Odisha Opens Applications for Prestigious Biotechnology Research Fellowship
The Department of Science and Technology in Odisha has officially announced the opening of applications for the highly anticipated Odisha Biotechnology Research and Innovation Fellowship. This initiative represents a significant step by the state government to foster advanced scientific exploration and build a robust talent pool in the life sciences sector.
Key Details and Application Deadline
Prospective candidates are urged to note that the final date for submitting applications is March 5. All applications must be properly endorsed by the head of the applicant's institute and include all necessary supporting documents. Importantly, submissions are required to be sent both via email and traditional postal service to ensure proper receipt by the deadline.
Objectives of the Fellowship Program
This fellowship program was recently launched with several core objectives in mind:
- To promote and support cutting-edge research in frontier areas of biotechnology and allied life sciences.
- To provide financial fellowships to meritorious and deserving students pursuing advanced studies.
- To develop a skilled human resource base in biotechnology that can contribute to academic institutions, industry needs, and broader societal applications.
Eligibility Criteria for Applicants
The fellowship is open to students who meet specific educational qualifications. Eligible candidates include those who have completed:
- An MSc or MTech degree in biotechnology or allied sciences, having secured a first division or an equivalent grade from any recognized university, college, or institution.
- A 4-year undergraduate degree as per the guidelines of the New Education Policy (NEP)-2020, with the intention to pursue higher studies leading to a PhD in biotechnology or related fields.
Furthermore, applicants must be domiciles of Odisha and the fellowship is exclusively available to registered full-time PhD candidates. These candidates must be enrolled in any government university or college within the state, or any state or central government institute that is established in Odisha.
Selection Process and Fellowship Benefits
The selection committee will evaluate candidates based on a comprehensive scoring system totaling 100 marks. This includes 50 marks for academic career and achievements, and another 50 marks for presentation skills and performance in a personal interview.
Each year, the program will award fellowships to 20 PhD students. Selected fellows will receive a generous monthly stipend of Rs 30,000 for a duration of three years. In addition to this stipend, candidates are eligible for an annual contingency amount of Rs 50,000 to support research-related expenses.
Oversight and Evaluation
The progress and performance of each fellow's research project will be subject to evaluation by the Project Evaluation and Review Committee (PERC). This committee may conduct assessments periodically throughout the project tenure as deemed necessary to ensure research quality and adherence to objectives.
Official sources from the Science and Technology Department have emphasized that this fellowship aims to create a sustainable pipeline of biotechnology experts who can drive innovation and address complex challenges in health, agriculture, and environmental sciences.
