Applications are invited for the Ramalingaswami Re-entry Fellowship (RRF) 2024-25. The application deadline is Feb 28, 2025!
About Fellowship
Applications are currently being invited from Indian nationals employed in overseas research institutions to return to India and engage in scientific research under the prestigious Ramalingaswami Reentry Fellowship (DBT-RRF). This fellowship is part of the Department of Biotechnology’s (DBT) Re-entry Scheme, which is managed by the Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India.
Launched in 2006-2007, the DBT-RRF program has played a pivotal role in fostering a strong pool of highly-skilled researchers specializing in cutting-edge technologies. These researchers contribute to scientific advancements in Indian universities and institutions, while also helping to build a critical mass of science leaders focused on enhancing the country’s capabilities in Biotechnology.
Objectives
The scheme has been designed to attract highly skilled Indian researchers currently working abroad in advanced fields such as life sciences and biotechnology, bio-engineering, healthcare (both human and animal), agriculture and veterinary biotechnology, bio-energy, and related areas. By offering a compelling opportunity, it aims to enable these researchers to pursue their scientific R&D interests at leading Indian universities and institutions.
Eligibility Criteria
- Nationality: Indian citizens only are eligible to apply.
- Age Limit: The upper age limit for applying is 45 years as of the closing date of the application.
- Area of Research: Applicants working in any area of Life Sciences & Biotechnology, bio-engineering, healthcare (human and animal), agriculture and veterinary biotechnology, bio-energy and allied areas will be eligible to apply.
- Qualification & Experience: Applicant should possess a Ph.D./M.D. degree or equivalent in life sciences/ agriculture, bioinformatics and allied areas or M. Tech. in Biotechnology/ allied areas/ medicine etc. with at least three years of postdoctoral research experience in overseas research laboratories.
- Applicants should have a proven/outstanding track record as evident from research publications and recognitions.
- Those who have already returned to India within one year of the closing date of the advertisement (two years for women candidates) are also eligible to apply; however, if they have secured a permanent position in India within this period then they are not eligible to apply.
Note: The Candidate will not be eligible to avail of fellowship and research grant under this program if case of candidate has secured a regular job in an Indian institution after submission of the application and before the start of fellowship support.
Duration
The duration of the fellowship will be for three years. In exceptional cases, the duration of the award may be extended by an additional two years after a a fresh appraisal of performance
How to Apply?
Applications for the Ramalingaswami Re-entry Fellowship Programme for the 2024-25 session must be submitted exclusively through the online mode.
To apply, interested candidates can visit the common fellowship portal at https://fellowships.gov.in/ and access the online application form at https://fellowships.gov.in/rrf-registration-2024-25/generate.
Applicants are required to register on the portal, complete the online application form with accurate information, and submit it before the application deadline.
The online application form will ask for details such as Personal Information, Academic Qualifications, Post-Doctoral Experience, Work Experience, Research Contributions, Referee Information, Proposed Research, and Host Institution.
Applicants must also submit the following documents with the online application:
- Proof of Date of Birth
- Copy of Passport (if applicable)
- Doctoral Degree Certificate
- Research Contribution Details
- Reprints of the 5 Best Research Publications (first page only)
- Research Proposal outlining Proposed Research Work
- Certificate from Host Institution
- Letters of Recommendation
- Undertaking from the applicant or Statement from Current Employer (if applicable, certifying that the applicant is not in a permanent position in India)
Please note that a certificate from the host institute is mandatory; applications without it will not be considered.
Applications submitted outside the online portal will not be accepted.
Candidates must retain original copies of the documents mentioned above, as they will be required to submit them to DBT-HRD-PMU, RCB Faridabad, if selected later.
For detailed information on the fellowship grant, eligibility criteria, and application process, please visit the DBT and RCB websites at https://dbtindia.gov.in/ and https://rcb.res.in.
Important Dates
- Start Date of Online Application 28th January 2025
- End Date of Online Application 28th February 2025
Contact Details
The RRF programme is being managed by the DBT HRD Project Management Unit (DBT-HRD PMU) established at Regional Centre of Biotechnology (RCB), NCR the Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad.
- Dr. Manoj Kumar,
- Scientist ‘D’ Department of Biotechnology, Block 2, CGO Complex
- Lodhi Road, New Delhi 110003
- Email: manoj.kr09@gov.in
- Address:
- DBT-HRD Project Management Unit (DBT-HRD PMU)
- Regional Centre for Biotechnology, GoI NCR Biotech Science Cluster
- Faridabad, Haryana-121001
- Phone No.: 0129-2848538/539
- Email: rrf.dbt@rcb.res.in (for applicants)
- Website: www.rcb.res.in
