The Vaishvik Bhartiya Vaigyanik (VAIBHAV) Fellowship Programme, initiated by the Ministry of Science and Technology, aims to strengthen the research ecosystem in India by connecting outstanding scientists and technologists of Indian origin (NRI/OCI/PIO) with Indian higher educational institutions. This essay explores the key details and features of the VAIBHAV Fellowship Programme.

Aim of the VAIBHAV Fellowship Programme:

The primary objectives of the VAIBHAV Fellowship Programme are as follows:

  1. Encouraging Indian-origin researchers: The programme aims to inspire scientists and technologists of Indian origin residing abroad to spend two months each year at higher education institutions in India. By doing so, it promotes engagement and collaboration between the Indian STEMM diaspora and their home country.
  2. Enhancing research ecosystem: The programme seeks to enhance India’s research ecosystem by facilitating academic and research partnerships with leading institutions worldwide. This is achieved through the mobility of researchers from foreign institutions to India, fostering knowledge exchange and collaboration.
Features of the VAIBHAV Fellowship Programme:

The VAIBHAV Fellowship Programme offers several noteworthy features, which include:

  1. Research opportunity in India: NRI researchers are given the opportunity to work in India for a research organization or academic institution for a minimum of one month and a maximum of two months annually. This allows them to contribute their expertise and experience to the development of cutting-edge research in India.
  2. Inclusion of top-ranked institutions: The fellowship is open not only to researchers of Indian origin but also to researchers from institutions listed in the top 500 QS World University Rankings. This inclusion ensures a diverse pool of talented individuals, further enhancing the quality of research collaborations.
  3. Comprehensive fellowship grant: VAIBHAV fellows are provided with a fellowship grant of INR 4,00,000 per month. This financial support enables researchers to focus on their work without worrying about financial constraints. Additionally, the fellowship covers international and domestic travel expenses, accommodation, and contingencies.
Collaborative Research and Technology Transfer:

The VAIBHAV Fellowship Programme encourages collaboration between the fellows and their Indian counterparts. This collaboration is aimed at initiating research activities in host institutions, focusing on cutting-edge areas of science and technology. By leveraging the expertise of the Indian STEMM diaspora, the programme facilitates technology transfer, knowledge dissemination, and the exploration of innovative solutions to societal challenges.

Important Points:

  • Aim of the VAIBHAV Fellowship Programme:
    • Encouraging Indian-origin researchers to connect with India 🌍
    • Enhancing the research ecosystem in India through global partnerships 🤝
  • Features of the VAIBHAV Fellowship Programme:
    • Research opportunity in India for NRI researchers 🇮🇳
    • Inclusion of top-ranked institutions (QS World University Rankings) 📚
    • Comprehensive fellowship grant (INR 4,00,000 per month) 💰
    • Coverage of international and domestic travel, accommodation, and contingencies ✈️🏨
  • Collaborative Research and Technology Transfer:
    • Collaboration between VAIBHAV fellows and Indian counterparts 👥
    • Focus on cutting-edge areas of science and technology 🔬💡
    • Facilitating technology transfer and knowledge dissemination 📡📚
    • Exploration of innovative solutions to societal challenges 🌟🌍
  • Conclusion:
    • Bridging the gap between the Indian STEMM diaspora and Indian higher education institutions 🌉
    • Enhancing India’s research ecosystem and advancements in science and technology 🚀🔬
    • Empowering outstanding scientists and technologists of Indian origin to contribute to their home country’s progress 💪
Why In News

The highly anticipated VAIBHAV Fellowship Programme has been unveiled with the aim of fostering meaningful connections between the Indian STEMM diaspora and prestigious Higher Educational Institutions across India. This groundbreaking initiative seeks to leverage the vast expertise and knowledge of the Indian STEMM diaspora to enhance research collaborations and drive innovation within the country’s educational landscape.

MCQs about VAIBHAV Fellowship Programme

  1. What is the primary aim of the VAIBHAV Fellowship Programme?
    A. To promote cultural exchange between Indian-origin researchers and foreign institutions.
    B. To provide financial support to Indian researchers working abroad.
    C. To enhance the research ecosystem in India through collaborations with global institutions.
    D. To facilitate technology transfer from India to other countries.
    Correct Answer: C. To enhance the research ecosystem in India through collaborations with global institutions.
    Explanation: The VAIBHAV Fellowship Programme aims to strengthen research in India by connecting outstanding scientists and technologists of Indian origin with Indian higher educational institutions and fostering partnerships with leading global institutions.
  2. Who is eligible to apply for the VAIBHAV Fellowship?
    A. Researchers from any country interested in conducting research in India.
    B. Indian-origin scientists and technologists residing abroad.
    C. Researchers from institutions ranked in the QS World University Rankings.
    D. Any scientist or technologist engaged in research activities worldwide.
    Correct Answer: B. Indian-origin scientists and technologists residing abroad.
    Explanation: The VAIBHAV Fellowship is specifically designed for outstanding scientists and technologists of Indian origin (NRI/OCI/PIO) who are engaged in research activities in their respective countries.
  3. What does the fellowship grant under the VAIBHAV Fellowship Programme cover?
    A. Research equipment and laboratory expenses.
    B. International and domestic travel, accommodation, and contingencies.
    C. Tuition fees for higher education in India.
    D. Stipend for the host institution’s faculty members.
    Correct Answer: B. International and domestic travel, accommodation, and contingencies.
    Explanation: The fellowship grant provided under the VAIBHAV Fellowship Programme covers the expenses related to travel (both international and domestic), accommodation, and contingencies. It ensures that the fellows can focus on their research work without financial constraints.
  4. What is expected of the VAIBHAV fellows during their stay in India?
    A. Working on research projects of their choice without collaboration.
    B. Teaching and mentoring students at the host institution.
    C. Engaging in collaborative research with their Indian counterparts.
    D. Providing lectures and seminars at various institutions across India.
    Correct Answer: C. Engaging in collaborative research with their Indian counterparts.
    Explanation: VAIBHAV fellows are expected to collaborate with their Indian counterparts and help initiate research activities in the host institution. The programme encourages collaboration and knowledge exchange between the fellows and Indian researchers in cutting-edge areas of science and technology.

Boost up your confidence by appearing our Weekly Current Affairs Multiple Choice Questions

Loading