Call for Research Proposals under Human Resource Development Scheme (India)

This call is for fellowships/grants under “Human Resource Development (HRD) Scheme” of Department of Health Research (MoHFW) in the emerging fields of Medical/Clinical/Health Sciences.

Components of the Scheme

• Short-Term Studentship (STS)
• MD/MS/DM/MCh/DNB/DrNB/MDS Thesis Support
• MBBS/MD/MS-Ph.D. Program
• Non-medical fellowships for Ph.D.-NET (BRET)
• Short-term Fellowship Abroad
• Long-term Fellowship Abroad
• Short-term Fellowship at Indian Institutes
• Long-term Fellowship at Indian Institutes
• Women Scientist fellowship
• Biomedical research grant for NRI/OCI/PIO
• Fellowship for best achievement in biomedical research
• International Travel Grant for non-DHR/ICMR scientists & researchers
• Workshops funding grant in biomedical research
• Support to Institutions and Scientific Professionals/Bodies/Associations
• Start-up Grant

Aims

• Short-Term Studentship (STS)
  • To promote interest and aptitude for research among medical/dental undergraduates.
  • To provide an opportunity for undergraduate medical/dental students to familiarize themselves with research methodology and techniques by undertaking independent short-term research projects in the field of biomedical research.
• MD/MS/DM/MCh/DNB/DrNB/MDS thesis support
  • To support and encourage medical/dental college students pursuing post-graduation courses to do good-quality research.
  • To improve the visibility and dissemination of their research work to a larger research audience.
• MBBS/MD/MS-Ph.D. Program
  • To motivate young medical graduates with brilliant academic records through the national entrance exam for pursuing medical postgraduate and doctorate degrees and to further encourage them to opt for a career in its research cadre.
  • To motivate young medical faculty to pursue Ph.D. and thereby creating a pool of clinician scientists in the country who can undertake impactful research.
• Non-medical fellowships for Ph.D.-NET (BRET)
  • The program is designed to motivate & support young science post-graduate applicants to pursue a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) under various disciplines in the field of biomedical sciences.
• Short-term Fellowship Abroad
  • To avail specialized training to excel in the niche area of interest for the period of 1-3 months in the field of biomedical research and technology and strengthen the capacity of regular Indian faculty/researcher.
• Long-term Fellowship at Indian Institutes
  • Long-Term Training (6 to 12 Months) Fellowships at Indian Institutions to persons employed as regular faculty having at least three years of experience in the college/institute as a regular employee, not above the age of 45 years.
  • Long Term Fellowships for Training abroad in identified priority areas (6 to 12 Months) to persons employed as regular faculty, not above the age of 45 years.
  • Long Term training (6-12 Months) to the faculties of Medical Colleges in Indian Institutes working/involved with three other approved Schemes of DHR.
• Short-term Fellowship at Indian Institutes
  • To avail specialized training to excel in the niche area of interest for the period of 1-3 months in the field of biomedical research and technology and strengthen the capacity of regular Indian faculty/researcher.
  • Short Term Training (1-3 Months) in Indian Institutions for the researchers employed as regular faculty having at least three years of experience in the college/institute as a regular employee (not above the age of 45 years)
  • Short Term Fellowships for Training in Indian institutes in identified areas (1-3 Months) to persons employed as regular faculty (not above the age of 45 years).
• Long-term Fellowship at Indian Institutes
  • Long-Term Training (6 to 12 Months) Fellowships at Indian Institutions to persons employed as regular faculty having at least three years of experience in the college/institute as a regular employee, not above the age of 45 years. Long Term Fellowships for Training abroad in identified priority areas (6 to 12 Months) to persons employed as regular faculty, not above the age of 45 years. Long Term training (6-12 Months) to the faculties of Medical Colleges in Indian Institutes working/involved with three other approved Schemes of DHR.
• Women Scientist fellowship
  • A large proportion of women undertake bio-medical education at graduation, postgraduation, and doctorate levels. However, the present number of working women in bio-medical research appears to be lower than expected and the same needs to be addressed. The problems faced by women scientists are several, but significantly, most often take the “break in their careers” arising out of motherhood and family responsibilities. The options for revival of their profession or career are limited due to restrictions in age and qualification. Under this scheme, women scientists will be encouraged to return and pursue their career in biomedical/health research.
• Biomedical research grant for NRI/OCI/PIO
  • This Scheme has been designed to provide contractual research positions to the Indian scientists settled abroad who are willing to come back to India on a full-time basis or for a short duration to pursue medical/health research in India and take up health research projects in collaboration with Indian scientists, particularly in areas of national priority.
• Fellowship for best achievement in biomedical research
  • To recognize the achievements of the biomedical scientists, one-time research fellowships will be awarded for the research work which has been published & disseminated in national & international journals.
• International Travel Grant for non-DHR/ICMR scientists & researcher
  • To provide financial support researchers/scientists/PG students, for attending and presenting their research accomplishments/findings in international conferences/seminars/symposia for wider dissemination of the research work or mentoring/talk on any topic in biomedical sciences in workshops for training young researchers/faculties/medical students etc.
• Workshops funding grant in biomedical research
  • To provide financial support for organization of workshops as per the DHR-ICMR mandate on various niche area in biomedical health research in order to train faculty/ researchers/ students in India.
• Support to Institutions and Scientific Professionals/Bodies/Associations
  • Support selected domestic Institutions for providing training to candidates selected by the Department under this scheme in specially designed programs/ identified priority areas. Support is also imparted to the institutions for developing online courses along with contact Programmes in relevant institutions/ online resource material for researchers/ online mentoring for researchers or Interactive forums and e-groups for researchers in the area of biomedical/health research.
• Start-up Grant
  • The start-up grant scheme is meant to support biomedical researchers who have undergone training in Indian/foreign institutes supported by DHR. The program aims to utilize the skills learned during the period of training in a practical mode so that he/she can undertake research independently and to ensure that the trainees take up research seriously and in right earnest.

