The Government of India has launched a fellowship program known as VAIBHAV (Vaishvik Bhartiya Vaigyanik) to foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing between the Indian diaspora scientists and academic institutions in India.
Under the Ministry of Science and Technology, this initiative aims to harness the expertise of scientists and technologists of Indian origin residing abroad and promote collaborative research in frontier areas of Science and Technology.
- The VAIBHAV fellowship program targets scientists and technologists of Indian origin, including NRI (Non-Resident Indians), OCI (Overseas Citizen of India), and PIO (Person of Indian Origin) engaged in research activities in their respective countries.
- The program seeks to bridge the gap between the Indian diaspora and Indian academic and R&D institutions.
- The selected fellows, totaling 75 in number, will have the opportunity to work in 18 identified knowledge verticals, including quantum technology, health, pharma, electronics, agriculture, energy, computer sciences, and material sciences.
- A VAIBHAV fellow can spend up to two months in India each year for a maximum duration of three years. This includes a fellowship grant of Rs 4,00,000 per month, support for international and domestic travel, accommodation, and contingencies.