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INDIAN
COUNCIL OF MEDICAL RESEARCH (ICMR) |
I. Introduction
The primary aim of the ICMR is to promote research in the country in the fields of medicine, public health and allied areas. The Council promotes biomedical research in the country through intramural research (through Institutes totally funded by ICMR) and extramural research (through grants-in-aid given to projects in non-ICMR Institutes).
II. Name of the scheme(s)
1. Ad-hoc Research Schemes : Open-ended Research (Ad-hoc Projects) on the basis of applications for grants-in-aid received from scientists in non-ICMR Research Institutes located in different parts of the country
2. Senior Research Fellowship/Research Associate
3. Junior Research Fellowships
4. Emeritus Medical Scientist Scheme (for retired medical scientists and teachers, the Council offers the position of Emeritus Scientist to enable them to continue or take up research on specific biomedical topics.)
Other Research Activities:
i) Short Term Research Studentship (for undergraduate medical students to encourage them to familiarize themselves with research methodologies and techniques)
ii) National Task Force Projects : which emphasise a time-bound, goal-oriented approach with clearly defined targets, specific time frames, standardized and uniform methodologies, and often a multicentric structure
iii) Centres for Advanced Research : setting up Centres for Advanced Research in different research areas around existing expertise and infrastructure in selected departments of Medical Colleges, Universities and other non-ICMR Research Institutes
iv) Guidance for International Collaboration for Research in Biomedical Sciences
v) ICMR International Fellowships for Biomedical Scientists from Developing Countries
vi) ICMR International Fellowships for Indian Biomedical Scientists
vii) ICMR Financial assistance to MD/MS/DM/MCH thesis programme
viii) Grant-in-aid for organising Seminars/Symposia/Workshops
II.1 Ad-hoc Research Schemes
Objective(s)
· The Indian Council of Medical Research provides financial assistance to promote biomedical and health research. Proposals in fundamental/ strategic research, development and evaluation of a tool, Clinical and operational research are considered for ICMR support.
III. Who can submit a proposal
The assistance is provided by way of grants to scientists in regular employment in the universities, medical colleges, postgraduate institutions, recognized research and development laboratories and NGOs. (Applications from non-governmental agencies should provide documentary evidence of registration, track record etc.)
1V. When and how to submit a proposal
Proposals are received throughout the year on the prescribed format, which can be obtained on request from the Director-General, ICMR. Forms can also be downloaded from ICMR website (http://www.icmr.nic.in/adhocform.doc).
Thirty copies of the complete project proposals application along with a copy in electronic mode are to be submitted. All projects involving research on human beings/animals must be cleared by the Human Ethics Committee/ Animal Ethics Committee of the respective institute.
V. Areas of research support
Financial support is provided by the Council in all areas related to health and biomedical sciences. However, following are the priority areas identified by the ICMR:
· Communicable diseases including viral diseases, cholera and enteric diseases, tuberculosis, leprosy, malaria, filariasis, kala-azar, vector control etc.
· Reproductive health including fertility control.
· Maternal & Child Health.
· Nutritional and major metabolic disorders.
· Primary health care, alternative health care systems.
· Non-communicable diseases including cancer, mental health, cardiovascular, neurological, ophthalmic and haematological disorders, oral health, gastroenterology, urology etc.
· Occupational and other environment related health problems i.e. asthma.
· Drug research including medicinal plants and indigenous/or traditional systems of medicine.
· Basic medical research in disciplines such as anatomy, allergy, anthropology, physiology, biochemistry, immunology, cell & molecular biology, genetics, pharmacology, haematology.
Note: For latest thrust areas & format/guidelines refer to ICMR website http://www.icmr.nic.in/thrust/thrust.htm.
VI. Components of grant
Research staff, Equipment, Contingencies, Travel, Overheads.
Financial ceiling --- Financial ceiling is up to Rs.30 Lakhs for the total duration of the project.
VII. Items not allowed of grant
Basic infrastructure, building, foreign travel etc.
VIII. Mechanism of implementation and monitoring
The proposals received as per the prescribed format of ICMR are reviewed by Project Review Committees (PRCs) constituted by the various technical divisions of ICMR for different subject areas. These PRC’s are held generally 3-4 times in a year depending upon the number of proposals received for evaluation. Most of these projects are also reviewed by subject specialists before being considered by the PRCs.
