Outreach and science communication is a responsibility that scientists across career stages and disciplines have towards society. In the current times and moving forward it will be very important to cultivate a deeper level of interaction between the scientific community and the broader public via strategies such as sharing scientifically reliable information, fostering a scientific temperament, and increasing the accessibility of the scientific community/​research. Despite the pertinence of this issue such initiatives are few, in their infancy, or face a shortage of resources. IndiaBioscience strives to promote this practice especially amongst talented scientists at the early stages of their career via the IndiaBioscience Outreach Grants (IOG).

First-time Grants: This scheme is for first-time applicants. Here we will award a maximum of INR 1 lakh for a duration of 1 year. A total of five grants will be offered — to a team lead by a Young Investigator in India. We strongly encourage YIM and Regional YIM alumni to apply. Although there is no specific guideline for the nature of work to be done, we are looking for innovative ideas with broad societal benefits related to life sciences. 

Extension Grants: This scheme is for past IOG awardees. Here we will award a maximum of INR 1.5 lakhs for 1 year to a maximum of two previous IOG awardees. The Round 2 funding is intended to enable meritorious projects to become sustainable in the long term i.e. set up permanent structures, seek funding and partnerships from other agencies. The request for the second round of funding should be well justified in the application. Note: Each team will only be eligible to attain this grant once.

IOG is partially supported by TNQ Technologies and Dept. of Biotechnology, Govt. of India.

Note: Given the current restrictions of travel and meetings, we will focus on projects that have the potential to be conducted in a digital space/​via e‑resources.

Look up the ideas to begin with to help get started on the brainstorming.

Applications for IOG will open on 1^st September 2021 and the last date to apply is 30^th September 2021 (11:59 p.m. IST).

Selected projects will be notified by mid-October 2021.

Projects must be initiated by mid-November 2021.

First-time Grants:

We are seeking inspired Young Investigators currently employed at or affiliated to a government, educational, or a not-for-profit research institute in India to lead the effort — collaborations (with either educators, students, scientists or science communicators) is permissible and preferred. Note: We strongly encourage YIM and Regional YIM alumni (Individuals who have attended YIMs or Regional YIMs in the past as postdoctoral fellows or young investigators) to apply.

Extension Grants:

Young Investigators currently employed at or affiliated to a government, educational, or a not-for-profit research institute in India to lead the effort who have been awarded a First-time Grants in the previous year are eligible to apply for the Extension grants. Each team can attain this award ONLY once.

Please read the terms & conditions here.

For the IOG First-time Grants application form, click –>

Those interested in applying for the First-time Grants must complete the application form by the 30^th September 2021 (11:59 p.m. IST)

The documents/​details needed to apply include:

1. Names of the applicant and the CV of the Lead Applicant as well as the collaborators. [PDF | Share google drive link]

2. Why are you seeking support from the IOG [300 words] 

3. A maximum of two-page proposal indicating the need of the work (along with clear action steps), the intended idea for addressing the need, the potential impact or outcome, and a timeline. [PDF]

4. Budget (purchase of any kind of large instrument is not permitted; small equipment required for recording/​hosting might be purchased). [PDF]

5. (Optional) Short explainer video/​infographic which will help the committee understand and assess the proposed activity. [Share google drive link]

• Merge files to be submitted for points 3 and 4 and share ONE google drive link
• Check eligibility criteria before applying

Selection process

IndiaBioscience would set up a Selection Committee to evaluate the proposals and conduct a phone/​online interview of the finalists if needed. IBS reserves the right to award grants that it deems meritorious. Selection would be based on the originality, uniqueness, feasibility, and societal impact of the proposed project.

We reserve the right to change or modify the terms and conditions at any time during the period of the grant. 

For the IOG Extension Grants application form, click –>

Those interested must complete the application form by the 30^th September 2021 (11:59 p.m. IST)

Extension Grants:

1. Names of the applicant and the CV of the Lead Applicant as well as the collaborators. [PDF | Share google drive link]

2. A maximum of one-page description of the activities, achievements, and beneficiaries of the work carried out in the first round of IOG funding. [PDF ]

3. A maximum of one-page proposal indicating the need of the work (along with clear action steps), the intended idea for addressing the need, the potential impact or outcome, and a timeline. [PDF ]

4. A maximum of one-page justification for a Round 2 funding, including a sustainability plan and what are the new activities/​initiatives that will be carried out in this Phase. [PDF]

5. Proposed budget [PDF]

6. (Optional) Short explainer video/​infographic which will help the committee understand and assess the proposed activity. [Share google drive link]

Important:

• Merge files to be submitted for points 3,4 and 5 and share ONE google drive link
• Check eligibility criteria before applying
  

Selection process

IndiaBioscience would set up a Selection Committee to evaluate the proposals and conduct a phone/​online interview of the finalists if needed. IndiaBioscience reserves the right to award grants that it deems meritorious. Selection would be based on the originality, uniqueness, feasibility, and societal impact of the proposed project.

We reserve the right to change or modify the terms and conditions at any time during the period of the grant.