letter from their host institution.
Important Notes:
- Applicants must submit a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their parent institution.
- The detailed activity plan must be clearly defined in the application, specifying research objectives and expected outcomes.
- IGSTC will not be responsible for visa issues, travel delays, or any violations of the host country’s rules.
- Acknowledgment of IGSTC in all research outputs (publications, reports, presentations, etc.) is mandatory.
Application Process
Online Application Steps
- Register on the Application Portal (Only one applicant in the pair should initiate registration).
- Enter the email address (A verification link will be sent).
- Once registered, the primary applicant adds their partner (who will receive a registration link).
- Both fellows must complete the application separately but submit a joint proposal.
- Only the primary applicant can submit the final application after ensuring both members have filled in their details.
- All applications must be submitted through the official IGSTC portal (no offline submissions accepted).
Selection Process
- Applications will be evaluated by a joint Indo-German selection committee based on:
- Research credentials of the pair.
- Feasibility and relevance of the joint proposal.
- Potential impact of the collaboration and future research plans.
- Decision of the committee is final.
Documents Required
- Passport-size photograph
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the parent institution
- Invitation letters from the host institutions
- Proof of Date of Birth (Passport/Aadhaar)
- Educational qualification certificates (in reverse chronological order)
- Proof of employment/fellowship award letter
- Detailed activity plan and expected research outcomes
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Q: Is it mandatory to apply as a pair?
Yes, applicants must form a pair (one Indian and one German researcher) before applying. - Q: Can I apply if I am already in Germany/India?
Yes, if you are affiliated with an institution in Germany/India and meet eligibility criteria, you can apply. - Q: Will IGSTC help in forming research pairs?
No, applicants are responsible for finding their own research partner. - Q: Can both fellows travel at different times?
Yes, but the time gap between visits must be less than 6 months. - Q: Can I apply if I am already holding another fellowship?
Yes, but applicants must ensure that their existing fellowship allows participation in this program. - Q: Can the fellowship be extended beyond 2 months?
No, extensions are not allowed. - Q: Will IGSTC arrange travel, visa, or accommodation?
No, fellows are responsible for their own travel bookings, visa processing, and accommodation. - Q: How long does the selection process take?
The evaluation may take a few months, and selected fellows will be informed via email.
Sources & References
For queries, contact:
- Phone: +91-011-2654 3500
- Email: [email protected]