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DEPARTMENT OF ATOMIC ENERGY (DAE) |
I. Introduction
The Department of Atomic Energy supports research programmes in Nuclear Science and Technology through the Board of Research in Nuclear Sciences (BRNS). BRNS support the following schemes.
II. Name of scheme(s)
1. R&D Project
2. Symposium/Conference/Workshop
3. DAE Young Scientists Research Award
4. Dr. K.S. Krishnan Research Associateship
5. Raja Ramanna Fellowship
6. Visiting Scientists
7. Homi Bhabha Chair Professorship
8. DAE Graduate Fellowships
9. DAE Graduate Fellowships for Ph.D.
10. DAE-SRC Award
II.1 R&D Project Scheme
Objective(s)
· Fostering research capabilities and manpower development in universities and similar institutions of higher learning and research.
III. Who can submit a proposal
Faculty members of the universities and other similar educational and research institutions.
IV. When and how to submit a proposal
All research proposals should be submitted by November 15 in the prescribed format (Form 2A) of BRNS. Copies of the form can be obtained from the Programme Officer, BRNS or from http://www.barc.ernet.in/webpages/brns/brns1.html.
V. Areas of research support
· Basic Sciences (Physics and Chemistry)
· Life and Medical Sciences
· Engineering Sciences
· Material Science
· Electronics and Instrumentation
· Isotopes Applications in Industry
· Food and Agricultural Sciences
· Radiation and Environmental Sciences
VI. Components of grant
Equipment, consumables, travel and other contingencies. In addition Staff salaries are also provided.
VII. Items not allowed out of grant
Infrastructure facilities like building, air conditioner, furniture, fixtures etc.
VIII. Mechanism of implementation and monitoring
The research proposals are referred to the concerned Advisory Committee. The Proposals are thereafter referred to specialists in the field and members of the Advisory Committee. Proposals requiring a large funding, a sub-committee consisting of experts in the field is constituted for initial evaluation. In such cases, members of the Advisory committee may visit the institution or invite the Investigator to assess the laboratory facilities. The Advisory committees forward their recommendations on each research proposals to BRNS. BRNS makes its recommendations to the DAE. Based on the recommendations of BRNS, new proposals are approved by DAE.
For all major projects a monitoring committee is constituted. For projects not having a principal collaborator from DAE, a coordinator for DAE in nominated. The investigators are required to present their progress of work to the Advisory committee members and experts in the field. Five copies of the Project Completion Report (PCR) are required to be submitted to DAE. These are referred and reviewed by the Advisory Committee.
In addition to the normal projects submitted by the principal investigators for financial support, BRNS also considers some intensively funded schemes of importance to DAE as well as to create major centers at selected places to develop expertise in a particular area of science and technology. These proposals are funded after critical evaluation and wherever necessary BRNS constitutes separate sub-committees with experts drawn from both within and outside DAE for evaluation and follow-up.
II.2 Symposium/Conference/Workshop
Objective(s)
· To promote large scale interactions in various disciplines of science and technology that are of interest to DAE.
III. Who can submit a proposal
The chairman/Convenor of the Organising Committee of the Symposium.
IV. When and how to submit a proposal
All applications should be in the prescribed format in Form 2E for seeking partial financial assistance and Form 2D for seeking full financial assistance from BRNS. Application for such support in the prescribed form should reach Programme Officer BRNS. Application for such support in the prescribed form should reach Programme Officer, BRNS at least 3 months in advance before the date of the event. The Form 2E may be downloaded from the http://www.barc.ernet.in
V. Components of grant
Expenditure on printing of Circulars, Invitation Cards, Banners and Registration bags. Payment of Travelling Allowance/Support to delegates and invited speakers.
II.3 DAE Young Scientist Research Award
Objective(s)
· To support young scientist below the age of 35 years in their initial years of settling down in a career of R&D.
III. Who can submit a proposal
Scientists / Engineers working in universities, academic institutions of higher learning having a regular position.
