Context: The Government of India has introduced a new fellowship programme called Vaishvik Bhartiya Vaigyanik (VAIBHAV) to facilitate collaboration between the Indian diaspora in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine (STEMM) and Indian academic and research institutions.

About the Programme

• It is implemented by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Ministry of Science and Technology.

• This program aims to recognize outstanding scientists and technologists of Indian origin residing in other countries (NRI/OCI/PIO) who are engaged in research.

• The program will award fellowships to 75 selected individuals who will be invited to work in various knowledge verticals such as quantum technology, health, electronics, agriculture, and more.

• The VAIBHAV program was initiated after the VAIBHAV Summit, which connected the Indian STEMM diaspora with Indian institutions. The fellowship program will foster collaboration between scientists from the Indian diaspora and Indian educational institutions, universities, and scientific institutions.

Key Features of the VAIBHAV Fellowship Programme

• Knowledge Verticals: The programme will focus on 18 identified knowledge verticals, including quantum technology, health, pharmaceuticals, electronics, agriculture, energy, computer sciences, and material sciences, among others.

• Eligibility: The fellowship is open to outstanding scientists and technologists of Indian origin (Non-resident Indians (NRI)/ Persons of Indian Origin (PIO)/Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) who are actively engaged in research activities in their respective countries.

• Collaboration Duration: Selected fellows will have the opportunity to work in collaboration with Indian Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs), universities, and public-funded scientific institutions.

• They may spend up to two months per year, for a maximum of three years, at an Indian institution of their choice.

• Fellowship Grant: VAIBHAV fellows will receive a monthly fellowship grant of INR 4,00,000, which will support their research activities during the collaboration period.

• Travel, Accommodation, and Contingencies: The fellowship will cover international and domestic travel expenses, accommodation, and contingencies, ensuring a conducive research environment for the fellows.