The Report is to be submitted annually in the prescribed format. The first progress report should be submitted about three months prior to the completion of the annual period so as to enable the evaluation and provide the grants within the completion of one year from the starting date. The subsequent annual report will be for the period of one year. The progress of the project would be evaluated by theICMR through appropriate peer review/ Project Review Committees. PI shall submit 10 copies of Final Report along with the final audited statement of Accounts. The final report is reviewed by the PRC.
II.2 Senior Research Fellowship/ Research Associate
Objective(s)
· Senior Research fellowships provide opportunities to bright young men and women to pursue research and training invariably leading to Ph.D/MD etc. under experienced researchers/investigators of repute in the field of biomedicine.
· Research Associateships are awarded to encourage young research workers who already have good quality published work to their credit to pursue research work in biomedicine on specific research programmes as post doctoral fellows.
III. Who can submit a proposal
Any young scientist who fulfils the prescribed criteria of age and educational qualifications can submit applications to ICMR to carry out research in the field of biomedical sciences at the permanent institutes of the council, other biomedical research institutes, medical colleges and universities in India where adequate laboratory and other facilities to carry out biomedical research are available. For age limit, qualification etc., website may be consulted.
IV. When and how to submit a proposal
Applications from Research fellows/associates are received through out the year on the prescribed format, which can be obtained on request from the Director-General, ICMR. Forms and other details can be downloaded from ICMR website http://www.icmr.nic.in/fellowform.doc
V. Areas of research support
Financial support is provided by the Council in all areas related to health and biomedical sciences.
Note: For latest thrust areas refer to ICMR website: http://www.icmr.nic.in/thrust/thrust.htm
VI. Components of grant
As prescribed by the Department of Science and Technology from time to time - Fellowship stipend and contingency.
VII. Items not allowed out of grant
(a) Non-expendable articles such as equipment, vehicles, office furniture etc.
(b) Foreign travel or other expenses for visits abroad.
VIII. Mechanism of implementation and monitoring
Proposals received for funding are reviewed by Project Review Committees (PRCs)/ Fellowship Expert Groups(FECs) which meet from time to time. Most of these proposals are also reviewed by subject specialists before being considered by the PRCs and FECs.
The fellow shall submit annual reports as per the prescribed standard proforma. The first annual report should be submitted after 10 months from the date of commencement of the fellowship, giving complete factual details of the research work done,through the guide along with his/her appraisal. Subsequent annual report as per the standard proforma should be submitted through the guide two months before the completion of fellowship year. Six copies of the final report, duly typed clearly, as per standard proforma, of the work done during the tenure of fellowship, along with photographs with proper legends will be submitted with in one month after the completion of the fellowship. For more details, website of ICMR may be seen.
Note: Detailed Fellowship rules are given in Application form.
3. Junior Research Fellowships
· Achieving an appropriate “critical mass” of excellent researchers through specific support and/or co-ordination and collaboration at national level.
Enhance the resources available for bio-medical research.
III. Who can submit a proposal
The age limit for admission to the eligibility test is 28 years relaxable up to 5 years in case of candidates belonging to SC/ST, physically handicapped (PH) and female candidates, 3 years in the case of OBC category. For educational qualification etc., website may be consulted.
Tests are conducted all over India once a year. Admission notice is published in leading newspapers/ICMR website. It is the first step in the process of admission to the Ph.D/Research programme. Applications on prescribed format along with relevant documents are accepted by ICMR.
Validity of fellowship is up to six months. For detailed procedure website may be seen.
V. Areas of research support
A total of 100 Fellowships would be awarded. Eighty fellowships would be awarded for work in the field of biomedical sciences with emphasis on Life Sciences (like microbiology, physiology, molecular biology, genetics, human nutrition, human biology, biotechnology, biochemistry, bioinformatics, biophysics, immunology, zoology, botany and veterinary sciences etc.). Twenty fellowships would be awarded for work with emphasis on social sciences like psychology, sociology, home science, statistics, environmental sciences, anthropology and social work.
VI. Components of grant
The value of fellowship is at present Rs 8000 per month, which is at par with DST guidelines. The annual contingency grant is up to Rs. 7500 per annum + HRA.