IV. When and how to submit a proposal
The proposals are accepted and processed throughout the year.
V. Areas of research support
· Physics
· Chemistry
· Life and Medical Sciences
· Engineering Science
· Material Science
· Electronics and Instrumentation
· Food and Agricultural Science
· Radiation and Environmental Sciences
· Radioisotope Application
VI. Components of grant
Equipment, consumables, travel and other contingencies. The maximum limit of cost of the project is Rs. 10 lakhs.
VII. Items not allowed out of grant
Infrastructure facilities.
VIII. Mechanism of implementation and monitoring
The proposals received are sent for reviewer’s comments. Subsequently, the concerned Advisory Committee of BRNS invites the applicant for presentation if necessary. Financial sanctions are issued based on the recommendations of the Advisory Committee, BRNS. The Advisory Committee monitors the projects through six monthly reports from the investigators. Five copies of the project completion report (PCR) are required to be submitted to DAE. These are referred and reviewed by the Advisory Committee.
II.4 Dr. K.S. Krishnan Research Associateship
Objective(s)
· To support talented science and engineering research scholars.
III. Who can submit a proposal
(a) Minimum Educational Qualification and Experience:
(i) For Engineers: Ph.D. degree in Engineering (Those who have submitted thesis for Ph.D. may also apply) or Master’s degree in Engineering (M.Tech./M.E.) with 2-year R&D experience after obtaining M.Tech./M.E. degree.
(ii) For Scientists: Ph.D. degree in Science (Those who have submitted thesis for Ph.D. may also apply).
(b) Nationality/Age: Indian not more than 32 years as on 1st January in the year of the application. The age criterion is relaxable by 5 years for SC/ST candidates and 3 years for OBC candidates. The SC/ST/OBC certificate should be as per the prescribed format.
IV. When and how to submit a proposal
Applications are received throughout the year. Selection interviews are held twice every year. The applicants who submit their applications by 31st March are called for interview in July and those who submit their applications by 30th September are called for interview in January.
V. Areas of research support
· Chemical Engineering
· Computer Engineering
· Electrical Engineering
· Electronics Engineering
· Mechanical Engineering
· Metallurgical Engineering
· Structural Engineering
· Physical Sciences
· Chemical Sciences
· Radiation Sciences
· Environmental Sciences
· Life Sciences
· Medical Sciences
· Agricultural Sciences
· Electronics Sciences
· Materials Science
VI. Components of grant
Selected candidates are awarded KSKRA and paid a consolidated sum of Rs. 18,000/- per month. In addition Rs. 10,000/- per year is paid as Educational Material Allowance. Associates are provided Hostel accommodation, medical and leave benefits during the Associateship.
VII. Mechanism of implementation and monitoring
Selection is done by an interview committee (appointed by BRNS) from among the short listed candidates based on their qualification, published R&D work and performance in the interview.
KSKRAs are generally appointed as Scientific Officer/ Engineer-D subject to satisfactory performance during the Associateship as evaluated by the DAE concerned unit. Additional increments are also awarded depending upon qualification, experience and performance during the Associateship. Exceptionally brilliant candidates with excellent track record in advanced technologies of relevance to DAE and having a Ph.D. may be considered for the higher pay scale of Scientific Officer/ Engineer-E.
II.5 Raja Ramanna Fellowship Scheme (RRFS)
Objective(s)
· To utilize the services of active retired scientists/engineers and technologists, who have been involved in high quality research in their specialized discipline in the units of the DAE or any National Laboratory or University/Institute.
III. Who can submit a proposal
(i) Scientists, engineers & technologists retired from units of DAE including Aided Institutions are eligible.
(ii) Scientists, engineers & technologists retired from non-DAE institutions who are, preferably, fellows of one or more major science/engineering academies.
IV. When and how to submit a proposal
The Head of the Host Institute interested in utilizing the services of the DAE-BRNS Senior Scientist may send nomination papers to the Chairman, Atomic Energy Commission (AEC), Anushakti Bhavan, C.S.M. Marg, Mumbai-400 001.
