The National Children’s Science Congress (NCSC) is a program that aims to cultivate scientific curiosity among children across the country. The program encourages the use of scientific methods to explore and comprehend everyday problems related to their immediate surroundings. It is an inclusive program that welcomes children from all backgrounds, whether they are in or out of school, and regardless of their geographic, language, and cultural backgrounds. Children with disabilities are also welcomed. Through hands-on experience and the scientific method, the NCSC inspires children to explore, innovate, and discover scientific concepts. The Kerala State Council for Science, Technology, and Environment (KSCSTE) serves as the State Nodal agency for implementing the Children’s Science Congress program, which involves schools from diverse socio-economic backgrounds across the State. Features Programme to spread the concept of science among children through their project activities. Adopting the principle “Learning through doing”, Encourage children to observe, explore, experiment and wonder through the project activity. Eligibility NCSC is usually a group activity of two children of same age group. The children within the age group of 10 to 17 years are eligible to participate. The children of 10 to 14 years are considered as junior group and 14+ to 17 years as senior group as on the 31st December of the calendar year of participation. A group of children with two can do the project study under a teacher guide. (It is not mandatory that the guide must be a school teacher; rather any person with a fair knowledge about science and have the aptitude dealing with children can guide the CSC Project. Children under CWD group will have no restrictions of age group. Usually sixth to ninth standard children will come under junior group and tenth to twelfth standard children under senior group, irrespective of their ages. Contact Dr. P. Harinarayanan Senior Principal Scientist & State Coordinator National Children’s Science Congress Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE) Sasthra Bhavan, Pattom, Thiruvananthapuram-4 Tel: 0471- 2548299/2548495 E-mail : ncsckerala@gmail.com Downloads Guidelines Activity Guide Registration Form (A)
National Mathematics Day (NMD) In recognition of the contributions of the legendary Indian mathematician, Sri. Srinivasa Ramanujan, the Union Government of India in 2012 had decided to celebrate December 22, birthday of Srinivasa Ramanujan, as the National Mathematics Day every year. The basic objective of celebrating National Mathematics Day (NMD) is to spread the message of importance of mathematics for the development of humanity. Various initiatives are encouraged to enthuse, motivate and inculcate a positive attitude to learn mathematics among the younger generation of the country. Capacity building of teachers & students through training/ camps in Mathematics, development, production & dissemination of teaching learning materials (TLMs) for Mathematics and research in related areas will be a priority. National Science Day (NSD) National Science Day is observed to mark the novel discovery of Raman Effect by the great Indian Physicist Sir C. V. Raman on 28th February, 1928. The basic objective of observation of National Science Day is to spread the message of importance of science and its application among the people. KSCSTE is co-ordinating the State level activities in connection with the observance of National Science Day. National Technology Day (NTD) National Technology Day is celebrated across India on 11th May to commemorate the major technological breakthrough by successfully carrying out series of nuclear tests at Pokhran and to honour technological innovations and their successful commercialization which takes the fruits of research to reach to people at large. Technology Day is celebrated as a symbol of quest for scientific inquiry, technological creativity and the translation of that quest in the integration of Science, Society and Industry. Financial support is provided to agencies in the State for celebrating Technology Day with a view to generate awareness among the students, academia, general public, etc. through lectures, seminars, Quiz programmes, exhibitions, elocution etc. Ozone Day The United Nations (UN) International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer is celebrated on September 16 every year. This event commemorates the date of the signing of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that deplete the Ozone Layer in 1987. To mark this day as annual observance, Kerala State Council for Science Technology and Environment co-ordinates state wide activities and offers financial support for conducting various activities based on a theme. World Environment Day (WED) World Environment Day is celebrated on the 5th of June every year, and is the United Nation’s principal vehicle for creating awareness and action for the protection of our environment.
