By TIOL News Service

NEW DELHI, MAR 06, 2021: FORTY scholars from six countries have been awarded with the opportunity to carry out their research in Indian institutes and universities as recipients of the India Science and Research Fellowship (ISRF) 2021.

These scholars have been selected based on research proposal, experience, academic merit and publication record, said the Department of Science and Technology on Saturday.

"As a part of India's initiatives to engage with neighbouring countries to develop S&T partnerships, the DST has launched ISRF Programme for Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand researchers to work in Indian universities and research institutions," they said.

The scholarship was instituted in 2015 and till now, about 128 young researchers from these countries have been awarded fellowship under this programme.

"A number of quality research papers have been published by awardees during the ISRF calls from 2015-2019, and fellows also participated in various conferences/symposiums of their relevant fields. Because of the pandemic, no award was made last year," said the department.

Due to the ongoing pandemic, awardees have been encouraged to have virtual interaction with their host institutes and scientists. They can visit India once travel restrictions are eased and the overall environment is conducive to doing regular laboratory research.

The fellowship is a platform to establish research cooperation with neighbouring countries of India, which is one of the mandates of DST's International Science and Technology Cooperation.