The National Science Chair – Scientific Excellence & Science Leadership scheme, administered by the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), recognizes and rewards eminent senior resident Indian superannuated scientists for their outstanding research contributions in STEM and Medicine. This scheme is designed to promote excellence and growth in R&D by extending support to outstanding senior scientists who continue to perform at the highest levels even after retirement. The scheme is intended to utilize the expertise of these scientists, ensuring that their invaluable experience is harnessed for national scientific progress.
Modes
Mode-1: Scientific Excellence
This mode is for performing senior scientists with a strong research track record—evidenced by high-impact publications, patents, technology transfers, software development, or policy impacts—who wish to continue their R&D activities. SERB emphasizes that age should not restrict the utilization of their expertise, which is considered a national asset.
Objectives
- Continuance of Excellence:
To extend ongoing support for outstanding R&D activities of eminent, superannuated scientists. - Talent Utilization:
To ensure that the exceptional expertise of retired scientists is put to productive use, benefiting the nation’s scientific and technological advancement. - Science Leadership:
To promote mentoring and leadership in science by these senior researchers, thereby inspiring and guiding the next generation of scientists.
Advisory Committee
A National Science Chair Advisory Committee (NSCAC) oversees the development of the chairs. This committee:
- Recommends awardees,
- Reviews their progress and potential for extension,
- Undertakes activities to ensure the promotion, relevance, and quality of R&D.
Number of Positions and Tenure
- Positions Available:
Up to 30 positions. - Tenure:
Initially awarded for 3 years, with the possibility of an extension for up to an additional 2 years (subject to NSCAC recommendations). Awardees must join within 6 months of receiving the offer letter.
Benefits
- Fellowship:
Awardees receive ₹1.5 lakhs per month as a fellowship. - Research Grant:
A research grant of ₹25 lakhs per annum is provided. - Overhead Support:
Host institutions receive ₹1.0 lakh per annum for overhead expenses. - Usage of Funds:
The grant covers manpower, equipment, travel (including international), contingency, etc. Items purchased using the contingency fund become the property of the host institution after the tenure, subject to existing government rules for certain items.
Eligibility
- Nominee Profile:
The nominee must be an active, resident Indian scientist or academician with an outstanding research track record in one or more areas of STEM or Medicine, especially over the past five years. - Recognition:
The nominee should have received significant national or international recognition (e.g., fellowships in prestigious academies, major S&T awards). - Affiliation:
The nominee should be affiliated with an academic institution, R&D lab, or have secured consent from the future host institution. - Exclusions:
The nominee must not hold any administrative roles or receive any honorarium/fellowship/salary from any other institute or organization at the time of initiation of the award.
Assessment Criteria
The NSCAC assesses nominations based on:
- The nominee’s outstanding research track record and international standing.
- Quality and originality of the proposed research plan.
- Ability to mentor young researchers and contribute to the advancement of S&T talent nationally.
Application Process
Mode: Online
Nomination Procedure:
- Call for Nomination:
Nominations are invited on an ad hoc basis when vacancies arise. Proposals are invited from current and former Presidents of national science academies, directors of premier institutes (e.g., IISc, IISERs, IITs, NITs, National Laboratories), vice-chancellors, members of Scientific Advisory Councils to the Hon’ble PM & Cabinet, and other relevant officials. - Submission:
The nomination must be submitted online via www.serbonline.in using the prescribed form. The nomination package should include:- Nominee Details (personal, qualification, employment, professional recognitions, research index, publication and patent details)
- A brief research proposal (5–6 pages) outlining the intended work.
- Nominator details and endorsements.
- Process:
- The nominee registers on the SERB online portal.
- They complete the Nominee Details section (bio-data, photo, institution, address, etc.).
- Under “Form Submission,” they select “National Science Chair” and fill out the nomination form.
- Upload the research proposal in a single PDF file (maximum 5 pages).
- Click “Send to Nominator” so that the nominator (e.g., Head of the Host Institution) can review and either submit or request revisions.
- Once submitted, both the nominee and nominator receive confirmation of successful submission.
Selection Procedure
- Review:
The NSCAC examines proposals to evaluate their merit. - Decision:
Recommendations by the NSCAC are forwarded to SERB for final funding decisions. - Notification:
Awardees are notified and must join within 6 months of the offer.
Documents Required
- A research proposal with a brief introduction, objectives, methodology, budget, and expected outcomes (up to 5 pages).
- An endorsement letter from the Head of the Host Institution.
- A certificate from the nominee confirming their credentials and eligibility.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
-
What is the mode to submit my nomination for the National Science Chair Award?
Nominations must be submitted online via the SERB portal (www.serbonline.in). -
What are the eligibility criteria for applying under the scheme?
The nominee must be an active, resident Indian scientist/academician with an exceptional research record in STEM or Medicine and significant recognition from national or international bodies. -
What are the mandatory additional documents required for a nomination?
A research proposal (5–6 pages) and an endorsement letter from the Head of the Host Institution, along with all details as per the nomination form. -
Can a scientist working abroad apply?
No. The nominee must be a resident Indian scientist actively involved in research in India. -
What areas are covered under the NSC Award?
The award covers all areas of STEM and Medicine. -
Who reviews the nomination?
The National Science Chair Advisory Committee (NSCAC) reviews all nominations. -
Who makes the final decision?
Final decisions are made by SERB based on NSCAC recommendations. -
Will I be notified of the selection?
Yes, awardees will be notified after the selection process. -
Can I contest the decision of the selection committee?
The decision of the NSCAC and SERB is final. -
Can I apply for more than one mode under NSC simultaneously?
Applicants must choose one mode; simultaneous applications under multiple modes are not permitted. -
What are the key selection criteria?
Outstanding research track record, quality of the research plan, and ability to mentor young researchers. -
When can I commence my NSC Award?
Selected awardees must join within 6 months of receiving the offer. -
Can I hold other fellowships concurrently with the NSC Award?
No, nominees should not be in receipt of any other fellowship or honorarium at the time of the award. -
Can I delay the implementation date of the award?
The implementation date is as specified in the sanction order and cannot be delayed. -
Can I work at two academic institutions simultaneously?
The award requires affiliation with a single host institution. -
Will my host institution receive additional funds for my research stay?
Yes, the host institution receives an overhead of ₹1.0 lakh per annum. -
Is the grant under the NSC Award taxable?
Yes, the grants are taxable as per applicable government regulations.