VII. Items not allowed out of grant
a. Non-expendable articles such as equipment, vehicles, office furniture’s etc.
b. Foreign travel or other expenses for visits abroad.
VIII. Mechanism of implementation and monitoring
Selected candidates are permitted to enroll themselves for Ph.D in any recognized institution/university under a potential guide.
The guide along with experts finalizes the project protocol and sends it to ICMR for financial support after it’s approval from the academic council of the institute. The fellow is required to submit an annual report subject to in-house review. Duration of fellowships is initially limited to three years. The total tenure cannot not exceed 4 years.
IX. Contact Address
4. Emeritus Medical Scientist Scheme
Every year in the month of September Nominations/Applications are invited from distinguished retiring Scientists engaged in research in the field of biomedicine for consideration for appointment as Emeritus Medical Scientist under the Council.
Objective(s)
· The scheme is designed to assist those senior active working scientists who are totally free to continue active research in their own speciality.The Council has a limited number of positions of Emeritus Medical Scientists.
Scientists, who have retired or are about to retire and who hold/have held before their retirement, the post of the status of a Professor/Associate Professor in a Medical College or of Director/ Deputy Director in a Institute of an all India character, or scientists with comparable scientific experience and attainments in any of the permanent Institute or Centre of the Council and who have been actively engaged in biomedical research of a high standard. The total number of Emeritus Medical Scientists do not exceed 30 at any time. If considered necessary this number can be increased with the prior approval of the Governing Body.
Applications/nominations for the Emeritus Medical Scientists will be invited by advertisement in newspapers, once a year. Forms can be downloaded from ICMR website www.icmr.nic.in/emrtus.htm or can be obtained on request from the Director-General, ICMR. The research work should be carried out either in the Institute /Organisation where the Scientist has actually worked and from where he/she retired, or in any Institute/Organisation of his/her choice where necessary facilities exist. For more details, the website may be seen.
Biomedical sciences
VI. Components of grant
The Emeritus Medical Scientist shall be paid an honorarium of Rs.10,000/- p.m. in addition to pension/provident fund that he/she may draw. The honorarium paid by the Council shall be liable to income tax. A maximum contingent grant of Rs.10,000/- per annum will be admissible. For Staff support and leave etc., details may be seen from the website or obtained from ICMR.
VII. Items not allowed out of grant
He/She will not be entitled to any perquisites of office such as residential accommodation, telephone etc.
VIII. Mechanism of implementation and monitoring
The appointment of Emeritus
Medical Scientist will be made on the recommendation of a Selection Committee
constituted by the Director General, Indian Council of Medical Research.
The duration of appointment of Emeritus Medical Scientists will ordinarily be
for a period of two years in the first instance. Further extension up to a
maximum period of three years, one year at a time, may be granted in deserving
cases depending on the programme of research work undertaken and on the
recommendation of the Selection Committee till the age of 65 years is attained.
Other Research Related Activities:
i) Short Term Research Studentship (STS)
Objectives(s)
· Short Term Research Studentship Programme was initiated in 1979 in order to promote interest and aptitude for research among medical undergraduates. The main objective of this programme is to provide an opportunity to undergraduate medical students to familiarize themselves with research methodology and techniques by being associated for a short duration with their seniors on ongoing research programmes or by undertaking independent projects.
This programme is only for undergraduate medical/dental students and therefore, any applications received from students doing their internship would not be considered. This programme is not open to students of paramedical courses.
IV. Areas of research support
The guide should indicate the nature of the ongoing research programme with which the student will be associated. The research techniques and methodology providing an opportunity to the student to familiarize with, may also be indicated and described briefly. The Guide should ensure that she/he selects a suitable brief topic for this studentship which can be completed within 2 months without asking for extension.
The short term studentship is non-transferable and cannot be given to another student in the event of a student not accepting it after getting approval. The studentship will be of 2 months’ duration and will cover the vacation period. The value of the studentship will be Rs. 2500/- per month and is meant to be a stipend for the student.
Application in the prescribed format for such studentship should be submitted through the Principal / Head of the Institute to the Director General, Indian Council of Medical Research, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi 110029, before the last date (Feb 28th of each year). For more details, website may be seen (http://www.icmr.nic.in/strform.doc ).