Funding Information

• Short-Term Studentship (STS)
  • Stipend to the Fellow: Rs. 60,000/- (w.e.f. 2024) for six months of research work along with an e-certificate.
  • The stipend will be given in three installments as given below:
  • 1st installment= Rs. 15,000/- at the end of 1st of year of work, upon submission and review of research concept note only to selected students.
  • 2nd installment= Rs. 15,000/- at the end of 2nd year of work, upon submission of interim report on data collection.
  • 3rd and final installment= Rs. 30,000/- at the end of 3rd of year of work, upon submission and review of final report analysis of data, preparation & submission (online) of report.
• MD/MS/DM/MCh/DNB/DrNB/MDS Thesis Support
  • Rs. one lakh one-time grant which will be given in two installments viz. 1 st installment= Rs. 25,000/- & 2nd installment= Rs. 75,000/-).
  • The first installment of Rs. 25,000/- will be released to the parent institute/fellow after selection upon submission of an undertaking to the effect that the funds received from DHR will be used strictly for the purpose for which it has been awarded.
  • The second and final installment of Rs. 75,000/- will be released to the parent institute/fellow subject to the submission of the softcopy of one original research publication in a peerreviewed JCR-indexed journal from the thesis research work within three years from the date of the award letter issue. Failure of which the fellow will not be entitled to avail the final installment.
• MBBS/MD/MS-Ph.D. Program
  • Combined MBBS/MD/MS-Ph.D. program (Category 1):
    • Stipend: Ordinarily, no stipend will be paid, as students are receiving stipend from their parent Institute for their MD/MS program. However, for those candidates who are not receiving salary from their parent institute, stipend equivalent to the grade of Senior Resident will be paid after completion of the MD/MS/DM/MCh/DNB/DrNB/MDS degree until completion of Ph.D. degree or up to 2 years, whichever is earlier.
    • Research Grant: Rs. 10 lakhs/per year for the duration of five years or completion of Ph.D. whichever is earlier.
  • Young Medical Faculty Ph.D. program (Category 2):
    • Stipend: No stipend will be paid.
    • Research Grant: Rs. 10 lakhs/per year for the duration of five years or completion of Ph.D. whichever is earlier.
• Non-medical fellowships for Ph.D.-NET (BRET)
  • Stipend:
  • Junior Research Fellow (JRF):
    • 1st year Rs. 37,000/- +HRA
    • 2nd year Rs. 37,000/- +HRA
  • Senior Research Fellow (SRF): If the up -gradation report is submitted and approved on/after the completion of two years.
    • 3rd year Rs. 42,000/- +HRA
    • 4th year Rs. 42,000/- +HRA
    • 5th year Rs. 42,000/- +HRA
• Short-term Fellowship Abroad
  • A consolidated stipend of US $3000/- per month (or equivalent in other foreign currency) for the period of stay in the host institute abroad.
  • Cost of air passage in economy class as per Govt. of India norms from the parent institute to the foreign host institute by the shortest possible route.
  • One-time contingency grant of up to Rs. 30,000 (maximum) to meet the expenses of local taxi charges visa fee Health insurance, attending meetings, etc., and up to Rs. 20,000/- for attending progress review meetings at DHR. The expenditure incurred in the head ‘contingency’ will be reimbursed by the parent institute to the fellow after the production of the original voucher.
  • A grant of US $ 600 for fellowship duration for attending conferences /institutes of interest may be given with the recommendations of the Guide in the foreign host institute.
  • The stipend will be given to the parent institute/fellow.
  • The amount released under the scheme will be kept in a separate account by the concerned institute and a separate expenditure account will be maintained.
  • The institute shall submit the utilization certificate under GFR, and audited statement of accounts carried out by the statutory body of the institute.
• Long-term Fellowship Abroad
