PM Research Chair Scheme Launched To Bring Top Global Indian Researchers Back Home

India has invited applications for its new flagship programme to invite accomplished Indian-origin accomplished researchers, scientists, technologists and industry professionals across the world to work with India’s leading institutions and conduct cutting-edge research in the country.

Announced by the Department of Higher Education under the Ministry of Education, the Prime Minister Research Chair (PMRC) scheme is part of government’s broader effort to deepen international research collaboration and advance work in strategically important fields, by offering research grants, relocation support and access to advanced research infrastructure. As many as 13 thematic areas of national priority have been included under the scheme.

The selected fellows

will receive fellowship and research grant support, access to laboratories and research infrastructure and opportunities to work with India’s leading government institutions under Department of Science and Technology (DST), Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), and Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), among others. The applications are now open for all accomplished Indian origin researchers, scientists, and professionals, including Indian Nationals working abroad, OCI cardholders, and Persons of Indian Origin with outstanding achievements in research, innovation, and technology.

According to the ministry, the long-term plan is to strengthen India’s research and innovation ecosystem by placing global experts in top government universities, national laboratories and research centres across the country. The 13 focus areas includes advanced Computing (AI, Quantum Computing & Supercomputing), semiconductors, energy, sustainability & climate Change, cybersecurity, healthcare & MedTech, biotechnology, advanced materials & critical minerals, space & defence, next-generation communications, manufacturing & industry 4.0, agriculture & food technologies, blue economy, and atomic energy.

An Empowered Committee chaired by the Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India will oversee the process to select the participating institutions. Seven premier institutions have already been identified as lead institutions to support implementation- Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IITs) Delhi, IIT Bombay, IIT Madras, IIT Kanpur, IIT Hyderabad, IIT Dhanbad, and Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru.

The host institutions selected under the scheme will benefit through international academic collaborations, engagement with globally accomplished researchers and professionals, and expanded research and innovation activities in priority sectors. The opportunities for engagement will be provided under three categories namely Young Research Fellows for early career researchers, Senior Research Fellows for experienced researchers, and Research Chairs for globally accomplished research leaders.