On completion, two copies of detailed report on the work done by the candidate, giving an introduction, review of literature, aims and objectives, material and methods, results and observations, discussion, conclusions, summary and bibliography, should be submitted to the Chief, Division of BMS , ICMR, New Delhi, through the guide.
The report will be evaluated at ICMR and the Council reserves the right to approve or disapprove a report. Payment of stipend will be made only if report is approved by the Council.
Detailed information about this STS program, updates and also the application forms, guidelines for preparation of report proforma for report submission, checklists, stipend bill forms etc. are available on ICMR website.
VII. Contact Address
ii) National Task Force Projects
Task Force studies are national projects, centrally planned and coordinated and usually implemented on a multi-centric basis. These projects are time-bound, with a goal-oriented approach and clearly defined targets, specific time frames and conducted by standardised and uniform methodologies.
These task force projects are formulated taking into consideration the national priority areas of research. Collaborating scientists with expertise and infrastructure available to undertake such activities are identified by the Council itself through its Task Forces and other Expert Committees. Peer review is a strong feature of ICMR for both adhoc and task force projects.
The ICMR’s permanent Institute/Centre can be one of the participating Centre of Task Force multi-centric project. In such cases the project has to be approved by the Scientific Advisory Committee of the respective Institute/Centre.
iii) Centres For Advanced Research
This scheme was formulated to encourage in-depth research on an identified research problem with the aim of generating new knowledge and having a better understanding of a disease or a health condition. The activities could focus on one or multiple aspects like causation, progression, management, and prevention. A scientist with outstanding achievements and recognition in a given field can approach ICMR with a specific proposal. Alternatively the ICMR identifies the specific research need and calls for applications from selected individuals/centres in the country which have proven excellence in the area and have the necessary infrastructure to carry out further work.
Assistance is provided to Principal Investigator (PI) to continue and expand the work with the aim that the facility so created would continue to function even after the funding is over. After completion of the project, the host institution would be expected to take over the activities of the Centre as permanent activity.
Generally CARs are located in Medical Colleges, non-ICMR Institutes and Universities where there is evidence of definite research advancement in a given area, assurance of local support and maximum facilities. CAR should serve as a training centre and should be able to develop cadre of trained personnel and also provide infrastructure facilities for carrying out health research in other institutions. A condition, specific to CARs is that the PI should not be transferred for the duration of CAR to maintain continuity.
There is no prescribed format for making the application, however, it is expected that the applicant would highlight the existing expertise and infrastructure and need for the CAR. Detailed proposal with budget requirement on the pattern of adhoc research application form may be submitted.
VII. Contact Address
iv) Guidance for International Collaboration for Research in Biomedical Sciences
An Indo-Foreign Cell (IFC) was set up in the Indian Council of Medical Research in the early 1980s to coordinate collaboration in biomedical research between India and other countries/ international agencies. The IFC was upgraded to the Division of International Health (IHD) in 2000. By and large, biomedical research / health sciences have figured in practically every bilateral agreement in the field of Science and Technology. In addition, there have been a few specific agreements signed by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare with other countries as well as those signed directly by the ICMR. The purposes of these agreements have been for :
(i) exchange of scientific information; (ii) exchange of scientists/technicians and joint execution of scientific projects, including support in the procurement of scientific equipments; and (iii) organisation of joint scientific meetings, seminars, workshops, symposia on identified subjects of cooperation.
Applications for research projects involving foreign assistance / collaboration in biomedical / health research are to be submitted to ICMR (IHD) for approval of Govt. of India through Health Ministry’s Screening Committee (HMSC). The ICMR is the secretariat of HMSC. The procedures / instructions as well as application format vary from country to country and from agency to agency. The information provided in this write-up is based on the experiences of investigators and ICMR to assist the scientists in developing Indo-Foreign collaborative proposals for research in biomedical sciences.
Forms and Other Details :
1 For assistance from France
i. Under IFCPAR mechanism: Director, Indo-French Centre for the Promotion of Advanced Research (IFCPAR), 5B,Ground Floor, India Habitat Centre, Lodhi Road, New Delhi-110 003. (Tel. 24682251, 24682252, Fax 24648632)
ii. Under ICMR-INSERM MOU-International Health Division of ICMR (through joint call for proposals on ICMR / INSERM websites & ICMR Bulletin from time to time)
2. For Indo-German and Indo-UK & others
Proposals are to be prepared using ICMR format which is available on the website.
