A recent memorandum from the Department of Science and Technology suggested incentivizing publications and patents by doctoral research scholars through a monetary reward scheme. In this opinion article, Shambhavi Naik, Takshashila Institution, and Megha, National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), discuss the implications and possible repercussions of such a policy.

At 15, I was sure I wanted to do a PhD. Biology intrigued me, I thought DNA replication was more symphonic than Beethoven's 5th, and a career discovering fundamental truths was a privilege. When my postdoc-stint did not go my way, I started exploring other things in which I could combine my interest of science and education. This is when I realised that there were career choices beyond a life … More

Most young investigators aspiring to set up their new laboratories seem to be looking for "big grants". Having high aspirations is a plus point, which has been prompted by the variety of attractive and "prestigious" fellowships/grants available for the beginners. The question that I wish to ask is: is a "big grant" really necessary to start one's research career?