SERB has been supporting basic research in frontier areas of science and engineering through its various programs and schemes. The number of researchers under the ambit of SERB has increased over the years and they contribute significantly through their research output towards the progress of science and engineering of the country. To recognize and reward Principal Investigators of SERB projects who have performed remarkably well, a new scheme called Distinguished Investigator Award (SERB DIA) has been initiated. The aim of the scheme is to reward good performance as well as to motivate ongoing PIs to perform exceedingly well. This positive reinforcement strategy would effectively improve the productivity of research undertaken and overall efficiency of the research ecosystem.
To award best performers among PIs of completed SERB/DST projects which are rated "Excellent". SERB DIA is a one-time career award. The PI who receives the award will be called "SERB DIA" Fellow. Initially, completed projects under SERB Core Research Grant (CRG) would be considered. Completed projects under other schemes would be brought under the ambit of DIA Scheme in the subsequent years.
Number of awards will be 35 per year, total not exceeding 100 at any time. SERB's support will include fellowship of Rs. 15,000/- p.m for three years. In addition, PI can also choose for a research grant, subject to submission of research proposal and its acceptance by SERB based on the peer review.
Number of awards will be 35 per year, total not exceeding 100 at any time. SERB's support will include fellowship of Rs. 15,000/- p.m for three years. In addition, PI can also choose for a research grant, subject to submission of research proposal and its acceptance by SERB based on the peer review.
Q1: What is DIA?
A1: DIA is an award given to a Principal Investigator who had performed exceedingly well in the recently completed EMR project.
Q2: What is the award amount?
A2: Rs. 15,000 will be the award amount and is given to the awardee for a period of 3 years. In addition, project grant will also be given subject to the project proposal meeting the scientific merit.
Q3: How the "Excellence" grading in the project is arrived at?
A3: The Project Completion Report (PCR) of the completed project will be evaluated by the Experts, and the performance will be graded based on the quality of research work done in the project, its impact, publications, patents, manpower generated, etc.
Q4: I have not sent PCR, but my output in my project is excellent. Can I be considered for the award?
A4: No. It is essential to send thePCR of the completed project for consideration of the award.
Q5: Can I have forgotten to acknowledge "SERB" in many of my publications, but I have large number of publications from the project. Will I be considered for the award?
A5: Only publications in which SERB/DST is acknowledged will be taken into account for the award.
Q6: C Can the awardee accept only the "Fellowship" without the "project grant"?
A6: Yes
Q7: Can all Principal Investigators apply for the award?
A7: No. Only PIs of projectswhich were rated "Excellent" are eligible to apply for the award. SERB will send invitations to such PIs requesting them to apply..
Q8: Will all the PIs whose projects are rated excellent receive award under DIA Scheme?
A8: No. The PIs of excellent rated projects would be ranked according to the project output and the top rankers (maximum of 35 in a year) would be awarded.
Q9: What would be the selection criteria among the PIs who have been rated excellent?
A9: Selection criteria would be based on quality of the project output rated by publications, patents and other achievements..
Q10: What are the schemes covered under the DIA Scheme?
A10: To start with, projects funded under "EMR" scheme will be covered. It will be expanded to other schemes later.
Q11: My project has been rated excellent, how should I apply for the DIA Scheme?
A11: SERB will send invitations if the project is rated excellent and if other eligibility criteria are satisfied.
Q12: Is there any specific timeline for DIA application?
A12: DIA application call to PIs whose project has been rated excellent, will be made once a year.
Q13: Will all the Awardees opting for project grant will be given the grant?
A13: Not necessarily. The project will be granted after it successfully goes though the normal "peer review" process of SERB. In case the proposal was found to lack scientific merit, the proposal will not be funded. However, the awardee can receive the Fellowship amount.
Q14: I have completed an EMR project 5 years ago, and it was rated "excellent". Will I be considered for the award?
A14: No. Only projects which have been completed in previous financial year will be considered.
Q15: I am a recipientof JC Bose Fellowship. Am I eligible to apply for DIA?
A15: No. Any one holding Fellowships like JC Bose, Raja Ramanna, Academy fellowshipsorcurrently holding Swarnajayanthi fellowship not eligible.
Q16: Am I eligible for DIA project when I am already implementing another project under EMR?
A16: Yes. DIA projects can be concurrently operated with other SERB projects.
Q17: What is the maximum amount of grant under DIA scheme?
A17: There is no upper limit (or even lower limit) for the project grant. The budget is decided based on the requirement for its successful implementation. PI should propose a budget which is realistic taking into account the infrastructure and resources available at the implementing institutions.
Q18: Is there any age limit forthe ProjectInvestigator to qualify for the award?
A18: There is no specific age limit, but the PI should have at least 5 years of service remaining before superannuation.