3. For Indo-US collaboration
Office of Health Attaché & HHS, US Embassy in India, Shantipath, Chankayapuri, New Delhi - 110 021. (Tel. 24198213, Fax 24198770)
4. For assistance from WHO
The prescribed form from SEARO, WHO, New Delhi, & its website is to be used (Tel. 23317804, 23317823, Fax 23318607, 23327972).
5. For assistance from Foreign Foundations
The prescribed format of the concerned Foundation is to be used. If there is no prescribed format, proposals are to be prepared using ICMR format.
6. National Funding Agencies
Indian Council of Medical Research
(ICMR)
V. Ramalingaswami Bhawan, Post Box No. 4911, Ansari Nagar,
New Delhi - 110029, India.
Tel. No: (011)
26589794, 26588980 Extn. 237,
TeleFax. (011) 26589492
E-mail:
icmrhqds@sansad.nic.in
Website:
www.icmr.nic.in
Department of
Biotechnology (DBT)
Block 2, 7th Floor,
CGO Complex, Lodhi Road,
New Delhi –110003
Tel. No: 011-24363939,
24363012
Fax No: 011-24362884
Website:
www.dbtindia.nic.in
Department of Science & Technology
(DST)
Technology Bhavan,
New Mehrauli Road,
New Delhi –110016
Tel. No:
011-26567373,
26962819
Fax. No: 011-26864570, 26862418
E-mail:
dstinfo@alpha.nic.in
Website:
www.dst.gov.in
Council of Scientific & Industrial
Research (CSIR)
Anusandhan Bhavan,
2, Rafi Ahmed Kidwai Marg,
New Delhi-110001
Tel. No: 011-23737889,
23710138
Fax No: 011-23710618
E-mail:
root@csir.res.in
Website: www.csir.res.in
Contact Address at ICMR
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Assistant Director General International Health Division (IHD) Indian Council of Medical Research V. Ramalingaswami Bhawan Post Box No. 4911 Ansari Nagar, New Delhi – 110029 |
Tel.No : (011) 26589794, 265888\980 Extn. 237
TeleFax : 91-011-26589492
E-mail : icmrhqds@sansad.nic.in
Website: www.icmr.nic.in
Considering that India has attained excellence and leadership amongst the developing countries in several areas of research especially in tropical and communicable diseases in the field of epidemiology/surveillance/diagnosis, it becomes imperative that India should take a lead in sharing and offering opportunities to scientists from developing countries to come and work in Indian institutes/laboratories.
To achieve this objective and for better south to south cooperation, the ICMR has embarked upon international fellowships for capacity building and human resource development programme for biomedical scientists working in developing countries.
Duration of Fellowships
One to six months
Number of Fellowships
Five fellowships per year
1. The applicant should be a citizen of a developing country and working in that country.
2. The applicant should possess a minimum qualification of MBBS/M.Sc (life sciences).
3. Age: Preferably below 45 years.
4. The applicant should be employed in a regular position in a recognised University/ Scientific/Health Research Institution in his/her respective country.
5. The application should be forwarded by the Employer/Head of the Institution preferably through the Indian Embassy in the respective country with a statement that the candidate will be considered on duty as a full time employee of the Institution during his/her fellowship programme.
6. Knowledge of spoken/written English is essential (to be certified by Indian mission abroad).
7. The applicant should prepare a concrete plan of training he/she wishes to undertake in India.
Financial Support
A subsistence allowance of Rs.500/- per day Economy class excursion return airfare to /from host Institution.
Note : 1. Guidelines governing the fellowship and list of ICMR and some of non-ICMR institutions which provide training in different areas of biomedical research can be downloaded from ICMR Website (www.icmr.nic.in/guide/Inf ICMR Inst.htm) along with application form & other details.