  • A consolidated stipend of US $ 3000/- per month (or equivalent in other foreign currency) for the period of stay in the host institute abroad.
  • Cost of air passage in economy class from the parent institute to the foreign host institute by the shortest possible route.
  • One-time contingency grant of up to Rs. 50,000 (maximum) to meet the expenses of local taxi charges visa fee and Health insurance, attending meetings, etc., and up to Rs. 20,000/- for attending progress review meetings at DHR. The expenditure incurred in the head ‘contingency’ will be reimbursed to a fellow after the production of the original voucher.
  • A grant of US $ 600 for a period of up to 6 months and US $ 1200 for 6-12 months for attending conferences/ institutes of interest may be given with the recommendations of the Guide in the foreign host institute.
  • The stipend will be given to the parent institute/fellow.
  • The amount released under the scheme will be kept in a separate account by the concerned institute and a separate expenditure account will be maintained.
  • The institute shall submit the utilization certificate under GFR, and audited statement of accounts carried out by the statutory body of the institute.
• Short-term Fellowship at Indian Institutes
  • A consolidated amount of training stipend up to Rs. 40,000 per month will be provided for a period of stay in the host institute, which is at a different station from the parent Institute.
  • One-time contingency grant of Rs. 30,000 (maximum) to meet the expenses for local conveyance, attending meetings, etc. and additional amount of Rs. 20,000/- for attending progress review meetings at DHR will be paid only to the outstation candidate.
  • The amount (training stipend and contingency) will be placed at the disposal of the parent institute for disbursement to the fellow as per the prescribed norms and the parent institute will submit the utilization certificate under the GFRs for the actual expenditure incurred.
  • The amount released under the scheme will be kept in a separate account by the concerned institute and a separate expenditure account will be maintained.
  • The institute shall submit the utilization certificate under GFR, and audited statement of accounts carried out by the statutory body of the institute.
  • The stipend will be given to the parent institute/fellow.
• Long-term Fellowship at Indian Institutes
  • A consolidated stipend of Rs. 40,000/- per month for a period of stay in the host institute, which is at a different station from the parent Institute.
  • One-time contingency grant of Rs. 30,000 (maximum) to meet the expenses of local taxi charges, attending meetings, etc. and Rs. 20,000/- for attending progress review meetings at DHR will be given to meet the expenses at different stations from the parent institution.
  • The amount (stipend and contingency) will be placed at the disposal of the parent institute for disbursement to the fellow as per the prescribed norms and the parent institute will submit the utilization certificate for the expenditure incurred.
  • The amount released under the scheme will be kept in a separate account by the concerned institute and a separate expenditure account will be maintained.
  • The institute shall submit the utilization certificate under GFR, and audited statement of accounts carried out by the statutory body of the institute.
• Women Scientist fellowship
  • The fellow shall submit a research proposal and shall be working with or under the supervision of a regular faculty of a Research Institute.
  • Category A: A stipend of Rs. 90,000/- per month (consolidated amount for medical persons) and Rs. 67,000+HRA for non-medical candidates for 3 years and a research grant of up to Rs.10.00 lakhs per year will be given to meet the expenses of field work, consumables required for the research and attending meetings for project related discussions, etc.
  • Category B: A stipend of Rs. 65,000/- per month (for medical persons) and Rs. 48,000+HRA per month (for non-medical persons) for 5 years or till completion of PHD, whichever is earlier and a research grant of up to Rs.10.00 lakhs per year will be given to meet the expenses of field work, consumables required for the research and attending meetings for project related discussions, etc.