In pursuit of the global One Trillion Trees Initiative launched by the World Economic Forum in 2020, the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE) has initiated a programme aimed to promote the conservation and propagation of endangered tree species within the state. This initiative is being implemented through three of its premier R&D institutions—KSCSTE-Kerala Forest Research Institute, KSCSTE- Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute, and KSCSTE- Malabar Botanical Garden and Institute for Plant Sciences. The primary objective of this initiative is to identify and propagate tree species listed in the IUCN Red List, with an emphasis on threatened endemic species of Peninsular India, particularly those native to Kerala. The project aims to produce sufficient numbers of these species for widespread planting across diverse landscapes, including forested and degraded lands, sacred groves, educational campuses, and public parks. Furthermore, a selection of economically important tree species has been identified for distribution among farmers and plantation sectors, thereby integrating conservation with livelihood enhancement. Through this comprehensive approach, KSCSTE seeks to contribute meaningfully to global reforestation efforts while simultaneously preserving Kerala’s rich and unique botanical heritage. Key Features Conservation of Rare, Endangered, and Threatened species(RET) Large-Scale Propagation of RET species Restoration of ecological balance Preservation of Kerala’s unique botanical heritage Contribute meaningfully to global reforestation goals Contact Dr. P Harinarayanan Senior Principal Scientist, Kerala State Council for Science Technology and Environment (KSCSTE) Sasthra Bhavan, Pattom Thiruvananthapuram 0471 2548299 hari.kscste@kerala.gov.in
SHRESTA is envisaged for nurturing a few Centres of Excellence (CoE) from the State that produce world-class research in the areas of (i) Floods and Droughts (ii) Viral Research (Biotechnology) (iii) Nanotechnology (iv) Climate Change and (v) Robotics & Artificial Intelligence. SHRESTA aims to nurture the mature and nascent CoEs initially for two years and the potential Centres among them will be provided further support for next three years, attaining to a world class level. The Centre of Excellence (CoE) will be supported in phased manner with a grant of Rs. 200 lakh (maximum), over a period of 5 years. The proposed CoEs need to collaborate with National/ International Research Centres/ Universities/ Institutions.The selected Centres will be supported with financial grant to augment and strengthen the research capacity of the Centre including infrastructure at par with world class level in the stipulated areas with a multi-disciplinary and inter-institutional perspective. The overall aim of this programme is to develop Centres of Excellence in the State and facilitate pursuit of high-quality research and development of technologies through substantial investment in the Research Centres/Universities/Institutions and having proven track record and commitment to research. Procedure for Application Proposals will be invited through notification in the website of KSCSTE, once in a year, generally during July-August. The Proposals can be submitted through online only on notification and during the active time. Proposals submitted in any other mode will not be considered and summarily rejected. The Principal Investigator shall along with the proposal submit the Endorsement from the proposed Institution and Collaborating Institutions, Consent letter and necessary Certificates from Investigators, Resumes of PI and Co-I(s) highlighting the research achievements, etc. Features The Centres of Excellence (CoE) will be provided financial grant limiting to Rs.200 lakh which will be spread on a span of 5 years in 2 phases. The CoEs will be initially selected for Phase I support for 2 years with maximum financial grant up to 60 lakh. Based on their performance and deliverables achieved in Phase I, a subset of CoEs which show clear promise of becoming world-class Centre will be selected for Phase II support for 3 more years, with maximum financial grant up to 140 lakh. Selection of CoEs is done by the Programme Advisory Committee (PAC) after review of proposals by National level Subject Experts followed by critical evaluation by the PAC. The Head of the Institution will be in-charge of the CoE and responsible for the overall management of the Centre. The scheme encourages collaboration with National/ International Research Centres/ Universities/ Institutions. The Centers can get the privilege of collaborative research support from other Agencies by using this as matching grant. Eligibility Research Centres/R&D Institutions under Govt. of Kerala, Science/Engineering Departments of State Universities