V. Areas of research support
Areas of interest to Department of Atomic Energy.
VI. Components of grant
The Award is consisting of the following remuneration:
Honorarium: Rs. 20,000/- per month remuneration to be paid to the Scientist should be such that Rs. 20,000 + pension does not exceed the gross salary drawn at the time of retirement. The honorarium of Rs. 20,000/- will be reduced wherever necessary. The honorarium will be taxable at source.
Contigency: Rs. 50,000/- p.a. (includes the expenditure for the part time services of a Scientific Asstt./ Research Associate/ Secretary for collection of information, typing, etc. This would also cover the cost of stationery travel (within the country). Included in this would be the cost of other communication facilities limited to Rs. 10,000/-
Travel Allowance, LTC and Leave as per rules.
VII. Mechanism of implementation and monitoring
Applications will normally be reviewed twice a year (around 15th March and 15th September) but the review may be carried out at other times also in special cases. The names of scientists selected for this scheme shall normally be announced in April and October every year; however, announcements in special cases will also be made, subject to review as described above.
The Senior Scientist will submit an annual progress report to Chairman, AEC on the research work at the end of each calendar year along with a Statement of Expenditure for renewal and release of grant for the new year. Progress reports will be reviewed after two-and-a-half years, so that the decision to extend the tenure can be taken in time. The review will be taken by a committee appointed by the BRNS.
The Senior Scientist will be required to submit a consolidated technical report for the entire duration of the award at the end of the tenure. The actual research achievements made under the scheme may be summarized in about 200 words and mentioned in the Final Technical Report. Copies of manuscripts, preprints and reprints of papers arising from the work completed under the scheme should be attached to the Final Technical Report, and submitted to Chairman, AEC.
II.6 Visiting Scientists
Objective(s)
· To promote close interactions on specialized scientific and technical topics between the scientists and technologists from DAE and Universities/IITs/IISc/ National Labs.
III. Who can be a Visiting Scientist
Faculty members of Universities/Institutes interacting with DAE can be invited to visit a DAE unit as a visiting scientist to work on a problem of relevance to DAE in collaboration with a research group in the DAE Unit.
IV. Components of grant
a) Visits for a month and more
Rs. 16,000/- to Rs. 20,000/- p.m.
· Senior Visiting Scientists/ Engineers/ Professors
Rs.10,500/- to Rs. 15,000/- p.m.
· Visiting Scientists/Engineers
b) Visits for less than a month
1/4th of monthly rate per week
or Rs.800/- to Rs.1,000/- per day
subject to maximum weekly rate
of Rs.4,000/- to Rs.5,000/-
· Senior Visiting Scientists/Engineers/Professors
Rs.2,500/- to Rs.3,750/- per week or
or Rs.500/- to Rs.600/- per day
subject to a maximum weekly rate of Rs.2,500/- to Rs.3,750/-
· Visiting Scientists/Engineers
Travelling Allowance, House Rent Allowance etc. as admissible.
V. Mechanism of implementation and monitoring
The invitation should have approval of the Group Board/ Appropriate Scientific Committee of the research center. After approval by the Group Board/ Appropriate Scientific Committee, the proposal may be submitted to BRNS Secretariat by the host through Group Director/ Head of the Unit giving details as approved. The period of visit shall be up to 3 months. The visitor may be a Principal Investigator (PI) of an ongoing BRNS project who wants to carry out part of the project at his Principal Collaborator’s (PC) laboratory or he may be a prospective PI who wants to formulate his project proposal in consultation with Scientists/ Engineers from a DAE unit. The visiting scientist may deliver a series of lectures in a research center of DAE. At end of the visitorship the scientist may submit a report highlighting outcome of the visit.
II.7 Homi Bhabha Chair Professorship
Objective(s)
· These Chairs are instituted in recognition of sustained record of excellence and creative contribution to research and / or teaching in the area of interest to DAE.
