DST Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy PostDoctoral Fellowships
Background and Motivation
Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) are now recognized as playing a significant role in advancing human, social, and economic development and meeting the aspirations of people and nations across the world. As a result, understanding STI processes and exploring ways to strengthen them is a major strand of intellectual activity, evinced by the explosion of literature on these topics in the last decade. At the same time, there are significant efforts to link this understanding to better policy making by a range of governmental agencies (both in developed and emerging economies) and inter-governmental organizations.
In recognition of importance and potential of STI in meeting India's developmental challenges through "acceleration of the pace of discovery and delivery of science-lead solutions for faster, sustainable and inclusive growth," the government launched the Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy in 2013. Department of Science and Technology (DST) recognized the importance of evidence-driven research and analysis in underpinning the effective achievement of the objectives of this policy and established DST Centers for Policy Research (CPRs) in various academic institutions across the country (Annexure-I). These centers are engaged in targeted research in number of key areas relevant to the country, train young scholars in STI policy research, and contribute towards better STI policy making by providing inputs to DST.
The role of suitable human resources is key to the success of STI policy research enterprise, perhaps even more than many traditional areas of research since intellectual engagement with this area ideally requires both understanding of the STI domain and processes, as well as policy research skills that draw on various strands of social sciences. Thus individuals with a background in natural science, medicine engineering or social science with a background of STI policy research are particularly suited for such research and, if trained appropriately, can bring a unique and important perspective to impending issues in this arena.
Fellowship Proposal
As the country is lagging behind in terms of critical mass and proper structure of policy research institution(s), on the recommendation of the Committee of Experts, Policy Research Cell of DST had announced in 2016 a DST-STI Policy Fellowship Programme at post-doctoral level to generate a critical mass of policy researchers. At present, there is no systematic formal pathway in the country to support such a professional transition, although personal experiences of many established STI policy researchers suggest that there is indeed a cohort of young graduates who have an interest in making such transition and contribute systematically to STI policy-making in the country. The fellowship programme was initiated with the broad objective of (a) enhancing human resources that can engage with and contribute to the STI policy domain and (b) strengthen the knowledge base, think tank, and evidence based policy making. The fellowship may provide an opportunity to develop the skills for young scientists and engineers who are interested in engagement with the STI policy domain and/or as STI policy researchers. This programme aims to attract and encourage top-quality researchers to work on the issues pertaining to STI policy and contribute their knowledge and analytical skills in the policy realm.
It is proposed to call for DST-STI Policy Fellowship- 2017 at POSTDOCTORAL Level. The Fellowship program would also provide an opportunity for policy-makers in various government departments /agencies to draw upon STI policy research expertise from this pool.
DST-STI POSTDOCTORAL FELLOW: The main objective of DST-STI Fellowship is to build up the cadre of academic STI policy researchers in the country, such that these Fellows may actively contribute in policy making in academia, research organizations, or even in government. The candidates who have received a Ph.D. (or equivalent) in natural science /medicine/engineering/ policy research/social science (with a background of STI policy research) within the last three years will be eligible to apply for the fellowship. Applicants must be capable of doing independent research work and have published at least 3 research papers in peer reviewed journals. At the time of application, applicant's age should be below 35 years.
This will be a 2-year fellowship (with a possible extension of one more year, depending upon performance) where the recipient would be located in a DST-CPR (by mutual agreement) or in an active policy research group in academic/research institutions within the country to undertake STI policy research align to the research program of that CPR or mutually agreed with consent of DST-PRC and policy researchers/mentors in other than that of CPR. They also will build active linkages to a relevant government agency (either a scientific ministry or a line ministry with an S&T component), facilitated by DST itself and/or the DST-CPR. It is hoped that over a time, as policy makers realize the importance of such Fellows, they will be forthcoming to support such Fellows and even host them. In addition to undertaking research and policy engagement, there will be a set of activities – such as a seminar series or topical workshops – developed by the DST-CPRs (in consultation with DST) – that will further add value to the experience gained by Fellows and also build a community for them.
Eligibility
Science/medicine/engineering/ social science (with a background of STI policy) academic scholars, STI policy researchers, with good academic record and holding a Ph.D. degree (within the last three years) are eligible to apply. Applicants must be capable of doing independent research work and have published at least 3 research papers in peer reviewed journals. At the time of application, applicant's age should be below 35 years.
Application/Proposal
Applicants are required to submit following documents written in English:
- Research Proposal: A proposal of maximum 5 pages on empirical research on STI policy issues, preferably, the issues pertaining to thematic areas of the candidates' desired DST-CPR and/or other Policy Research Group in academic/research institutions (proposal must be formulated though consultation with DST-CPR or active policy research group). The proposal must include: a) a STI related research title, b) a research objective, c) STI related Policy research background/ questions, d) research methodologies, and e) a research plan, including the evidence based outcome.