and Government Colleges in Kerala, having reputed standing and ranking and proven track record in research are eligible to apply under this scheme. Preference will be given to the R&D Centres of KSCSTE. The scheme encourages to collaborate with National/ International Research Centres/ Universities/ Institutions and the proposal shall include the details with the consent from such collaborating institutions. The Principal Investigator (PI) shall be the Head of the Institution/Centre/Dean in the case of University Departments, and he/she shall be a full time Faculty/Scientist having Doctoral Degree in Science/ Engineering. The PI shall have sufficient experience in administering and managing the Research Centres/Institutions, shall have carried out National/ International Research Projects and have at least 15 years of experience in carrying out Research activities/PG teaching. In case, the PI leaves the Institution due to unforeseen reasons, on transfer or superannuation or other reasons, the responsibility will be automatically transferred to the succeeding Head of the Institution until successful completion of the programme. There can be more than one Co-Investigator depending up on the multidisciplinary nature of the research, and the first Co-Investigator shall be from the same Institute or Department. The Co-Investigators (Co-Is) shall be full time Faculty/Scientist of the Centre/ University/ Institution with more than 3 years of service to retire. The first Co-Investigator shall have the same responsibility and accountability as that of the Principal Investigator. In case the first Co-I leaves the organisation before the successful completion of the programme, the Institute shall take up the responsibility to assign another suitable faculty as the first Co-I in consultation with KSCSTE, to continue with the programme until its successful completion. All the Co-Is shall have at least 3 years of experience in teaching/research activities. In the case of Centres carrying out multidisciplinary research, the collaboration of State/National/International level Centres is preferred. In such case, there can be more Co-Is for the project in the area of specialisation depending upon the interdisciplinary nature of the research area. The project team shall comprise of PI, Co-Is and Researcher Scholars. The Researchers may be registered full-time students for PhD or Post-Doctoral. Contact The Director KSCSTE Sasthra Bhavan, Pattom, Thiruvananthapuram Tel : 0471 2548200 –209 Email: mail.kscste@kerala.gov.in Scientist – in – Charge Dr. Siju C R Junior Scientist KSCSTE, Sasthra Bhavan, Pattom, Thiruvananthapuram Tel: 0471–2548236 E-mail: sijucrkscste@gmail.com Downloads Guidelines Format for Quarterly Progress Report Terms and Conditions Format for Annual Progress Report Endorsement from Host Institution Format for Statement of Expenditure Certificate from the Investigators Format for Utilization Certificate Format for no pending SE & UC Request for Re-appropriation Date of Start Intimation Form Request for Extension Format for Project Completion Report Format for Final Technical Report Format of Asset Transfer Certificate
Introduction The Prathibha Scholarship Programme, implemented by the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE), supports students of Kerala origin who excel in the Higher Secondary Examination. The scheme provides scholarships for pursuing Undergraduate and Postgraduate studies in Basic/Natural Sciences at recognized institutions/universities across India. The primary objective of the programme is to motivate talented students to take up higher studies and careers in Science. Application Procedure How to Apply Stage 1: Online Registration Register online before the stipulated date as per KSCSTEs notification. Ensure you have: A valid mobile number and email ID (active throughout the selection process). A recent passport-size photograph (150W 200H pixels). Enter Name, Date of Birth, Email ID, and HSE Roll Number to begin registration. Verify registration using the OTP received on your mobile and set a password (minimum 6 characters). On successful registration, an Application Number will be generated. This, along with the chosen password, will be sent to the registered mobile number for all future logins. Note: The Provisional Rank List is usually published on the KSCSTE website (www.kscste.kerala.gov.in) during March/April. Stage 2: After Publication of Provisional Rank List Students included in the Provisional Rank List must upload/submit the following for confirmation of the scholarship: Student Data Sheet (signed by the applicant and endorsed by the Head of Institution). Self-attested copy of Higher Secondary Examination mark list. Community Certificate (for SC/ST applicants). Proof of Kerala origin. Signed Terms & Conditions. E-payment