The National Science Chair – Science Leadership scheme is one of the prestigious chairs in India, established to recognize and reward eminent senior resident Indian scientists for their outstanding contributions in STEM and Medicine. Administered by the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), this scheme honors thought leadership and excellence in research, innovation, and mentoring. It specifically targets superannuated scientists who have made significant contributions over the past decade and have developed an international reputation as research and development leaders.
Mode-2: Science Leadership
This mode focuses on recognizing scientists for their leadership and impactful contributions during their active professional careers. Awardees in this category are distinguished by:
- Their outstanding research track record and international standing.
- Their ability to mentor young researchers.
- Their contributions to policy formulation and innovative research.
Objective
- Recognition:
To honor superannuated scientists for their exceptional contributions at both national and global levels. - Promotion of Leadership:
To promote and sustain excellence in research and innovation by leveraging the experience of eminent scientists. - Mentoring & Collaboration:
To foster mentorship and help shape future research talent through proactive leadership.
Advisory Committee
A National Science Chair Advisory Committee (NSCAC) is constituted to:
- Oversee the development of the Chairs.
- Recommend awardees.
- Monitor progress and evaluate extensions.
- Ensure the awards meet their goal of promoting excellence in R&D.
Number of Positions and Tenure
- Positions Available:
A maximum of 5 chairs are awarded under this scheme. - Tenure:
The award is initially granted for 3 years, extendable by up to 2 years (subject to NSCAC recommendations). Awardees must join within 6 months of receiving the offer letter.
Benefits
- Fellowship:
Awardees receive a monthly fellowship of ₹1.5 lakhs. - Research Grant:
A research grant of ₹5 lakhs per annum. - Overhead Support:
The host institution receives an additional overhead of ₹1 lakh per annum. - Usage:
Funds can be utilized for manpower, equipment, travel (including international), contingency, etc., following the norms of the host institution. Items purchased under the contingency grant become the property of the host institution, subject to government rules.
Eligibility
- Nominee Profile:
- Must be a distinguished resident Indian scientist or academician in any field of STEM or Medicine.
- Should have an outstanding research record over the last 10 years.
- Must be recognized as a Science Leader, evidenced by awards, fellowships in prestigious academies, and other recognitions.
- Employment:
The nominee should not hold any administrative roles or receive honoraria/fellowships/salaries from any other institute at the time of the award. - Affiliation:
The nominee may be affiliated with an academic institution or R&D lab, or have secured consent from the future host institution. - Note:
The scheme is intended for superannuated scientists who continue to actively contribute to research and innovation.
Application Process
Mode: Online
- Nomination Call:
- Calls for nomination are made as vacancies arise, not on a periodic basis.
- Nominations are invited from current and former Presidents of national science academies (including those in engineering, agriculture, medicine, etc.), Directors of premier institutes (e.g., IISc, IISERs, IITs, NITs, National Laboratories), Vice-Chancellors of Universities, members of Scientific Advisory Councils to the Hon’ble PM & Cabinet, and governing bodies of SERB.
- Registration:
- Nominees must register on the SERB online portal (www.serbonline.in). Click here to register.
- Application Form:
- After registration, fill in all mandatory fields in the Nominee Details section (including bio-data, photo, institution, address, etc.).
- Under “Form Submission”, select the scheme “National Science Chair” and complete the nomination form, providing details on qualifications, employment, professional recognitions, research index, publication and patent details, and other relevant information.
- Research Proposal:
- Upload a brief outline of your proposed research area (not more than 5 pages) in a single PDF file.
- Nomination Process:
- Click “Send to Nominator” to forward the completed nomination form to the appropriate nominator.
- The nominator (e.g., Head of the Institution) will review, and either submit the nomination or request revisions.
- Once submitted, both nominee and nominator will receive a confirmation email.
Documents Required
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Educational certificates
- Biodata (CV) of the nominee
- Details of publications, awards, and patents
- Endorsement letter from the Head of the Host Institution
- Certificate from the nominee (if applicable)
- Any additional documents as required by the nomination form
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the mode to submit my nomination?
Nominations are submitted online via the SERB portal. - What are the eligibility criteria for applying under this scheme?
The nominee must be a distinguished, resident Indian scientist/academician with significant research contributions in STEM or Medicine over the last 10 years, without holding administrative roles or receiving competing fellowships. - Can I apply if I am over 65 and working abroad?
No, the scheme is designed for resident Indian superannuated scientists. - What areas are covered under the NSC Award?
All fields of STEM and Medicine. - Who reviews my nomination?
The National Science Chair Advisory Committee (NSCAC) evaluates all nominations. - Who makes the final decision?
SERB makes the final decision based on NSCAC recommendations. - Will I be notified of my selection?
Yes, notification will be sent to both the nominee and nominator. - Can I file a plea against the selection decision?
No, the decision of the NSCAC and SERB is final. - Can I apply for multiple modes simultaneously?
Applicants must choose one mode; simultaneous applications for Mode-I and Mode-II are not permitted. - What are the key selection criteria?
Outstanding research track record, quality of the research proposal, mentoring ability, and overall impact on national and global R&D. - When can I start my NSC Award?
Awardees must join within 6 months of receiving the offer letter. - Can I hold other fellowships concurrently with this award?
No, awardees must not be in receipt of any other fellowships or honoraria. - Can I delay the implementation date?
The implementation date is as per the sanction order and is non-negotiable. - Can I join two institutions simultaneously?
No, the award requires affiliation with a single host institution. - Does the host institution receive additional funds?
Yes, the host institution receives an overhead of ₹1 lakh per annum. - Is the grant taxable?
Yes, grants received under the NSC Award are taxable as per government rules.