III. Components of grant
DAE pays the Chair Professor a salary of Rs.26,000/- per month with all permissible allowances as per government rules in force. The Chair professor is also eligible for PF and other retirement benefits. The Host Institution is given an ad-hoc grant of Rs.50,000/- per annum to cover the expenses on providing accommodation and other infrastructural facilities to the Chair Professor.
II.8 DAE Graduate Fellowships Scheme (DGFS)
Objective(s)
· To provide excellent career opportunity to students qualifying for admission to the M.Tech Course in Indian Institute of Technology at Mumbai, New Delhi, Kanpur, Kharagpur, Chennai or Roorkee.
III. Who can submit a proposal
Applicants opting for this scheme should fulfill following eligibility criteria:
Nationality/ Age: Indian with age not more than 26 years as on 1st Sept. of the year of admission to M.Tech. Relaxation in age by 5 years for SC/ST and by 3 years for OBC applicants is admissible.
Qualifications: Applicant should first secure admission (on their own) at the Institute (in Jun-Aug 2004 for the batch DGFS-2004) under the relevant M.Tech Programme with required Pre-M.Tech Degree/Discipline (BE/B.Tech/M.Sc).
IV. When and how to submit a proposal
An advertisement for the Scheme appears in Newspaper during Nov/Dec every year. Applicant can apply using the associated ‘Application Form’ either by mailing application by post (by April 15) or through website www.hrdbarc.gov.in (by April 20). Final Selection will be by an interview (during June/July) of short-listed applicants.
V. Areas of research support
· Mechanical Engineering
· Cryogenic
· Chemical Engineering
· Applied Mechanics
· Civil Engineering
· Earthquake Engineering
· Nuclear Hydrology
· Metallurgical Engg, Materials Sc/Engg
· Electrical Engineering
· Reliability Engineering, Systems & Control Engineering, Energy Systems
· Power/Communication/Control Engg, Integrated Electronics & Circuits
· Instrumentation
· Computer Science, Engg & Technology
· Applied Optics, Lasers & Optoelectronics
· Nuclear Engg & Technology
· Solid State Materials/Electronic Materials
VI. Components of grant
A monthly stipend of Rs.11000/- and a one time educational material allowance and Rs.5000/- will be paid to the selected DGFS Fellow through the Institute. In addition, their tuition fees will be reimbursed by the DAE to the Institute directly. All other statutory deposits, hostel fee, mess dues etc. will be payable by the selected applicants directly to the Institute. Selected applicants will be entitled to medical facilities as admissible to all other students at the Institute Campus.
VII. Mechanism of implementation and monitoring
DGFS fellow requires to complete the M.Tech Course in 2 years. Elective/Audit courses and project work will be decided jointly by the DAE and the Institute Project Guides. On joining the scheme, selected DGFS Fellows will sign an agreement and a bond to serve DAE for a period of 3 years starting from date of joining in DAE as Scientific Officer-C. In case of non-compliance he/she will have to refund the stipend, fees, book allowances etc paid by DAE.
The DGFS Fellows will be absorbed in the grade of Scientific Officer-C in the DAE Units on successful completion of the course. If a DGFS Fellow withdraws from the scheme before the completion of the M.Tech programme, he/she will have to refund, as per the terms and conditions of the Agreement & Bond, stipend, fees, book allowances etc paid by DAE. If such a DGFS fellow decides to continue M.Tech, the Institute will not pay him/her any stipend.
II.9 DAE Graduate Fellowships Scheme(Ph.D.) [DGFS(Ph.D.)]
Objective(s)
· (i) To provide an opportunity to work on projects of interest to DAE to those students who aspire to attain the highest academic qualification, (ii) to achieve the basic objective of strengthening linkages between the grant-in-aid institutions and the research centres for the benefit of advancing the pace of research in nuclear sciences, and (iii) to accelerate the speed to translating R&D into technology products and their applications.