form (in prescribed format). Only applications submitted with complete documents within the specified timeline will be considered for final ranking. Scholarship Features Awarded exclusively for Basic/Natural Sciences. Selection at Undergraduate level based on aggregate marks in Science subjects at the Higher Secondary Examination. Continuation to Postgraduate level is allowed if the scholar: Completes the UG course with a minimum of 75% marks, and Has received the scholarship during all 3 years of UG study. Scholarship Amounts Undergraduate / First 3 years of Integrated PG course 1st Year: ₹12,000 2nd Year: ₹18,000 3rd Year: ₹24,000 Postgraduate / 4th & 5th Year of Integrated PG course 1st Year: ₹40,000 2nd Year: ₹60,000 Additional Benefits Opportunities to attend Science Enrichment Programmes and summer internships in leading R&D institutions in Kerala. Reservation & Weightage: At least 50% seats for girl students. 10% reserved for SC/ST students. Weightage for Mathematical Sciences, Physical Sciences and Life Sciences will be proportional to the number of applications received in the respective subject areas. Students with triple-main subjects are considered in all three areas and selected based on best ranking. Eligibility Criteria Applicants must be of Kerala origin. Must have qualified the Higher Secondary Examination from Kerala. Minimum Marks Requirement: General Category: 90% aggregate (all subjects) and 90% (Science subjects). SC/ST Category: 80% aggregate (all subjects) and 80% (Science subjects). The applicants should have secured admission for 3-year U.G/ 4year UG (Hons)/5-year Integrated P.G programme in Basic/Natural Sciences in 2024-25. Scholarship is applicable for maximum 5 years including U.G/U.G(Hons) and P.G courses/Integrated P.G courses subject to renewal norms as per guidelines. Contact Dr. Jaya Jacob Scientist-in charge- Prathibha Scholarship Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE) Sasthra Bhavan, Pattom, Thiruvananthapuram 695004 📞 +91-471-2548402 📧 wsd1kscste@gmail.com Programme for Excellence in Experimental Design (SPEED) Introduction A science enrichment programme for Prathibha Scholars to nurture and motivate them for higher studies and career in Science. Programmes are organized through reputed research and academic institutions to introduce them to the research activities carried out, so as to develop passion for science research. Financial assistance is provided to scientists and academicians in these institutions for organising 5-day residential camps. The programme also provides a platform for the students to interact with eminent scientists and academicians. Procedure for Application Applications are invited from Regular Scientists/faculty members of Science in Central/State R&D Centers/Academic Institutions or Universities within the State of Kerala through advertisement by KSCSTE to host the SPEED Programme for Prathibha Scholars. Features Programme is fully residential (5 days) Each programme caters to about 50 students on an average The activities include sessions by eminent Scientists, field trips, Practical sessions etc. Eligibility Regular Scientists/faculty members of Science in Central/State R&D Centers/Academic Institutions or Universities within the State of Kerala Contact Scientist-in- Charge- Prathibha Scholarship Kerala State Council of Science, Technology and Environment SasthraBhavan, Pattom (P.O), Thiruvananthapuram 695 004 Ph: 0471 2548402 E-mail: wsd1kscste@gmail.com Downloads Prathibha Scholarship Renewal E-payment form Confirmation Data sheet : Batch- PS 2024-25 Terms & Conditions Guidelines
Overview The Back-to-Lab Post-Doctoral Fellowship programme, offered by KSCSTE, is designed to support women scientists who have experienced a career break of at least 01 year post PhD, due to family or personal commitments. This initiative provides a platform for qualified women with a Ph.D. in Science or Engineering to re-enter active research and contribute to the scientific community. The fellowship is intended for unemployed women who are permanent residents of Kerala and is typically awarded for a maximum duration of 2 years. How to Apply Interested candidates may reach out for application guidance or queries via: 📧 Email: wsd1kscste@gmail.com 📞 Phone: 0471-2548402 Eligible candidates can submit applications online for the 202526 cycle through the KSCSTE online portal. 