2. These fellowships are published on ICMR website
vi). ICMR International Fellowship For Indian Biomedical Scientists
Rapid advances in science and technology have brought in new technologies to understand the disease process and find strategies for prevention and cure. There are areas at the cutting edge of science such as molecular medicine, genomics, immunology, which have revolutionized knowledge for finding rapid diagnostics, vaccines, new drug targets and other therapeutic measures. There is an urgent need that researchers working in the core health sectors like diagnostics, epidemiology, surveillance and cure are exposed to the latest advancements in knowledge and interact with International scientists in their respective field of work.To achieve the objective of building up of a highly skilled pool of biomedical researchers in all aspects of biomedical research including basic, applied, epidemiological and clinical sciences, the ICMR has embarked upon an International fellowship programme for capacity strengthening of scientists of our country.
Young Scientists: 3 to 6 months Senior Scientists: 10 to 15 days
Young Scientists: 6 fellowships per year Senior Scientists: 3 fellowships per year
1. The applicant should be a citizen of India and working in the country.
2. The applicant should possess an M.D/Ph.D degree with at least three years teaching/research experience in a recognized Institute after obtaining the requisite qualification.
3. Age: Below 45 years for young scientists
Below 55 years for senior scientists.
4. The applicant should be employed in a regular position in a recognised Biomedical/ Health Research Institution.
5. The application should be forwarded by the Employer/Head of the Institution with a statement that the candidate will be considered as a full time employee of the Institution during the period of his/her fellowship.
6. The applicant should submit a letter of acceptance from the host Institute where he/she proposes to work during the fellowship.
7. The applicant should submit a concrete plan of training pertaining to the project submitted for availing the fellowship.
Financial Support
Young Scientists: US $1800 per month.
Return economy class excursion airfare.
A contingency grant of Rs.10,000/-.
Senior Scientists: US $150 per day including accommodation subject to a maximum of US $ 1800 ( original receipt for hotel accommodation will have to be submitted while claiming).
Return economy class excursion airfare.
Contact Address
Notes : 1. General guidelines governing the fellowship, the application form and other details can be downloaded from the ICMR website : www.icmr.nic.in
2 These fellowships are advertised in leading national newspapers and on ICMR website.
vii) ICMR Financial Assistance to MD/MS/DM/MCH Thesis Programme
This scheme is primarily aimed at promoting good quality research in medical colleges through students pursuing post graduation courses as well as to improve visibility and accessibility of their research work to larger research audience. The council through the financial assistance to medical graduates ensures procuring an electronic and hard copy of MD/MS/DM/MCH dissertation thesis, which is to be displayed in its library as well as salient highlights posted on its website:
a. The Council will provide a total financial assistance of Rs.25,000 to the selected candidates pursuing post graduate courses (MD/MS/DM/MCH)
b. Number of Awards: Limited to 50 per year.
c. Eligibility: Medical graduates who are admitted to the MD/MS/DM/MCH courses in any of the MCI recognized Institute/College and who wish to avail of the ICMR award for pursuing their research project.
d. Upper age limit: 45 years.
Monitoring
Every attempt will be made by the Committee to identify a scientist from discipline appropriate to the research topic as a mentor, to monitor the project continuously till the research project is completed and reported. He will be in communication with the guide/ the student who will make periodic reports on the progress of the project and will give appropriate advice and guidance to the student for future course of action and mid-course correction, if needed. The monitor, the guide and the student should work as a team and ensure that the output is a thesis of reasonably good quality and can be reported in scientific journals.
Application duly filled by the candidates in ICMR format forwarded by the guide and certified by Dean/Principal may be sent twice in a year, before 30th June or 31st December in a particular year.
viii) Grant-in-aid for organising Seminars/Symposia/Workshops
www.icmr.nic.in/icmrnews/seminar.htm
The Council provides partial financial assistance for organising Seminars/ Symposia/ Workshops/ Conferences. The completed application form is to be returned to ICMR Headquarters along with detailed programme (such as speakers, topics/titles of papers/lectures etc.) and list of participants/speakers ( in 7 copies ) at least four months in advance of proposed activity for taking further action.
The sanction of grants by Council depends on the importance of the topic /subject of the Seminar/Symposium and its relevance to ICMR. However, C.M.E. programmes are not generally funded by the Council.
The application form can be obtained from the following address (can also be downloaded from the ICMR website):
Administrative Officer
Administration II
Indian Council of
Medical Research
V. Ramalingaswami Bhawan,
Post Box No. 4911, Ansari Nagar,
New Delhi - 110029