Science outreach and communication is a responsibility for scientists across career stages and disciplines. It is increasingly important to build interactions between scientists and the broader public via strategies such as sharing scientifically-reliable information, fostering scientific temperament and increasing the accessibility of research. Despite value and relevance, scientist-led outreach initiatives are few, and those initiative soften face a shortage of resources. IndiaBioscience (IBS) strives to promote the practice of science outreach among the Young Investigator community in India via the IndiaBioscience Outreach Grants (IOG).

First-time Grants: This IOG scheme is for first-time applicants. IBS will award a maximum of INR 1 lakh for a duration of 1 year. A total of up to five grants will be offered to a team lead by a Young Investigator (within 8 years of starting as an independent investigator) in India. The grant will be released to the host institute of the YI in two installments; 70% will be released at the start of the grant and 30% will be released on a reimbursable basis (against invoices of expenditures already made) at the end of the grant period. Note: Although there is no specific guideline for the nature of the work to be done, we are looking for innovative and diverse ideas with broad societal benefits related to life sciences.

Extension Grants: This IOG scheme is for previous IOG awardees from the 3^rd IOG. IBS will award a maximum of INR 1.5 lakhs for 1 year to up to two previous 3^rd IOG awardees. This funding is intended to enable successfully-executed projects to become sustainable in the long term i.e. set up permanent structures, seek additional funding, and build partnerships with other agencies. The grant will be released to the host institute of the YI in two installments; 70% will be released at the start of the grant and 30% will be released on a reimbursable basis (against invoices of expenditures already made) at the end of the grant period.
Note: The request for the second round of funding should be well-justified in the application. Each team will only be eligible to apply for the Extension Grant in the grant cycle immediately following their First-Time Grant and can attain the Extension Grant only once. 

Applications for the 4^th IOG will open on 15 June 2023 and the last date to apply is 14 July 2023 (11:59 P.M. IST).

An informational webinar was conducted on 26 June 2023 to address queries and clarifications related to the 4^th IOG. 

Selected projects will be notified by email by end-August 2023.

Awarded projects must be initiated by mid-September 2023.

First-time Grants:

Young Investigators’ (less than 8 years since starting an independent position; Ramalingaswami Re-entry Fellows, Ramanujan Fellows, and DST-INSPIRE Faculty Fellows are considered independent positions), currently employed at or affiliated to a government, educational or not-for-profit research institute in India, are eligible to be lead applicants. Collaborations (with educators, students, science communicators, public engagement professionals, etc.) are strongly preferred. There is no limit on the number of collaborators, but the project proposal should highlight the specific roles of the YI and collaborators in the project. A YI is eligible to apply for one project only, but collaborators can apply via multiple projects. 

Extension Grants:

Young Investigators who have been awarded First-time Grants in the previous year (3^rd IOG) are eligible to apply for the Extension grants. Each team can attain this award ONLY once. The lead applicants should continue to be currently employed at or affiliated to a government, educational or not-for-profit research institute in India

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

Those interested in applying for the First-Time Grants must complete this application form by 14 July 2023 (11:59 P.M. IST). Please read all the information given below BEFORE you start filling out the application form. These will be the sections you will need before you start the application.

1. Names, affiliations, designations and contact details of the Lead Applicant as well as each co-applicant/collaborator.

2. Title of the Proposed Outreach Project 

3. Expertise of the Lead Applicant related to the proposed project (as keywords)

4. A SINGLE PDF package containing:

A maximum of three-page proposal (Font 12, Times New Roman) indicating the need for the work (along with clear actionable steps), the intended idea for addressing the need, the potential impact or outcome, the timeline for the proposed outreach, and a budget (please provide a detailed breakup of the proposed budget). You can include photos/​graphics/​illustrations, but the entire proposal should not exceed 3 pages. 

CVs of the Lead applicants and collaborators (each CV should be no more than 2 pages, please include only information relevant to the outreach project), in addition to the three-page proposal.

Letter of support from host institute indicating that the YI holds a salaried position at a government, educational, or not-for-profit research institution AND is less than 8 years into the independent position, in addition to the three-page proposal.

5. (Optional): Short explainer video or infographic to help the committee understand and assess the proposed activity. [Share the google drive link, please make sure it is accessible to users with the link]

For the IOG Extension Grants application form, click →

Those interested in applying for the Extension Grants must complete this application form by 14 July 2023 (11:59 p.m. IST). Please read all the information given below BEFORE you start filling the application form. These will be the sections you will need before you start the application.

1. Names, affiliations, designations and contact details of the Lead Applicant as well as each collaborator. 

2. Title of the Proposed Outreach Project 

3. A SINGLE PDF package containing (Font 12, Times New Roman):

A maximum of two-page description of the activities, achievements, and beneficiaries of the work carried out in the first round of IOG funding. Please include photos of sessions, outputs or outcomes related to the work done within the two pages.

A maximum of one-page justification for a second round of funding, including a sustainability and scale-up plan, and plans to raise additional sources of support.

A budget (please provide a detailed breakup of the proposed budget for the extension phase)

4. (Optional): Short explainer video to help the committee understand and assess the proposed extension plan. [Share google drive link, please make sure it is accessible to users with the link]

Important:

- Please check the eligibility criteria before applying

- Applications should only be submitted via the online application form. Applications sent via email will not be considered. 

- Please ensure that you have given permission to access all resources for which drive links have been shared to​“anyone with the link”

Selection process

IndiaBioscience would set up a Selection Committee to evaluate the proposals. If required, IBS may also request an interview with the applicant teams. 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. Selected projects will be notified by end-August 2023. We reserve the right to change or modify the terms and conditions at any time during the period of the grant.