VAJRA: Foreign Research and Development Talent Scheme Attracts over 260 Scientists
- The pilot project (VAJRA) by the Department of Science and Technology, launched in May, eventually intends to select 1,000 scientists every year.
- 260 applications have been received out of which 70 will be shortlisted.
The ambitious scheme of the government of India (GoI) to attract international talent in the research and development ecosystem of the country has received a tremendous response with over 260 scientists across the globe registering for the scheme. Out of the total number of applicants, 70 applicants will be shortlisted and finalised.
Mr. Ashutosh Sharma, Secretary to DST (Department of Science & Technology) revealed that the shortlisting and screening of applicants would commence this month. The shortlisted scientists will begin their work by the end of the year in December 2017. It is one of the prestigious projects of the Indian government, the idea of which is to select 1,000 scientists every year.
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The Government of India announced VAJRA (Visiting Advanced Joint Research) Faculty scheme in May 2017 for inviting international students to Indian research and development ecosystem. The 260 applicants received are from diverse backgrounds.
Mr. Ashutosh Sharma indicated that the shortlisting of names would be based on the expertise of applicants and its relevancy with the areas of interest of DST. He further indicated that the DST is looking for the scientists who have experience in different fields like renewable energy, water etc., in which India lacks expertise.
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The shortlisted scientists visiting Indian institutes (under VAJRA Faculty scheme) will be provided with $15,000 in the first month of residency followed by $10,000 per month later. According to the scheme, the residency period of international scientists in India will be a minimum of one month or the maximum of three months a year.
National laboratories and public-funded academic institutes are eligible to host VAJRA faculties. The institutes must engage them in co-guiding and mentor students. The public funded institutes can also engage them in developing collaborative programmes.