💻➡️📝 Click here to apply for KSCSTE Back to Lab Post Doctoral Fellowship Fellowship Benefits Monthly Fellowship: ₹60,000/ per month consolidated Annual Contingency Grant: ₹75,000/- Tenure: Up to 2 years Eligibility Criteria Gender: Only women candidates are eligible. Domicile: Must be a permanent resident of Kerala. Employment Status: Applicants must be unemployed and on a career break at the time of application. Financial Support: Should not be receiving any salary, stipend, or financial assistance from any other source. Educational Qualification: Ph.D. in Science or Engineering (completed at the time of application). Minimum 60% marks in Post-Graduation. Age Limit: Maximum age: 40 years as on the date of application. Relaxation: 3 years for OBC and 5 years for SC/ST candidate Research Centre Requirements: Should not be the same as the candidates Ph.D. institution. Should preferably be located in Kerala. However, exceptional institutions outside Kerala such as IISc, IITs, IISERs will also be considered. Must be a Government Institution (R&D institutions (State/National level) or University Departments)/ Private R&D Institution* * Private organizations wishing to host KSCSTE Back to Lab Post-Doctoral Fellows should meet ANY 02/ 04 basic requirements as listed in the revised guidelines (with effect from November 2025) and should furnish the details during online submission of application. Publications: At least one research paper published in an SCI journal or a secured patent. Restrictions: Candidates who have previously availed a Post-Doctoral Fellowship from KSCSTE or any other agency are not eligible to apply. Contact Information Dr. Jaya Jacob Scientist-in-Charge (KSCSTE-BLP) Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment Sasthra Bhavan, Pattom, Thiruvananthapuram 695004, Kerala 📞 Tel: +91-471-2548402 📧 Email: jaya.kscste@kerala.gov.in 💻➡️📝 Click here to apply for KSCSTE Back to Lab Post Doctoral Fellowship Downloads NEW APPLICANTS: 2025-26 Notifications Revised Guidelines (Applicable for new selections after November 2025) Format for File uploads Certificate on Career Break Research Proposal Technical Information List of Publications Declaration by the Applicant Consent from Scientist Mentor Endorsement from Head of Institution For Private Institutions Declaration of Compliance with Mandatory Requirements Proof of Facilities available for Research Information on Faculty available for Research List of Students/Faculty doing Ph.D Ongoing Fellowships Guidelines 2023-24 Guidelines 2024-25 On Tentative sanction of Project Revised Terms & Conditions (Applicable for new selections after November 2025) E-payment form Upon Joining the institute Date of start intimation ONGOING RESEARCHERS Documents to be submitted for release of subsequent year grant Statement of Expenditure & Utilization Certificate Annual Progress Report (Project year) List of Publications(during the project year) Documents to be Submitted on Completion of Project Statement of Expenditure & Utilization Certificate, consolidated statement of expenditure Annual Progress Report for the 2nd year Project Completion Report Final Technical Report (FTR) Asset Transfer Certificate(if any) Full list of Publications (based on the project only) Proof on participation in Kerala Science Congress
Introduction Entrepreneurship Development by SC & ST Women in Science Technology Engineering Mathematics (ED/SC-ST- WISTEM) is aimed for exploring the potential of entrepreneurship along with improvement in the livelihood options for unemployed scheduled caste and scheduled tribe (SC & ST) women in STEM areas using tools of Science, Technology and Innovation. Procedure for Application Call for applications will be notified through print media and the websites/social media handles of KSCSTE (www.kscste.kerala.gov.in). The application should be submitted as per KSCSTE notification using appropriate weblinks provided in the website. Following the proposal submission guidelines, the applicant can directly submit applications/proposals to KSCSTE. Alternatively, the application submission can be done through nomination from the Head of S&T Institutions across Kerala. In the case of nomination, technical documents (and other required documents) along with recommendation letters from the Head of Institution must be submitted to KSCSTE. For nomination, KSCSTE will be sending prior information about the call of proposals to the Institutional authorities across the state for nominating eligible candidates for participation in the programme. Selection will be based on the evaluation of nominations received subject to recommendations of the Expert Committee constituted for the purpose by KSCSTE and final approval by competent authorities of KSCSTE. Merit of proposal will be considered as the major criteria for evaluation process. The merit of the proposal is assessed based on Key Points like (a) Need (solutions) (b) Social/commercial potential (c) Technical viability (d) Team strength (e) Business plan (e) TRL with measurable indicators. Application which doesn’t follow the guidelines will be summarily rejected. Features Structured programme – one year – 3 months entrepreneur training for SC- ST women in STEM & employment opportunities to