DST Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy Fellowships 2016
Background and Motivation
Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) are now recognized as playing a significant role in advancing human, social, and economic development and meeting the aspirations of people and nations across the world. As a result, understanding STI processes and exploring ways to strengthen them is a major strand of intellectual activity, evinced by the explosion of literature on these topics in the last decade. At the same time, there are significant efforts to link this understanding to better policy making by a range of governmental agencies (both in developed and emerging economies) and inter-governmental organizations. In recognition of importance and potential of STI in meeting India's developmental challenges through "acceleration of the pace of discovery and delivery of science-lead solutions for faster, sustainable and inclusive growth," the government launched the Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy in 2013. Department of Science and Technology (DST) recognized the importance of evidence-driven research and analysis in underpinning the effective achievement of the objectives of this policy and established DST Centers for Policy Research (CPRs) in various academic institutions across the country (Annexure-I). These centers are engaged in targeted research in number of key areas relevant to the country, train young scholars in STI policy research, and contribute towards better STI policy making by providing inputs to DST. The role of suitable human resources is key to the success of STI policy research enterprise, perhaps even more than many traditional areas of research since intellectual engagement with this area ideally requires both understanding of the STI domain and processes, as well as policy research skills that draw on various strands of social sciences. Thus individuals with a background in natural science, medicine engineering or social science with a background of STI policy research are particularly suited for such research and, if trained appropriately, can bring a unique and important perspective to impending issues in this arena.
Fellowship Proposal
As the country is lagging behind in terms of critical mass and proper structure of policy research institution(s), on the recommendation of the Committee of Experts, Policy Research Cell of DST proposes to launch DST-STI Policy Fellowship Programme at doctoral and post-doctoral levels to generate a critical mass of policy researchers. The fellowship programme is initiated with the broad objective of (a) enhancing human resources that can engage with and contribute to the STI policy domain and (b) strengthen the knowledge base, think tank, and evidence based policy making. The fellowship may provide an opportunity to develop the skills for young scientists and engineers who are interested in engagement with the STI policy domain and/or as STI policy researchers. This programme aims to attract and encourage top-quality researchers to work on the issues pertaining to STI policy and contribute their knowledge and analytical skills in the policy realm. The fellowship will have following two components:
1. Postdoctoral Fellows2. Junior Research Fellows
1. Postdoctoral Fellows:
This first and primary track will be a 2-year fellowship (with a possible extension of one more year, depending upon performance) where the recipient would be located in a DST-CPR (by mutual agreement) to undertake STI policy research aligned to the research programme of that CPR.
They also will build active linkages to a relevant government agency (either a scientific ministry or a line ministry with an S&T component), facilitated by DST itself and/or the DST CPR. The main objective of this track would be to build up the cadre of academic STI policy researchers in the country, with the hope that most of these Fellows may actively contribute in policy making in academia, research organizations, or even in government agencies.
Eligibility: Science/medicine/engineering/social science (with a background of STI policy) academic scholars, STI policy researchers, with good academic record and holding a Ph.D. degree (within the last three years) are eligible to apply.
Applicants must be capable of doing independent research work and have published at least 3 research papers in peer reviewed journals. At the time of application, applicant's age should be below 35 years.
Application/Proposal: Applicants are required to submit following documents written in English:
- Research Proposal: A proposal of maximum 5 pages on empirical research on STI policy issues, preferably, the issues pertaining to thematic areas of the candidates' desired DST-CPR. The proposal must include: a) a research title, b) a research objective, c) research background/ questions, d) research methodologies, and e) a research plan, including the evidence based outcome.
- Curriculum Vitae
- Two recommendation letters
2. Junior Research Fellow:
This second track will be three-year fellowship that could be extended by two years, depending up on the performance/progress of the work. These fellows will be either placed in a DST-CPR (by mutual agreement) or within relevant government agencies (with an STI dimension) to get hands-on experience in the policy domain.
In either case, the fellows would work under the supervision of investigators at the DST-CPRs or policy makersin the government agency, depending on where they are placed (or under joint supervision). The main objective of this track would be to provide an opportunity to young scholars
to get exposure in the policy-making domain with strong STI component. These Fellows could contribute to analysis and practice in STI policy area in non-profit organizations, think-tanks, or government agencies and eventually may take up doctorate degree. This cadre of young analysts would help to enrich STI policy-making system in the country, in spite of not having high-level academic research experience at this stage.
Eligibility: Graduate students (B.E./B.Tech.or equivalent), Master's degree in natural science, medicine, engineering or social science with a background of STI policy research within the last two years. Applicants are required to provide a recommendation letter from their supervisors or advisors who may guarantee the quality of research result. At the time of application age of the applicant should be less than 30 years.
Application/Proposal: Applicants are required to submit following documents written in English:
- Research Proposal A two-page write-up on STI policy issues, preferably, the issues pertaining to thematic areas of the candidates' desired DST-CPR.
- Curriculum Vitae
- Two recommendation letters.
Initially, it is proposed to start 5 fellowships in each track and then review after first year, for further expansion. The remuneration and terms and conditions will be guided as per applicable rules, of DST. The fellowship programme will be run by Policy Research Cell, DST.
Selection/Support: The duly constituted Experts Committee will select candidates based on their research track record and the relevance, quality, and significance of their proposals. Once the Committee finalizes the selection, the programme office (Policy Research Cell, DST) will notify result to selectees via e-mail. The selected candidates will be awarded a fellowship of Rs. 80,000/- (consolidated) in the level of INSPIRE Faculty 5 for the Postdoctoral Fellows and Rs. 25000/- + HRA pm in case of Junior Research Fellows (at par with JRF). Based on the Committee's decision, an amount up to Rs. 200,000/- will be granted annually to the Postdoctoral Fellows and Rs. 50,000/- to the Junior Research Fellows to cover research-related costs and contingency.
Number of Fellowships:
- Junior Research Fellowship 5
- Postdoctoral Fellowships 5
How to apply: Candidates are required to submit a copy of application in prescribed format available at DST website www.dst.gov.in. The envelope should be superscribed with "DST-STI-PFP Application". The application should be sent to Dr. Akhilesh Mishra, Scientist D, Department of Science and Technology, Technology Bhawan, New Mehrauli Road, New Delhi-110016 by speed post. A soft copy of proposal should also be mailed at akhilesh.mishra@nic.in. Last Date of Submission for both (i) & (ii): August 16, 2016.
No comments:
Post a Comment