• Biomedical research grant for NRI/OCI/PIO
  • Each selected researcher shall be eligible to receive a consolidated stipend of Rs.1.2 lakhs per month for 3 years. Research Grants would be available for research studies/projects not exceeding Rs. 20 lakhs/year.
  • The project will be extendable for another 2 years at the discretion of the Competent
  • Authority on the recommendation of the Expert Committee. However, no stipend will be provided for the extendable 2 years although the research grant will be provided.
  • In case the researcher finds a permanent position during the tenure of the position, the remuneration shall be discontinued from the day he/she joins in permanent position, but he/she may continue with the Research Grant for the project, for the remaining duration of the project.
  • Provision would be available for keeping a research staff out of a Research Grant during the tenure of the fellowship.
  • The Research Grant for the project which mostly will be of a laboratory nature; shall be divided into two (2) broad budget heads with the following indicative breakup:
  • Recurring (including Project Manpower, Travel, Consumables & Contingencies, Overhead) – 65%. However, Travel and Contingencies would be limited to 10% each.
  • Equipment – 35%
  • Each Awardee needs to provide a proposal with a detailed breakup as above for utilization of the Research Grant and the Host/Parent Institution needs to adhere to the approved breakup for the entire project period.
  • The amount (consolidated stipend and research grant) will be released in favor of the Head of the Parent/Host Indian Institution, where the research project will be undertaken, and will be kept in a separate account.
• Fellowship for best achievement in biomedical research
  • One time fellowship of Rs. one lakh will be given to the selected scientist/researcher which can be used by the Scientist for journal publications charges, travel for attending international and national conferences/seminar/symposium/workshop and research contingency purpose.
• International Travel Grant for non-DHR/ICMR scientists & researchers
  • Rs. 1.5 lakh maximum grant will be awarded to the selected applicants.
  • Workshops funding grant in biomedical research
  • If selected, a maximum financial support of Rs. 10 lakhs will be funded per workshop.
  • Actual funding amount will be decided after the review of applications and according to the proposed budget requirements for the said workshop.
• Support to Institutions and Scientific Professionals/Bodies/Associations
  • A grant of up to Rs. 25 Lakhs will be given to the institute to upgrade its infrastructural facilities as relevant/required for the trainees and up to Rs.10.00 lakh per year for five years to meet the expenses on equipment, consumables, etc.
  • The quantum of the amount of grant will depend on the quantum of facilities to be upgraded / newly established as identified by the Expert Group/ Committee.
  • Financial assistance would be for up-gradation of facilities for providing training to the fellows nominated for training. Further, the assistance provided for equipment, consumables, etc. would be exclusively meant for training needs and not for strengthening the normal activities of the institutes and not for normal needs of the Institution.
  • The grant will be released to the Head of the institute and a utilization certificate will be furnished by the institute as per GFR.
  • The Institute will maintain a separate account of the funds received under the scheme and will furnish the audited statement of accounts, carried out by the ‘statutory audit body’ of the institute.
• Start-up Grant
  • The Start-up grant for the project is up to of Rs. 16 Lakhs per year up to Rs. 50 Lakhs per research project for three years will be considered from each fellow/ trainee (after evaluation and approval by Technical Evaluation Committee and Approval Committee).