Since the DGFS (Ph.D.) is aimed at strengthening scholarship in the areas of interest to DAE, the fellowship awardees will be required to enroll for a Ph.D. programme of Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI)
III. Who can submit a proposal
The fellows for admission to DGFS (Ph.D.) will be selected by HBNI based on an all-India level selection procedure. Entry-level qualification will be M.Sc. or equivalent in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics or related subjects or B.Tech. or equivalent in an engineering discipline of interest to DAE.
IV. When and how to submit a proposal
Against specific advertisements.
V. Areas of research support
To carry forward this scheme at the constituent institutions, a list of broad areas of interest to the programmes of DAE, which could be pursued for research leading to Ph.D. by students, will be prepared with the approval of Chairman AEC. The R&D centres and grant-in-aid institutions will prepare topics for research in the identified areas.
VI. Components of grant
The fellowship amount offered will be Rs. 11,000/- during the first year and Rs. 15,000/- during the subsequent three years. The students will also get a contingency grant of Rs.10,000/- per year and the amount not spent can be carried over. The contingency grant can be used for travel to participate in symposia and for buying educational material such as books, CDs, software etc. Any travel related to the project work has to be funded from the budget of the constituent institution, since the student will work on a project of interest to the institution.
VII. Mechanism of implementation and monitoring
The selected candidates will pursue Ph.D. programme in one of the Constituent Institutions of HBNI. All fellows will be registered for Ph.D. with the HBNI and seconded to a research center or a grant-in-aid institution as per convenience.The topic of research will be of direct interest to the programmes of DAE. The students will be assigned two advisors, one having strength in basic research and the other in technology development, preferably across institutions.
The students will have the option to quit DGFS during the first 4 months. If anyone quits after 4 months and before the completion of two years, he/she will have to refund half the fellowship amount received by him/her. (It is felt that anyone who has spent two years, would have done sufficient research work and would not like to quit. Limiting the period to two years would make the bond amount manageable).
After the award of Ph.D., the scholars will have the option to appear for selection under Dr. K.S. Krishnan Research Associateship (KSKRA) programme.
II.10 DAE-SRC Awards
Objective(s)
· The core objective is to augment support to individual research workers with highly innovative ideas and with proven abilities to pursue advanced research in frontier areas of science and engineering at an accelerated pace.
III. Who can submit a proposal
Individual scientists/engineers of the DAE constituent units, as well as those outside DAE, working in public funded institutions are eligible to apply for these awards.
IV. When and how to submit a proposal
Proposal can be submitted any time during the year, there is no fixed format for the proposals, However, the applicant is expected to include the following:
a. A write up describing the relevance and importance of the proposed research and what the proposer expects to achieve at the end of the 5 years period.
b. Financial requirements for a 5-year period for equipment, consumables and research staff.
c. Other items such as travel and contingency expenditure.
The proposal should be sponsored by the Head of the Department / Director of the Institution, where the work is proposed to be carried out.
V. Components of grant
Expenditure on equipment, consumables and research infrastructure and research staff. The upper limit for funding would be about Rs. 1 crore per project spread over a period of 5 years. In the scheme provision for funding exists to facilitate work at centres other than the parent organization within the country. Such provisions include financial support for collaborative research and travel, visiting fellowship, transit accommodation and other perks as appropriate, to the individual awardee for the period that he is away from his parent organization.
VI. Mechanism of implementation and monitoring
The initial screening of the proposal shall be done by a Committee set up by the Chairman, AEC. If the Screening Committee selects a proposal, applicant would be asked to submit a detailed work plan. The detailed version of proposals will be scrutinized by a Committee of Experts to be chosen by the DAE SRC. Potential awardees would be requested to present their proposed work in person to the Committee before the final selection is made. (The awardees may have to modify the proposal based on interaction with the experts). Final approval for the project will be accorded by the DAE-SRC and its implementation would be under the Board of Research In Nuclear Sciences (BRNS).
VII. Contact Address