unemployed SC-ST women in STEM areas for becoming as a Techno-entrepreneur for improving their livelihood using various aspects of Science, Technology and Innovation along with upgradation to higher level development of products/ technology with potential for commercialization Promote the commercial potential of marketable products/ technologies with appropriate Technology Readiness Level (TRL) for enterprise creation in different areas and sectors Fellowship & other financial support Mentor & institutional support On-site evaluation Selected candidates will be termed as ‘KSCSTE Project Scientist-ED/SC-ST-WISTEM 2022’. Submission of application either directly or by nomination by Head of S&T Institution Eligibility The applicant should be an Indian citizen and SC &ST women in STEM areas of Kerala State. The upper age limit for financial support for the programme would be ≥50 years. The applicant should hold Ph.D. degree in Science or Technology or Engineering; or M.Sc. degree in Basic Science / Natural Science; or M.Tech. degree in Science/ or Technology /or Engineering. The applicant should initially identify Institution and mentor. Alternatively, the application submission could be by nomination from Head of S&T Institutions across Kerala. The host institutions can be Academic Institutions (Central & State), University Departments, Colleges recognized with R & D facilities, DSIR recognized institutions in Kerala or Institutions with appropriate R&D facility. The mentor should be a regular faculty of the host institute. The application form along with required documents should be submitted as PDF format during the call opening period. Co-mentorship for the program is encouraged. The Co-mentor of the host institution or other Organization must have an experience in enterprise creation. The applicant selected for the programme should join the host institute within 15 days of receiving the initial grant from KSCSTE. Contact meetwomen.kscste@gmail.com Downloads Guidelines Click here to apply online Undertaking of Principal Investigator (after joining) Formats & Documents to be uploaded in the online application Technical Document (Maximum 3-4 pages only) Biodata Format Format of Endorsement Letter from Head of Institution Consent Letter format from Mentor/Co-Mentor Age proof Certificate (class X mark sheet or birth certificate) SC/ST Certificate from Tahsildar Letter from the Head of Institution (applicable to those candidates, if the application submitted to KSCSTE is by nomination)
Introduction SPIIRC aims to promote Inter Institutional Research Collaboration with a multidisciplinary approach by supporting the collaborative Research proposals from State R&D /Academic Institutions, with National level premium R&D /Academic Institutions, for jointly solving the problems of State/national relevance. R&D Institutions under Govt. of Kerala, Science/ Engineering Departments of State Universities, Research Centres affiliated to any of the Universities in Kerala and Govt. or Aided Colleges in the State are eligible to apply under this scheme. The National Institutions under the Department of Science and Technology, Department of Biotechnology, Department of Space, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, ICAR Institutions, ICMR Institutions, IITs, IISER, NITs, Central Universities, etc, can be the collaborating Institutions for the Research. Maximum research grant up to Rs.30 lakh will be provided which will be spread on a span of three years. The objective of the Programme is to enable productive academic and research co-operation by supporting visits of Researchers in Inter Institutional basis. The Inter Institutional Research Collaboration shall result in large number of high impact research publications, patents, development of niche courses, high quality text books and research monographs, imbibing of best practices from top academicians in the country and researchers and strong cooperation. Tangible research output in the form of a new product/ technology/ process having potential for commercialisation is expected. Procedure for Application Proposals will be invited through notification in the website of KSCSTE, once in a year. The Proposals can be submitted through online only on notification and during the active time. Proposals submitted in any other mode will not be considered and summarily rejected. The PI from the State Institution/ Centre shall submit the research proposal in any of the following Thrust Areas, which should address a challenging issue of theoretical, experimental and/or translational value. The proposal shall fit into the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Framework with details of SDG Goals &Indicators.