- Curriculum Vitae
- Two recommendation letters.
The remuneration and terms and conditions will be guided as per applicable rules, of DST. The fellowship programme will be run by Policy Research Cell, DST. The duly constituted Review Committee comprising others scientific departments/ ministries representatives as well eminent policy makers, academicians will select the fellows, monitor the progress and make further review of the fellowship programme.
Selection/Support
The duly constituted Review Committee will select candidates based on their research track record and the relevance, quality, and significance of their proposals. Once the Review Committee finalizes the selection, the program office (Policy Research Cell, DST) will notify a review result to selectees via e-mail. The selected Postdoctoral Fellows will be awarded a fellowship of Rs. 80,000/- (consolidated) in the level of INSPIRE Faculty. Based on the Committee's decision, an amount up to Rs. 200,000/- will be granted annually to the Postdoctoral Fellows to cover researchrelated costs and contingency.
Number Postdoctoral Fellowships: 8 (tentative and can be increased, decreased at the discretion of DST)
How to apply: Candidates are required to submit a copy of application in prescribed format available at DST website
www.dst.gov.in. The envelope should be superscribed with "DST-STI-PFP Application 2017". The application should be sent to Dr. Akhilesh Mishra, Scientist D, Department of Science and Technology, Technology Bhawan, New Mehrauli Road, New Delhi-110016 by speed post. A soft copy of proposal should also be mailed at
akhilesh.mishra@nic.in. (Applicants may note that R&D related proposals will not be considered. Proposal must be on STI policy related issues)
Last Date of Submission: 30th May, 2017.
ANNEXURE -1
DST- Centres for Science Policy Research
- DST- Centre for Policy Research at IISc-Bangalore | Prof. T. A. Abinandanan, Materials Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-560 012 | Email:abinandanan@gmail.com abinand@materials.iisc.ernet.in. | Thematic Areas of Policy Research: 1. Scientometric Analysis of Indian Institutions. 2. Research on Funding Patterns and Policies. 3. Methods of Assessing Multi-Dimensional Impact
- DST- Centre for Policy Research" at IIT-Delhi | Prof. Ambuj Sagar, Coordinator, DST- Centre for Policy Research at IIT-Delhi, Indian Institute of Technology Hauz Khas, New Delhi-110 016, Email: asagar@hss.iitd.ac.in. | Thematic Areas of Policy Research: 1. India's Innovation Mapping. 2. Technology Transfer. 3. Sectorial research study. 4. Benchmarking study reports
- DST- Centre for Policy Research in S&T Entrepreneurship "Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII)" Gandhinagar | Prof. S. B. Sareen, Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII), P.O. Bhat 382 428, Gandhinagar, Gujarat Email: sareen@ediindia.org. | Thematic Areas of Policy Research: 1. Understating ecosystem to promote and strengthen S&T Entrepreneurship. 2. Scan International Strategy to promote S&T based Entrepreneurship and integrating inclusive growth element. 3. Prospects and Constraints in Technology Commercialization by R&D Institutions in India: The Strategy Imperatives. 4. Maintaining data base of high technology entrepreneurs and preparing and publishing case studies of such entrepreneurs.
- DST- Centre for Policy Research" at Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar (Central) University, Lucknow | Dr. Venkatesh Dutta, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (A Central University), Rae Bareily Road, Vidya Vihar, Lucknow – 226 025 (UP), Tel. (+091 522) 2440826/27, 2441515, 2551615, Fax:091-522-2440821, E-mail: dvenks@gmail.com, duttada@yahoo.co.in, Mob:+91-9918466778. | Thematic Areas of Policy Research: 1. Study of policies and mechanisms for delivery of STI outputs to diverse stakeholders including innovation for social inclusion with special reference to: Sustainable agriculture; Health; Energy; Water resource management and Climate governance. 2. Map STI effectiveness in bringing social inclusion.
- DST- Centre for Policy Research" at Panjab University, Chandigarh | Prof. R Tewari, Coordinator, DST- Centre for Policy Research Panjab University, Sector 14, Chandigarh, UT- 160014, Email: rupinder@pu.ac.in, dstprc2014@pu.ac.in. | Thematic Areas of Policy Research: 1. Study of policies and mechanisms that could promote to enhance and expand private sector participation in STI activities including industry - academia - R&D collaboration. 2. Motivation and promotion of IP generation as a tool for enhanced Academia industry collaborations.
