The India Alliance is a £80 million partnership between The Wellcome Trust, UK, and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT, Government of India). We are an independent charitable trust and began operations in 2009. Our mandate is to build biomedical research capacity in India primarily through generous, flexible and long-term Fellowships at key stages of a research career.
Fellowships
Early Career Fellowship
For the most promising postdoctoral researchers, to pursue an independent research project in India that would enable them to launch their independent research career.
Intermediate Fellowship
For those with a proven track record, to establish an independent laboratory with a high-quality research programme in India.
Senior Fellowship
For those who have demonstrated their ability to lead an independent research project and group, to expand their research programme in India.
Margdarshi Fellowship
For established scientific leaders in India or overseas, to relocate their laboratory to any non-profit research institution within India and nucleate a centre of scientific excellence.
The next round of Intermediate, Senior and Margdarshi schemes – launched in February 2012. Please visit our website http://www.wellcomedbt.org for deadlines.
Remit:
We fund the full spectrum of biomedical science from fundamental molecular and cellular studies, through to clinical and public health research. This also includes theoretical biology and biomedical engineering. Interdisciplinary projects are welcome.
Eligibility:
- No age or nationality restrictions on any scheme.
- A PhD in biological sciences is not necessary.
- Applicants need not be resident in India during the application process.
- Number of years of post-PhD research experience is the primary eligibility criteria for applicants with a PhD, and this varies for each scheme.
- Clinicians, veterinarians and public health researchers are strongly encouraged to apply. Clinicians and veterinarians do not require a PhD to apply but must demonstrate commensurate research experience for the particular scheme.
Provisions:
The 4-5 year Fellowship support provides:
- Personal support. Fellows are provided with full salary support or, to those with a salaried position at the Host Institution, a top up to the level IA has set for each scheme as indicated on the website.
- Generous and flexible research funds. Funding is provided to commensurate with the requirements of the proposed research. Also, Fellows have the flexibility to spend the award as necessary to meet their research goals.
- Funds to foster collaborations. These include funds for collaborative visits (short or long term), training visits and travel to meetings. These visits could be domestic or international and there is no restriction on frequency or location.
Requirements:
- A research proposal that seeks to answer an original biomedical research question
- A not-for-profit Host Institution in India that will administer the Fellowship for the full duration of the award. A salaried position or commitment to a salaried position at the Host Institution is not required.
- A sponsor at the Host Institution, who can guarantee space and resources for the duration of the award.
Application process:
Preliminary application: All schemes require a preliminary application based on which a full application is invited.
Full application: These are sent out for international peer-review and screened by the India Alliance’s Selection Committee.
Interview: Short-listed applicants are invited to interview with the Selection Committee.
Each scheme has deadlines that are announced in advance on our website. The India Alliance uses an online grants system to receive process and manage applications. Only online applications are accepted. Please visit our website http://www.wellcomedbt.org for further information on different schemes and the application process.
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