Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), a statutory body under the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India has launched "SERB International Research Experience (SIRE)". This Program aims to impart high-end research training in frontier areas of Science and Technology, which are of interest to India by providing opportunity to visit leading institutions/universities across the globe for a period of 02-06 months. The applicant should have Ph.D. degree in the area of Science and Engineering from recognized institutions in India. The applicant holding a permanent position in any Indian research institution would be eligible to apply. The age limit for applying under this scheme shall be 40 years. Age relaxation will be given as per GoI norms in respect of SC/ST/OBC/physically challenged and women candidates. SERB under this program selects candidates in frontier areas of S & T and supports their visit to top institutions around the globe, preferably to the institutions where internationally acclaimed scientists are working. The applicant should himself/herself correspond with the proposed host institution for their visit under this program. The candidate should also submit a letter of approval of research plan from the host.
The selection would be made among faculties who gained approval of research plan from overseas institutions. The Board will constitute a selection committee to select the candidates. The tentative date of result announcement of SIRE first call will be 15 April, 2022. However, the date of result announcement may differ owing to COVID 19 situation in coming time.
The selected fellows will be paid a monthly fellowship amount equivalent to US $ 3000, one time Contingency / Preparatory allowances of Rs. 75,000/- to cover visa fee, airport transfer charges, insurance etc., Overseas Medical Insurance in India and abroad of Rs. 20,000/-. The selected fellows will also be provided shortest route economy class air fare from their place of work in India to the place of the host institute and back.
For successful online submission of the application the following points may be noted:
Q1: I was awarded SIRE fellowship to visit Cambridge University during March-May, 2022. However, I could not go to the approved visit due to delay in getting Visa. Can I use the above support to visit some other lab in same or different country?
A1: No. The support given for a particular visit and duration cannot be utilized for visiting a place other than mentioned in the application. The Applicant should apply a fresh to seek support for another visit.
Q2 : Can I avail SIRE fellowship multiple times?
A2: No, any applicant is eligible to avail this fellowship only once in his / her career.
Q3: Can I apply for only one month visit?
A3: No. The duration of the proposed visit must be within 02-6 months.
Q4: Can I use SIRE fellowship to visit other nearby institutions during my stay in the proposed country?
A4: No, SIRE fellowship must be utilized only for the purpose for which it has been sanctioned.
Q5: Will flight cancellation / rescheduling charges or extra baggage charges be considered under SIRE fellowship?
A5: No. SERB will not provide any type of cancellation / rescheduling charges or extra baggage charges.
Q6: I am 41 years old. Can I avail SIRE fellowship?
A6: The maximum age limit to apply under SIRE programme is 40 years. However, SC/ST/OBC and Women candidates will be given age relaxation of 5 years, provided, the applicant has submitted the valid category proof.
Q7: What, if I have provided any incorrect/misleading information or breach of terms and conditions?
A7: Fellowship will be cancelled and given support will be withdrawn at any stage. SERB has all the rights to take any action in consultation with the applicant's parent organization / university / institute etc. including refund of entire amount spent on the SIRE Fellow along with the interest thereon to SERB.
Q8: I have an ongoing SERB project under CRG/SRG. Am I eligible to apply under SIRE?
A8: Yes.
Q9: I have availed ITS support of SERB this year / last year. Am I eligible to apply under SIRE?
A9: Yes.
Q10: I have done my Ph.D. from abroad. Am I eligible to apply?
A10: No. Only those candidates who have completed their Ph.D. from India are eligible to apply.
Q11: Are INSPIRE Faculty / Ramanujan Fellow eligible to apply under SIRE?
A11: No.
Q12: : Is tenure track faculty position qualify as permanent position and are they eligible to apply under SIRE?
A12: : Yes, however, the institution must endorse the tenure track faculty as permanent faculty.