` Basic Sciences – Physical Science, Chemical Science, Biological Science Applied and Interdisciplinary Sciences Computational and Mathematical Sciences Earth, Atmosphere and Environmental Sciences Emergent areas like Genomics, Artificial Intelligence, Material Science, Advance research in medical sector, etc. Innovation based and demand driven research Advances in Engineering and Technology The Principal Investigator shall also submit the Endorsement from the Implementing Institution and Collaborating National Institution, Consent letters and necessary Certificates from the Investigators in the prescribed format, Resumes of PI and Co-I(s) highlighting the research achievements, etc. Features Maximum grant up to Rs.30 lakh will be provided for the collaborative research, which will be spread on a span of three years. Selection of projects is done by the Programme Advisory Committee (PAC) after review of proposals by National level subject experts followed by critical evaluation by the PAC. Financial support will be provided for meeting testing charges, lab expenses, fabrication, patent filing, technology transfer, travel and hospitality expenses of Investigators and Researchers between the Institutions. One Research Scholar from each State Institution and National Institution can become the Co-Investigator of the project. Supports the visits of researchers in the project team on Inter-Institutional basis. The researchers can visit the laboratories of different premier institutions in India. Eligibility Research Centres / R&D Institutions under Govt. of Kerala, Science/Engineering Departments of State Universities, State Government or Aided Colleges in Kerala can apply Any other outstanding & premium academic institutions in the Kerala State can also apply. Collaboration from National level Institution/Centre is mandatory for applying. Principal Investigator (PI) shall be a full time Professor/Scientist having Doctoral Degree in Science/Engineering from the State owned Institution. The PI shall have at least 3 years of service in the Institution and more than 5 years left for retirement. The Project Team shall comprise of PI, at least two Faculty Members/Scientists and one Researcher from State Institution as Co-Investigators and at least 1 Faculty Member/Scientist and 1 Researcher from the National Collaborating Institution as Co-I. In the case of multidisciplinary research, if any other State Institution is involved, there can be more Co-I(s) from those Institutions as the case may be. The Co-Investigator (Co-I) from each Institution shall be a full time Scientist/ Faculty of the Centre/ University/ Institution with adequate years of service to retire. The Researchers from the State/National Institutions shall be Research Scholars registered for full-time PhD or Post-Doctoral. Contact The Director, KSCSTE, Sasthra Bhavan, Pattom, Thiruvananthapuram Tel : 0471 2548200 –209 Email: mail.kscste@kerala.gov.in Scientist – in – Charge Dr. Siju C R Junior Scientist Tel: 0471–2548236 E-mail: sijucrkscste@gmail.com Downloads Guidelines Terms and Conditions Endorsement from Host Institution Certificate from the Investigators Format for no pending SE & UC Date of Start Intimation Form Format for Quarterly Progress Report Format for Annual Progress Report Format for Statement of Expenditure Format for Utilization Certificate Request for Re-appropriation Request for Extension Format for Project Completion Report Format for Final Technical Report Format of Asset Transfer Certificate Format for no pending SE & UC Request for Re-appropriation
Introduction SHRESTA is envisaged for nurturing a few Centres of Excellence (CoE) from the State that produce world-class research in the areas of (i) Floods and Droughts (ii) Viral Research (Biotechnology) (iii) Nanotechnology (iv) Climate Change and (v) Robotics & Artificial Intelligence. SHRESTA aims to nurture the mature and nascent CoEs initially for two years and the potential Centres among them will be provided further support for next three years, attaining to a world class level. The Centre of Excellence (CoE) will be supported in phased manner with a grant of Rs. 200 lakh (maximum), over a period of 5 years. The proposed CoEs need to collaborate with National/ International Research Centres/ Universities/ Institutions.The selected Centres will be supported with financial grant to augment and strengthen the research capacity of the Centre including infrastructure at par with world class level in the stipulated areas with a multi-disciplinary and inter-institutional perspective. The overall aim of this programme is to develop Centres of Excellence in the State and facilitate pursuit of high-quality research and development of technologies through substantial investment in the Research Centres/Universities/Institutions and having proven track record and commitment to research. Procedure for Application Proposals will be invited through notification