Context: In a significant move to bolster India’s scientific research ecosystem, the Department of Science and Technology (DST) recently unveiled the first batch of ‘Vaibhav’ fellows.

About  VAIBHAV Fellowship

• Aim: To connect the Indian Science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine (STEMM) diaspora with academic and R&D institutions in India for collaborative research.

• Nodal Ministry: Department of Science and Technology (DST), Ministry of Science and Technology.

Eligibility (for applicants)

• The applicant should be a Non-Resident Indian (NRI), Person of Indian Origin (PIO) and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI), currently living abroad.

• The applicant must have obtained a Ph.D/M.D/M.S degree from a recognized University.

• Applicant must be a researcher engaged in an overseas academic / research / industrial organization with proven track record of research & development working in the top500 QS World University Ranking.

Eligibility (for Institutions)

• Higher Educational Institutions / Universities ranked in the top 200 in NIRF overall rankings and having NAAC ‘A’ grade (3.0 and above) and scientific institutes.

About first batch of Fellows of the Vaibhav scheme

• Recently DST has announced the first batch of 22 scientists under Vaibhav scheme.

• They will spend a month or two each year, up to a maximum of three years, at Indian institutes including the Indian Institute of Science, IITs, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research etc.

• The host institutions will receive a research grant to host the fellows, who are expected to initiate a project or technology start-up within three years.

• Note– Two ‘distinguished fellowships‘ were extended to senior professors Arogyaswami Paulraj from Stanford University and Jitendra Malik from the University of California, Berkeley.

Benefits for Vaibhav Fellows

• Collaboration: Fellows commit to spending a month or two annually in India for a maximum of three years, collaborating with host Indian institutions.

• Financial Support: Each selected Vaibhav fellow receives a stipend of Rs 4 lakh per month, along with accommodation during their stay in India.

• Renowned Host Institutions: Host institutions encompass esteemed names like the IISc, IIT, and the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, among others.

• Research Grant: The host institutions are provided with a research grant to support collaborative projects and technology start-ups initiated by the fellows.

• Long-term Research Connections: Fellows are encouraged to build enduring research connections with host institutions, collaborate with faculty, and bring fresh ideas to the field, contributing to Indian university and research settings.

Vaibhav vs. Vajra: Distinct Objectives

• Vaibhav Fellowship Scheme: Primarily targets the Indian diaspora for collaborations, with a focus on translational outcomes in critical areas of scientific research.

• Vajra Scheme: Open to all foreign scientists, it promotes short-term visits by foreign faculty to Indian institutions, offering a broader platform for international collaboration.