Women Scientists Fellowship Scheme (WOS-B) 2009

Maharashtra Association for the Cultivation of Science’s
Agharkar Reseach Institute

The Fellowship Scheme for Women Scientists for societal programmes is initiative of the Department of Science & Technology. This scheme is meant for all those women having a burning desire to utilize their scientific acumen through active research and development projects which are aimed at meeting societal needs and aspirations.

Objectives:
*Provide an opportunity for women scientists to re-enter into active research after a career break, through support for S&T based R&D projects addressing the needs of people in unorganized urban or rural areas; and
*Provide opportunity for S&T capacity building of women on issues relevant in societal programmes.
Project proposals could be for:
*Research, development and adaptation of technology to improve the quality of life and provide additional opportunities for income generation in rural areas or urban slums;
*Adaptation and transfer of an innovative technology developed at laboratory level to field;
*Capacity building of applicant in technology areas relevant to the needs in rural areas.
Nature of Support Provided:
*Support will include a scholarship grant of Rs.15,000 per month for candidates with Ph.D., M.Tech., MS/MD and Rs.10,000 per month for candidates having post graduate degree for a period of two years.
*Grant for minor equipment, consumables, contingencies, travel and overheads will also be considered if found necessary under the work plan.
Who can apply:
Indian nationals living in India and who are currently not employed in permanent position and who possess one of the following qualifications:
Ph.D. or masters degree in science,
Bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering or technology, architecture, medicine or pharmacy.
Who have break in career after the last degree received for at least three years.

Age: The applicant should be below the age of 50 years as on 15/02/2009.

Others:
a. Candidates selected for award of the fellowship are not expected to register for higher degree (PhD, etc)during the period of fellowship.
b. Candidates already having a permanent jobs or fellowship will not be considered unless they advance cogent reasons for making the change. In such cases the application should be accompanied by a letter from the Head of the Institution agreeing to release the candidate.

The project proposal must show an active association with a field agency in regard to implementation of the project irrespective of the fact whether the candidate is attached to an educational institution or R&D institution or any other agency. A letter to that effect from field agency is required.
A certificate from the host institution, for extending infrastructural or administrative support for the project must be enclosed with the application. Similarly, a certificate from the identified field agency showing the agreement to get associated with the project is also required.
If the proposal includes clinical trials involving humans or animals necessary ethical clearance following ICMR/ CPCSEA guidelines must be submitted along with the proposal .

Duration: The scholarship will be given initially for duration of two years. The period may be extended to the third year in exceptional cases, if recommended by Experts during periodic reviews.

Selection Mechanism: A Committee of Experts will be involved in the selection process. The two-tier selection process will be adopted involving initial screening and subsequent individual presentation by the screened-in candidates before a group of Experts. The selected candidates will be informed by post. The list will also be posted on the web site of the Division.

Application form can be downloaded from the website of www.aripune.org or www.scienceandsociety-dst.org. Completed applications should be sent to Dr. Shobha Rao, Coordinator, WOS-B Scheme, Agharkar Research Institute, G. G. Agarkar Road, Pune – 411 004.
The last date for receiving the application is 31st March 2009.

For more details please contact:
Coordinator, Fellowship Scheme for Women scientist (WOS-B)
Agharkar Research Institute, G. G. Agarkar Road, Pune – 411 004.
Phone – (020) 25653680 Ext. 302 Website: www.scienceandsociety-dst.org