The SERB Science and Technology Award for Research (SERB-STAR) is a prestigious recognition instituted by the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) to acknowledge and reward the outstanding performance of Principal Investigators (PIs) of SERB projects. This award honors exemplary research contributions in frontier areas of science and engineering and motivates PIs for exceptional performance. Additionally, SERB emphasizes Scientific Social Responsibility (SSR) by encouraging grantees to utilize their expertise for societal benefit through designated SSR activities, for which additional budgets may be provided.
Benefits
Award recipients receive support for a period of three years, which includes:
- Fellowship: ₹15,000 per month
- Research Grant: ₹10 lakh per annum
- Overhead Charges: ₹1 lakh per annum
Up to 30 awards are granted each year, with a maximum of 90 awards concurrently.
Eligibility
- Project Performance:
The nominee must have completed an individual-centric SERB project in the previous three financial years, achieving an “Excellent” grade. Only the Principal Investigator is eligible; Co-Principal Investigators cannot apply. - Employment:
The applicant must hold a regular academic or research position in a recognized academic institution, national laboratory, or any other recognized R&D institution. - Age Criterion:
Nominees must be between 40 and 50 years of age as of December 31 of the call year. - Exclusivity:
PIs already receiving fellowships or honoraria such as the JC Bose Fellowship, Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize, or Swarnajayanti Fellowship are not eligible. - Re-nomination:
Individuals not selected in a given year may be re-nominated in subsequent years if they continue to meet the criteria.
Application Process
Mode: Online via the SERB online portal (www.serbonline.in)
Nomination Procedure:
- Step 1:
Calls for nomination are made annually. The Head of the nominee’s institution must nominate the PI. - Step 2:
The PI registers on the SERB online portal and fills in mandatory profile details (bio-data, photo, institution address, etc.). - Step 3:
Under “Form Submission,” select the STAR scheme and complete the nomination form with details of the completed project, scientific contributions, and nominator information. - Step 4:
After entering the details, the PI sends the nomination form to the nominator. - Step 5:
The nominator receives an email with a link to review the nomination on the SERB portal, and can either submit the nomination or return it for revision. - Step 6:
Once submitted, both the PI and the nominator are notified of successful submission.
Selection Procedure
- Stage 1: Preliminary Scrutiny
SERB verifies eligibility, including confirmation of the “Excellent” project grading. - Stage 2: Award Selection
A competent committee evaluates the nomination based on the PI’s performance in completed projects and overall research contributions. The selection is based on a review process that considers the project completion report and other supporting evidence.
Documents Required
- Passport-size photograph
- Project Completion Report (PCR)
- List of publications resulting from the completed project (if applicable)
- Reprints of publications (if applicable)
- Details and documents of any patents from the completed project (if applicable)
- Documents related to technology transfer (if any)
- Comprehensive list of publications, patents, and other significant contributions
- Endorsement Certificate
- Certificate from the PI
- Technical document
- Plagiarism undertaking
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
-
Who is eligible for the STAR Award?
Only Principal Investigators of SERB projects completed in the last three financial years, graded as “Excellent”, are eligible. -
How often are the awards granted?
Up to 30 awards are granted annually, with a maximum of 90 awards at any given time. -
Is there an age limit for PI eligibility?
Yes, nominees must be between 40 and 50 years as of December 31 of the call year. -
I am currently implementing another project under CRG. Am I eligible for STAR?
No, PIs holding an ongoing fellowship or honorarium (e.g., JC Bose Fellowship, Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize, Swarnajayanti Fellowship) are not eligible. -
How is the “Excellent” grading determined?
Grading is based on the performance and output (PCR, publications, etc.) of the completed SERB project. -
I have not submitted a PCR, but my project output is excellent. Can I be considered?
Eligibility typically requires a PCR along with other supporting documents. -
What if I have many publications but forgot to acknowledge SERB in some of them?
Applicants should ideally comply with SERB guidelines regarding acknowledgment. However, each case is reviewed individually. -
Will all PIs with an “Excellent” rating receive the award?
Not necessarily; the award is given based on overall evaluation and is subject to the annual quota. -
How should I apply for the STAR Award?
The application is by nomination through the SERB online portal. -
I completed an EMR project 5 years ago that was rated “Excellent.” Can I apply?
The project must be completed within the previous three financial years to be eligible. -
I was considered for the Distinguished Investigator Award in 2016-17 but was unsuccessful. Can I apply for STAR?
Yes, if you meet all current eligibility criteria.