The Back-To-Lab Post-Doctoral Fellowship Programme is an initiative by the Women Scientists Division of the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology, and Environment (KSCSTE). The fellowship aims to support women scientists who have taken a career break by providing financial assistance to resume research in Science and Engineering. The programme ensures re-entry into active research, encourages women’s participation in scientific research, and helps bridge the gender gap in higher academia.
Objective of the Fellowship
- Support women researchers with a career gap to re-enter scientific research.
- Facilitate women scientists in Kerala to contribute to science and technology.
- Encourage women’s participation in scientific innovations and research.
- Ensure better research opportunities for women in R&D institutions and universities.
Benefits of the Scheme
| Category | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Monthly Fellowship | ₹45,000/- per month + 10% HRA |
| Annual Contingency Grant | ₹75,000/- |
| Fellowship Duration | 2 Years (Maximum) |
Financial assistance is provided for research in R&D institutions.
Women scientists will receive research facilities and mentorship.
Encourages participation in national/international research conferences.
Eligibility Criteria
- Only women candidates can apply.
- The applicant must be a permanent resident of Kerala.
- The applicant must be unemployed and experiencing a career break due to family or other commitments.
- The applicant must not be receiving any emoluments from any source at the time of application.
- Candidates who have previously availed of the KSCSTE Back-to-Lab Fellowship for PhD are not eligible.
- Age Limit:
- General category: 40 years as of the date of application.
- OBC: Relaxation of 3 years (Up to 43 years).
- SC/ST: Relaxation of 5 years (Up to 45 years).
- The applicant must hold a Ph.D. degree in Science/Engineering subjects.
- The applicant must have a minimum of 60% marks in their Postgraduate (PG) degree.
- The research center should be different from the Ph.D. research center.
- The research should be conducted in an R&D institution/university in Kerala.
- The applicant must have at least one published research paper in an SCI Journal or a secured patent.
- Candidates who have already availed of a Post-Doctoral Fellowship from KSCSTE or any other organization are NOT eligible.
Application Process
Online Application Submission
- Visit the KSCSTE Online Application Portal: www.submit.kscste.kerala.gov.in
- New User Registration:
- Provide personal details, contact details, and educational qualifications.
- Login & Application Form Completion:
- Log in using the registered credentials.
- Fill out the application form and upload the required documents.
- Review & Final Submission:
- Ensure all details and documents are correct before submission.
- Submit the application before the deadline.
- Acknowledgment:
- A confirmation email will be sent upon successful submission.
Selection Procedure
- Preliminary Scrutiny
- Applications will be checked for eligibility criteria and supporting documents.
- Peer Review by Subject Experts
- The application will be reviewed by five subject experts.
- A proposal must receive at least three reviews graded above 5 (on a 10-point scale).
- Presentation Before Expert Committee
- Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a presentation before the Research Advisory Committee (RAC).
- The decision will be based on the relevance of the research and the scientific merit of the proposal.
- Final Selection & Award
- Selected candidates will be informed, and they must sign an Agreement with KSCSTE.
Contact Details
For any queries related to the fellowship, applicants may contact:
The Head, Women Scientists Division
Kerala State Council of Science, Technology, and Environment (KSCSTE)
Sasthra Bhavan, Pattom (P.O), Thiruvananthapuram – 695 004, Kerala
Phone: 0471-2548208, 0471-2548346
Fax: 0471-2540085, 2534605
Email:
Documents Required
- Aadhaar Card (Proof of identity).
- Passport-size Photograph.
- Proof of Date of Birth (Age relaxation proof if applicable).
- Permanent Residency Certificate of Kerala.
- Postgraduate (PG) Marks Sheet & Certificate.
- Ph.D. Degree Certificate.
- Work & Research Experience Certificate.
- Reprints of Published Research Papers (Maximum 2 papers from SCI-indexed journals).
- Certificate of Career Break (For Back-to-Lab applicants only).
- Biodata of Applicant & Scientist Mentor (Each within 2 pages).
- Declaration by the Applicant.
- Consent from Scientist Mentor.
- Endorsement from the Head of Host Institution.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Q: What is the objective of the Back-To-Lab Post-Doctoral Fellowship Programme?
The programme supports women scientists with a career break by providing financial assistance for re-entry into research in Science & Engineering. - Q: Who is eligible for this fellowship?
Unemployed women scientists who are permanent residents of Kerala and hold a Ph.D. in Science/Engineering with a career break due to family or personal commitments. - Q: What is the monthly stipend provided under the scheme?
A fellowship of ₹45,000/- per month + 10% HRA is provided. - Q: What is the duration of the fellowship?
The maximum duration is 2 years. - Q: Is there an age limit to apply?
Yes, the maximum age is 40 years, with relaxation of 3 years for OBC (43 years) and 5 years for SC/ST (45 years). - Q: Can an employed candidate apply?
No, only unemployed women with a career break are eligible. - Q: Is this fellowship available for women who have already received another Post-Doctoral Fellowship?
No, candidates who have previously availed of a Post-Doctoral Fellowship from KSCSTE or any other organization are not eligible. - Q: Where can applicants contact regarding this programme?
The Women Scientists Division, KSCSTE, Thiruvananthapuram via email or phone.