Eligibility Criteria

• Short-Term Studentship (STS)
  • 1st and 2nd Professional (Prof.) year MBBS/BDS students studying in NMC/DCI-recognized Medical/Dental colleges in India, before they appear in their fourth Prof. year final exams are eligible to apply.
  • 1st Prof. year students to carry out the work from 1st to 3rd Prof. years.
  • 2nd Prof. year students to carry out the work from 2nd to 4th Prof. years.
  • Students who are holding OCI cards/ PIO cards/NRI studying in an Indian medical/dental college (NMC/DCI-recognized) can also apply and a copy of the OCI/ PIO/ NRI card must be submitted.
  • 3rd & 4th Prof. MBBS/BDS students, Interns/PG students are not eligible to apply.
  • Students of paramedical/non-medical courses are not eligible.
  • Students studying in foreign medical/dental colleges are not eligible for this program.
• MD/MS/DM/MCh/DNB/DrNB/MDS Thesis Support
  • Medical/dental graduates who are admitted to the post-graduation courses in Medical/dental institute/colleges in India recognized by NMC/DCI/NBE.
  • Candidates should apply within one year of PG admission/joining.
  • Applicant must be an Indian citizen.
  • Upper age limit: 45 years of age (as on the last date of application).
• MBBS/MD/MS-Ph.D. Program
  • Category 1- Combined MBBS / MD/MS-Ph.D. program
    • MBBS graduates or post-graduates viz. MD/MS/DM/MCh/DNB/DrNB pursuing students OR degree holders in any of the stated post-graduate degrees from NMC/NBE – recognized medical colleges in India.
  • Category 2- Young Medical Faculty Ph.D. program
    • Medical faculty holding MD/MS/DM/MCh/DNB/DrNB/MDS degree.
    • Full time regular employee with at least one year of service at NMC / DCI recognized medical colleges or UGC recognized research universities, research institutes of National Importance
• Non-medical fellowships for Ph.D.-NET (BRET)
  • Postgraduate applicants with basic or professional degrees in the field of biomedical sciences from UGC-recognized universities/research institutions in India.
  • The Ph.D. topic should be related to any subject area related to biomedical sciences as per the DHR-ICMR mandate.
  • Upper age limit: 30 years maximum, relaxation as per GoI rules.
• Short-term Fellowship Abroad
  • Only Indian citizens working in the biomedical field at Indian institutes as a regular faculty are eligible.
  • Faculty / Researcher having at least three years of experience in the college/institute as a regular employee.
  • They should hold M.D./M.S./M.D.S. or MBBS/BDS/MVSc. / M.Sc./M.Pharma/M.Tech or equivalent with Ph.D. in health / biomedical research.
  • Candidates up to the age of 45 years can avail this fellowship.
  • The candidate should not have availed any fellowship of the duration of one month or above duration from any of the agencies of Govt. of India / State government for or a similar training fellowship.
  • Fellowship is non-transferable.
• Long-term Fellowship Abroad
  • Only Indian citizens working in Indian institutes are eligible.
  • Having M.D./ M.S./ M.D.S. or MBBS/BDS/ MVSc. / M.Sc./ M.Pharma/ M.Tech or equivalent with Ph.D. in the topic related to health/ medical research.
  • Faculty having at least three years of experience in the institute as regular employees.
  • Candidate should be below 45 years of age as of the last date of receipt of the application.
  • They should not have availed any fellowship of the duration of one month or above duration from any of the agencies of Govt. of India / State government for the same subject of training/research project.
  • The fellowship is for 6-12 months. Fellowship is non-transferable.
• Short-term Fellowship at Indian Institutes
  • Only Indian citizens working in the biomedical field at Indian institutes as a regular faculty are eligible.
  • Faculty / Researcher having at least three years of experience in the college/institute as a regular employee.
  • They should hold M.D./ M.S./ M.D.S. or MBBS/BDS/M. VSc./M.Sc./M.Pharma/M.Tech or equivalent with Ph.D. in health / biomedical research.
  • Candidates up to the age of 45 years can avail this training fellowship.
  • The candidate should not have availed any fellowship of the duration of one month or above, from any of the Central or State Government agencies of India for the similar training fellowship.
  • Fellowship is non-transferable.
• Long-term Fellowship at Indian Institutes
  • Only Indian citizens working in Indian institutes are eligible.
  • Having M.D./ M.S./ M.D.S. or MBBS/BDS/ M. VSc./ M.Sc./ M.Pharma/ M.Tech or equivalent with Ph.D. in the topic related to health/ medical research.
  • Faculty having at least three years of experience in the institute as regular employees.
  • Candidate should be below 45 years of age as of the last date of receipt of the application.
  • They should not have availed any fellowship of the duration of one month or above duration from any of the agencies of Govt. of India / State government for the same subject of training/research project.
