Sarkari Yojana
Back-to-Lab Research Fellowship Programme
About Back-to-Lab Research Fellowship Programme
Many women in Kerala are forced to pause their careers because of family responsibilities, and the longer the break, the harder it becomes to return to Science. To address this and help such women resume scientific research, the Kerala State Council of Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE) introduced the “Back-to-Lab Research Fellowship Programme” in 2010. It supports Women Research Scholars returning from career breaks so they can resume research and finish their Ph.D programme. The fellowship generally runs for 3 years and is open to unemployed women of Kerala origin with a post-graduate degree in Basic or Applied Science or Professional Courses. Necessary conditions as per the scheme:
- The woman scientist must work under a Scientist Mentor (ideally a Research guide) who is regular faculty/staff of the institution with at least 5 years of service left before retirement. The Scientist Mentor must keep track of progress, ensure the programme runs smoothly, and see that the institute sends financial utilization certificates to KSCSTE in time.
- If the Research Fellow submits her Thesis before the fellowship tenure ends, the Thesis Submission Certificate and other completion papers must reach KSCSTE within one month so the Fellowship can be closed.
- A Research Fellow drawing financial assistance/stipend from other State/Central funding agencies or any other source cannot hold the KSCSTE Back-to-Lab Research Fellowship concurrently, and must give an undertaking that she has no such simultaneous assistance/stipend.
- The host Institute must provide full infrastructure, including a laboratory, computer, library, communication, accommodation, water and electricity, for smooth project execution.
- Any unused grant (with accrued interest) left at the end of the project must be refunded to the Council by DD payable to the Member Secretary, KSCSTE.
- Papers of a technical/ scientific nature arising from the project work must acknowledge KSCSTE’s assistance.
- The Research Fellow must obtain the Council’s prior approval before collaborating with any foreign party (individual/ industry).
Scheme Overview
State Government
Kerala State Council For Science, Technology And Environment
Individual
01 Jan 2010
Scheme Details
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for Back-to-Lab Research Fellowship Programme , applicants must satisfy the following conditions:
The programme is restricted to women candidates
The programme is restricted to women candidates.
The applicant must be unemployed and of Kerala…
The applicant must be unemployed and of Kerala origin.
Maximum age
Maximum age: 45 years
The applicant must have a post-graduate degree with…
The applicant must have a post-graduate degree with at least 60% marks.
The applicant must hold a valid Ph.D registration…
The applicant must hold a valid Ph.D registration at a Kerala institution of academic/ research excellence, such as R&D institutions, University Departments or Govt. Aided colleges, in Science, Technology, Engineering, Agriculture or Medicine (STEAM).
The applicant must have finished Ph.D coursework
The applicant must have finished Ph.D coursework.
Only scholars who have had (or are having)…
Only scholars who have had (or are having) a career break of 6 months or more during their Ph.D. programme because of maternity or another valid reason may apply.
The applicant must not have completed 4 years…
The applicant must not have completed 4 years from the date of Ph.D registration.
The applicant must not be drawing any fellowship…
The applicant must not be drawing any fellowship or grant from another source for the Ph.D. programme.
Benefits Provided
Back-to-Lab Research Fellowship Programme provides the following benefits to eligible applicants:
A monthly Research Fellowship of ₹22,000/- + 10…
A monthly Research Fellowship of ₹22,000/- + 10 % HRA during the first two years, rising to ₹25,000/- + 10 % HRA per month in the third year, plus a yearly contingent grant of ₹20,000/-.
The Fellowship lasts 3 years or until the…
The Fellowship lasts 3 years or until the Ph.D Thesis is submitted, whichever comes first.
Documents Required
Applicants should keep the following documents ready before starting the application:
A valid identity document of the applicant
A valid identity document of the applicant
Evidence of Kerala nativity
Evidence of Kerala nativity
Date of Birth proof
Date of Birth proof
Mark sheets and degree certificate of the Post-Graduate…
Mark sheets and degree certificate of the Post-Graduate course
Order confirming Ph.D registration
Order confirming Ph.D registration
Certificate showing completion of coursework
Certificate showing completion of coursework
Institute order sanctioning leave taken during the Ph.D…
Institute order sanctioning leave taken during the Ph.D programme
2010-01-01
How to Apply
Offline Application
Applicants can apply for Back-to-Lab Research Fellowship Programme through the offline application process outlined below.
Application Process:
Applications are called for once every year, tentatively…
Applications are called for once every year, tentatively in January.
Eligible candidates should apply in the prescribed format,…
Eligible candidates should apply in the prescribed format, which can be downloaded from the KSCSTE Back-to-Lab page on the Official Website.
Send the completed application with copies of the…
Send the completed application with copies of the relevant documents (in original) to: The Director, Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE), Sasthra Bhavan, Pattom, Thiruvananthapuram – 695004. Note 01: Write “Application for Back-to-lab Fellowship: Year” on the envelope carrying the application and documents. Note 02: Also email a soft copy of the application in MS Word format, with all signed supporting documents in .pdf format, to: wsd.kscste@kerala.gov.in Note 03: Applications that are incomplete, lack supporting documents, or arrive after the due date will be rejected. Scrutiny of the Application: Applications first go through a preliminary check of basic eligibility and supporting documents. Peer review: Five subject experts from the relevant research field review every eligible application. Only proposals with at least three reviews graded above 5 (on a 10 point scale) proceed further. Presentation before Expert Committee (whether RC or RAC): Proposals meeting the peer review standard are invited to present before the Research Advisory Committee, with one or two reviewers joining as additional Subject Experts at the RAC meeting. Following a favourable RAC recommendation, KSCSTE considers the proposal for funding. Successful applicants are notified and asked to sign an Agreement under the scheme guidelines. Contact Details: The Head, Women Scientists Division Kerala State Council of Science, Technology and Environment Sasthra Bhavan, Pattom (P.O), Thiruvananthapuram – 695 004 Ph: 0471 2548208, Fax: 0471 2540085, 2534605 E-mail: womenscientistkerala@gmail.com For queries: E-mail : wsd.kscste@kerala.gov.in, womenscientistkerala@gmail.com, wsdkscste@gmail.com Tel: 0471- 2548208, 0471- 2548346
Official Application & Website
Verify the latest eligibility, dates and instructions before applying.