in the website of KSCSTE, once in a year, generally during July-August. The Proposals can be submitted through online only on notification and during the active time. Proposals submitted in any other mode will not be considered and summarily rejected. The Principal Investigator shall along with the proposal submit the Endorsement from the proposed Institution and Collaborating Institutions, Consent letter and necessary Certificates from Investigators, Resumes of PI and Co-I(s) highlighting the research achievements, etc. Features The Centres of Excellence (CoE) will be provided financial grant limiting to Rs.200 lakh which will be spread on a span of 5 years in 2 phases. The CoEs will be initially selected for Phase I support for 2 years with maximum financial grant up to 60 lakh. Based on their performance and deliverables achieved in Phase I, a subset of CoEs which show clear promise of becoming world-class Centre will be selected for Phase II support for 3 more years, with maximum financial grant up to 140 lakh. Selection of CoEs is done by the Programme Advisory Committee (PAC) after review of proposals by National level Subject Experts followed by critical evaluation by the PAC. The Head of the Institution will be in-charge of the CoE and responsible for the overall management of the Centre. The scheme encourages collaboration with National/ International Research Centres/ Universities/ Institutions. The Centers can get the privilege of collaborative research support from other Agencies by using this as matching grant. Eligibility Research Centres/R&D Institutions under Govt. of Kerala, Science/Engineering Departments of State Universities and Government Colleges in Kerala, having reputed standing and ranking and proven track record in research are eligible to apply under this scheme. Preference will be given to the R&D Centres of KSCSTE. The scheme encourages to collaborate with National/ International Research Centres/ Universities/ Institutions and the proposal shall include the details with the consent from such collaborating institutions. The Principal Investigator (PI) shall be the Head of the Institution/Centre/Dean in the case of University Departments, and he/she shall be a full time Faculty/Scientist having Doctoral Degree in Science/ Engineering. The PI shall have sufficient experience in administering and managing the Research Centres/Institutions, shall have carried out National/ International Research Projects and have at least 15 years of experience in carrying out Research activities/PG teaching. In case, the PI leaves the Institution due to unforeseen reasons, on transfer or superannuation or other reasons, the responsibility will be automatically transferred to the succeeding Head of the Institution until successful completion of the programme. There can be more than one Co-Investigator depending up on the multidisciplinary nature of the research, and the first Co-Investigator shall be from the same Institute or Department. The Co-Investigators (Co-Is) shall be full time Faculty/Scientist of the Centre/ University/ Institution with more than 3 years of service to retire. The first Co-Investigator shall have the same responsibility and accountability as that of the Principal Investigator. In case the first Co-I leaves the organisation before the successful completion of the programme, the Institute shall take up the responsibility to assign another suitable faculty as the first Co-I in consultation with KSCSTE, to continue with the programme until its successful completion. All the Co-Is shall have at least 3 years of experience in teaching/research activities. In the case of Centres carrying out multidisciplinary research, the collaboration of State/National/International level Centres is preferred. In such case, there can be more Co-Is for the project in the area of specialisation depending upon the interdisciplinary nature of the research area. The project team shall comprise of PI, Co-Is and Researcher Scholars. The Researchers may be registered full-time students for PhD or Post-Doctoral. Contact The Director KSCSTE Sasthra Bhavan, Pattom, Thiruvananthapuram Tel : 0471 2548200 –209 Email: mail.kscste@kerala.gov.in Scientist – in – Charge Dr. Siju C R Junior Scientist KSCSTE, Sasthra Bhavan, Pattom, Thiruvananthapuram Tel: 0471–2548236 E-mail: sijucrkscste@gmail.com Downloads Guidelines Format for Quarterly Progress Report Terms and Conditions Format for Annual Progress Report Endorsement from Host Institution Format for Statement of Expenditure Certificate from the Investigators Format for Utilization Certificate Format for no pending SE & UC Request for Re-appropriation Date of Start Intimation Form Request for Extension Format for Project Completion Report Format for Final Technical Report Format of Asset Transfer Certificate