The Kerala State Young Scientist Awards, administered by the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE), recognize and honor talented young scientists for their outstanding contributions in any branch of science and technology within the Council’s purview. The awards consider independent research conducted in Kerala by young scientists of Indian origin who hold a Ph.D. and have been working in Kerala for the last three years.
Candidates may be nominated by Vice-Chancellors of Kerala Universities, Directors of R&D Centres, Heads of Institutions & Departments, and Fellows of renowned Academies. Nominations are valid for three years or until the nominee reaches the eligibility age, whichever comes first.
Benefits
- Cash Prize:
Awardees receive a cash prize of ₹50,000. - Research Grant:
Awardees may be considered for a research grant of up to ₹50 lakhs, subject to review by an expert committee. - International Exposure:
Within three years of receiving the award, the recipient may be considered for an overseas visit to present their research at a conference. - Certificate:
Each awardee is presented with a certificate recognizing their excellence.
Eligibility
- Qualification:
Applicants must hold a Ph.D. and have at least 3 years of post-doctoral experience. - Experience:
They must have continuous working experience in an R&D or academic institution in Kerala for the last 3 years. - Age:
The candidate’s age should not exceed 37 years as on 31st December of the notifying year.
Application Process
Mode: Offline
Nomination Procedure:
- Advertisement:
Applications are invited annually through advertisement. - Nominations:
Candidates can be nominated by:- Vice-Chancellors of Universities in Kerala
- Directors of Research Institutes/R&D Centres of Industries
- Heads of University Departments
- Principals of Colleges with approved research centers
- Fellows of the Indian National Science Academy, Indian Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Sciences, India, Indian National Academy of Engineering, or Indian Academy of Agricultural Sciences.
- Submission:
Nominations, in the prescribed format along with all supporting documents, must be sent to the Director, KSCSTE, Sasthra Bhavan, Pattom P.O., Thiruvananthapuram – 695004. - Validity:
Nominations are valid for three years or until the nominee exceeds the eligibility age, with a provision for one fresh nomination if the nominee has not yet crossed the age limit.
Selection Procedure
- Screening:
A screening committee conducts a rigorous, criteria-based evaluation of nominations. - Presentation:
Candidates recommended by the screening committee are invited to present their research work. - Notification:
Selected candidates are individually informed by mail. - Award Ceremony:
The awards are presented during the inaugural session of the Kerala Science Congress by the Chief Minister, where awardees are required to present their award-winning work during the plenary session.
Contact Details
Head, Science, Technology Promotion Division,
Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE)
Sasthra Bhavan, Pattom, Thiruvananthapuram – 695004
Tel: +91 471 2548214
Email: [email protected]
Documents Required
- Identity proof of the candidate
- Educational qualification certificate
- Post-doctoral experience certificate
- Proof of working experience in an R&D/academic institution
- Proof of age
- Certificate of Ph.D.
- Details of research publications/patents, if any
- Any other supporting document as required
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
-
What is the “Kerala State Young Scientist Awards”?
It is an award by KSCSTE to honor young scientists for outstanding research in science and technology. -
Which organization implements the scheme?
The awards are implemented by the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE). -
Who is eligible to receive the award?
Young scientists with a Ph.D., at least 3 years of post-doctoral experience, and continuous work experience in Kerala. -
What is the minimum qualification required?
A Ph.D. in any branch of science and technology. -
Is post-doctoral experience required?
Yes, a minimum of 3 years. -
What is the maximum age for the applicant?
The applicant must not be more than 37 years as on 31st December of the notifying year. -
What cash prize is awarded?
A cash prize of ₹50,000 is awarded to each recipient. -
Can the selected candidate be considered for a research grant?
Yes, the recipient may be considered for a research grant of up to ₹50 lakhs. -
Is there an opportunity for international exposure?
Yes, awardees may be considered for an overseas visit within 3 years to present their research. -
Who can nominate a candidate?
Nominations can be made by Vice-Chancellors, Directors of R&D Centres, Heads of Institutions & Departments, and Fellows of recognized science academies. -
How will the candidate be selected?
Through a thorough review and evaluation by an expert committee after a screening and presentation process. -
Whom can a candidate contact regarding the award?
For queries, candidates may contact the Head of the Science, Technology Promotion Division at KSCSTE.