  • The fellowship is for 6-12 months. Fellowship is non-transferable.
• Women Scientist fellowship
  • Only Indian citizens and presently unemployed having at least 1 year of recent career break and not more than 5 years of break, having qualifications as prescribed for category A or category B will be eligible in respective categories.
  • Category- A: Having M.D./ M.S./ M.D.S. or MBBS/ BDS/ M.VSc./ M.Sc./ M.Pharma/ M.Tech or equivalent with Ph.D. in the topic related to health research .
  • Category-B: Having MBBS/ BDS. or M.Sc./ M.Pharma/ M.Tech or equivalent and enrolled in PhD program with least 2 years of Work Experience after the degree.
  • The woman scientist shall be submitting the research plan in either of the identified areas of research (mentioned in para 4) through any medical college/bio-medical research institute under one faculty member.
  • Candidates already in a job or having any other fellowship or support are not eligible.
  • Candidates having research publications in indexed journals will be given preference.
  • Women of 30-45 years of age as of the last date of receipt of application are eligible.
  • Fellowship is to the applicant scientist and area specific and cannot be transferred.
  • Age relaxation would be given to candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC and the physically challenged category as per the Govt. rules.
  • Break-in career should be substantiated with valid reasoning while applying. Women candidates with breaks due to motherhood, or family reasons will be preferred. Break in career due to medical reasons should be supported by a proper certificate from Govt. hospitals. If a break in service has been awarded due to administrative reasons, such cases would not be considered.
• Biomedical research grant for NRI/OCI/PIO
  • Only persons of Indian origin, non-resident Indian, and overseas citizens of India, as defined by the Government of India, and currently working abroad.
  • Having M.D./ M.S./ M.D.S. or M.Tech/ MVSc./ M.Sc./ M. Pharma/ M. Tech or equivalent with Ph.D. in a topic related to health research.
  • The candidate should have at least three years of research experience in a foreign country as NRI/PIO/OCI; after obtaining the PhD/MD or equivalent degree with an excellent track record as reflected in publications and other recognitions.
  • The candidate shall submit the research plan in the areas identified for the program for research studies in collaboration with a regular faculty working in an Indian institute.
  • Candidate should be below the age of 45 years.
  • Age relaxation to candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC and the physically challenged category would be given as per Govt. policy and norms.
• Fellowship for best achievement in biomedical research
  • Scientists and young researchers working as a regular faculty/scientist in Institute of National Importance (INIs)/UGC recognized institutions/ICMR Institutes/NMC recognized medical colleges.
• International Travel Grant for non-DHR/ICMR scientists & researchers
  • The applicant should be a biomedical scientist/researcher/doctoral student engaged in R&D work.
  • Senior scientists (above 35 years of age) working in academic institutions and research laboratories are eligible to apply only to attend international scientific events (Conference/Seminar/Symposium/Workshop) that are not sponsored by International Council of Scientific Unions (ICSU).
  • Young scientists/research scholars (age limit 35 years as on the date of the conference) are, however, considered for support even for ICSU-sponsored events.
  • Regular scientists of DHR/ICMR are not eligible.
  • The grant is not for attending only workshops; it will be considered if the applicant is delivering any lecture or hands-on session in the workshop/conference/symposium, etc
• Workshops funding grant in biomedical research
  • Various recognized govt. or private organizations/research institutions/medical/dental Colleges/NGOs for organizing workshops on research methodology, ethics and research capacity strengthening.
• Support to Institutions and Scientific Professionals/Bodies/Associations
  • Open advertisement will be given for seeking applications from the institutes willing to participate in the training programme.
  • Institutes having state-of-the-art infrastructure facilities and critical mass in either one or more disciplines identified in the high-focus areas of the scheme will be identified by the Expert Committee.
  • The institutes will impart training to the selected fellows as per the “training course or structure designed”.
• Start-up Grant
  • Only those who have completed Short/Long term fellowship training program of DHR/ICMR and developed his/her research project based on the training received are eligible to apply.

Deadline 

• International Travel Grant Support For Non-DHR/ICMR Scientists & Researchers and Workshops funding grant in biomedical research: Applications invited on rolling basis.

For more information, visit Department of Health Research.