The Department of Science and Technology (DST), Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India, is implementing the VAIBHAV Fellowship Program. DST is one of the Government Departments under Ministry of Science and Technology which plays the role of a nodal department for organizing, coordinating and promoting S&T activities in the country with the objective of promoting new areas of Science & Technology. 

VAIBHAV Fellowship envisages a collaboration between scientists of Indian Diaspora with Indian Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs), Universities and/​or public funded Scientific Institutions. The VAIBHAV Fellow would identify an Indian Institution for collaboration and may spend up to two months in a year for maximum 3 years. 

Expectations from the VAIBHAV fellow:

• Sharing the Best Practices on research and translation of research, incubation etc.
• Build long term connections,
• Connect Indian Students to the foreign faculty/​scientists
• New approaches to Research processes and futuristic technologies

VAIBHAV Fellow is expected to give a report to DST within 21 days of completion of travel indicating work done/​initiated, follow up required etc.

Expectations from Host Institution

The host institute will host the scientist and provide office/​lab facilities, consumables, access to lab equipment and facilitation for various infrastructure support. The following activities will be done by the host faculty/​scientist:

• Will start a project/​technology translation/start-up/incubation which should be aligned with the priorities area of the country 
• The VAIBHAV fellow would collaborate with the Indian scientist team during his visit and beyond via online meetings.
• The host institution would implement the project within 3 years in consultation with VAIBHAV fellow. 
• The host Institution would submit the progress report and financial documents to DST at the end of each year and a project completion report at the end of 3^rd year. The reports need to be jointly prepared by the host and the VAIBHAV fellow.
• Host institute will adapt the shared best practices
• Will build the long-term research connections with the fellow
• Will develop a new approach to research processes and try to develop new technologies/​innovation etc.

Each application should be submitted to DST. Please note following important application instructions:

• The application should be submitted on-line to DST. Host Scientist need to apply on behalf of the Indian Diaspora as DST would release the funds to the host Institution which will be reimbursed to the fellow by the host Institution.
• The applicant can apply online by using the following link https://​onlinedst​.gov​.in/​P​r​o​j​e​c​t​p​r​o​p​o​s​a​l​f​o​r​m​a​t​.​a​s​p​x​?​I​d​=2317 and should submit completed application with all relevant information through e‑PMS portal of the DST. Applications would be received in on-line mode (through ePMS) only. Physical or e‑mail applications will not be considered.
• Any shortcomings in the proposal or non-submission through the e‑PMS portal will result in rejection of the proposal. DST will not be responsible for these shortcomings.
• It may be noted that after submission, applicant will get Temporary Project Number (TPN), auto generated by the system, which should be mentioned in all future correspondence.

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