The government of India had organised Vaishvik Bharatiya Vaigyanik (VAIBHAV) Summit to connect Indian STEMM diaspora with Indian Institutions. The summit was attended by more than 25,000 attendees. 230 panel discussion sessions were held over 23 days on 18 Verticals (research areas) and 80 Horizontals (sub-research areas). Indian STEMM diaspora from more than 70 countries had participated in the deliberations. 

In this connection, the Government has taken a step further to shape and implement the VAIBHAV programme and is now announcing 2^nd Cycle of I^st Call of VAIBHAV Fellowship. 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. 

Eligibility: (For applicants – VAIBHAV Fellow)

• Non-Resident Indian (NRI), Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI), currently working abroad
• Ph.D/M.D/M.S/M.Tech degree from a recognized University
• Engaged in active research
• Working/​worked in Institute/​University (in regular/​tenure employment) for at least 5 years or more. 

[Desirable: top-200 QS World University Ranking (subject-wise)] OR

Working in Industry or Research Laboratories of repute in abroad for at least 5 years or more (but should not be PhD or Post-doctoral fellow)

Eligibility: (For host Indian Institutions)

• Higher Educational Institutions / University ranked in top 200 in NIRF overall rankings or having NAAC ​‘A+’ grade or above and/​or
• Public funded Scientific Institutes/​National Laboratories.

Application should be submitted to DST by Host Indian Scientist through on-line E‑PMS Portal of DST only. Please note following important application instructions:

• 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.
• It is advised that before filling the online form, may kindly read all the guidelines and formats. The main advertisement may be seen at DST website (www​.dst​.gov​.in), however, detailed guidelines are available at e‑PMS portal only (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)
• The Indian host need to register at the e‑PMS portal of DST using the following link https://​onlinedst​.gov​.in/
• After registration, the Indian host need to select the VAIBHAV Scheme under International Cooperation Division at the e‑PMS portal. Thereafter, the online application may be filled and submitted 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, the applicant will get a Temporary Project Number (TPN), auto-generated by the system, which should be mentioned in all future correspondence. 

Terms and Conditions 

• Multiple applications from the Host/​Applicant shall be rejected. One host/​applicant can submit only one application.
• In case the applicant cannot submit the proposal in time, DST shall not entertain that project offline and also no request to extend the date would be entertained.
• Without a consent letter from the Head of the Institute of Host and the applicant, the application shall not be entertained and shall be treated as disqualified.
• No calls/​emails will be entertained 72 hrs prior to the closing of the call.

For more information click here