Key Takeaways:
- The VAIBHAV Fellowship has been awarded to 22 Indian-origin scientists to engage in collaborative research projects with top Indian institutes.
- The fellowship aims to foster international cooperation in science and technology between India and countries such as the US, UK, Australia, and Japan.
- The fellowship program was established as a result of the VAIBHAV Summit, which aimed to bring together Indian diaspora experts and Indian educational institutions.
In a significant development that showcases India’s commitment to cutting-edge scientific research and global collaboration, the Ministry of Science and Technology has recently announced a game-changing initiative in the form of the VAIBHAV Fellowship. This prestigious accolade has been awarded to 22 Indian-origin scientists enabling them to take part in collaborative research projects with leading Indian institutes.
Celebrating the VAIBHAV Fellowship Awardees
Heralding a new era of international cooperation in science and technology, the government has offered an exciting opportunity to these 22 Indian-origin scientists. Notably, top scientists Arogyaswami J Paulraj and Prof. Jitendra Malik have been invited as ‘Distinguished VAIBHAV Fellows’ to contribute to projects in the esteemed fields of electrical engineering and computer science at IIT-Bombay and IIT-Kanpur, respectively.
During the announcement, Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh emphasized the significance of this fellowship. Present among other dignitaries were NITI Aayog member V K Saraswat, Principal Scientific Advisor A K Sood, and Department of Science and Technology (DST) Secretary Abhay Karandikar.
Partnering with India’s Premier Institutes
The scientists, who hail from highly respected institutes across Australia, Canada, Finland, Japan, Singapore, Sweden, Switzerland, the UK, and the US, are set to collaborate with India’s premier institutions such as IISc, IUCAA, and the IITs. This collaboration will span the next three years, focusing on projects that have been jointly identified and that capitalize on the expertise from both sides.
VAIBHAV Summit: The Origin of Collaboration
The roots of this fellowship can be traced back to the VAIBHAV Summit inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in October 2020. Aimed at fostering a symbiotic partnership, the summit laid the groundwork for a collaboration that brings together the Indian Diaspora’s scientific experts and Indian educational and scientific institutions.
“DST Secretary Karandikar articulated the hope that Indian diaspora working in other countries would be able to expand the horizons of Indian researchers with their knowledge and experiences. They can help and guide our Indian researchers with their unique thought process,” adding a new dimension to the country’s research and innovation sector.
The VAIBHAV Fellowship Framework
Under the VAIBHAV fellowship, each fellow will pinpoint an Indian institution for collaboration and is potentially looking to spend up to two months per year for a duration of up to three years intimately involved with their Indian counterparts.
Karandikar further announced the second call for applications for this fellowship, reflecting the program’s success and India’s zest for nurturing scientific excellence through global alliances.
Pioneers in a Diverse Array of Scientific Fields
Among the 22 VAIBHAV fellows, highly distinguished figures such as Mansi Manoj Kasliwal, professor at the Department of Astronomy of the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) Pasadena, will contribute her expertise in data sciences at IIT-Bombay. Murali Annavaram from the University of Southern California is set to join forces with the Indian Institute of Science (IISC) in Bengaluru in the realm of artificial intelligence and machine learning.
The diversity of collaborations extends with selected fellows like Ajit Srivastava from the University of Geneva and Prof. Subir Sarkar from the University of Oxford engaging with IISER, Pune and the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research in key areas such as electronics, semiconductor devices, and data sciences respectively.
Furthermore, the field of quantum technologies will be bolstered by the insights of Prof. Kazi Rajibul from the University of Waterloo, Canada, at the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA). Similarly, Dinesh Bharadia from the University of California, San Diego, will enhance the communication technologies sphere at IIT-Madras.
A Global Intellectual Conclave
The range of expertise represented by the VAIBHAV fellows is truly global, with scientists from various parts of the world like Sudhir Dixit, Avik Dutt, Prof. S Kumar, Rakesh Kumar Joshi, and many more joining this intellectual conclave. They will be channeling their knowledge into numerous fields across different institutions in India, thus enriching the nation’s scientific fabric.
Bringing New Perspectives to Indian Research
Karandikar beautifully sums up this initiative by looking forward to the rich interactions between the Indian diaspora and the faculty, researchers, and students of India. He said, “The Indian diaspora may connect with Indian faculty, researchers, and students as well, to give them a new perspective towards research, development, and innovation.”
The VAIBHAV fellowship marks a momentous occasion where the best minds of Indian origin join hands with their Indian peers to drive innovation and development in science and technology. It is a testament to India’s dedication to excel in the global scientific community and create a lasting impact through shared knowledge and collaborative research. With such collaborative efforts, the seeds of innovation and progress are sown, promising a bright future for scientific endeavours in India.
Learn Today:
Glossary
1. VAIBHAV Fellowship: A prestigious accolade awarded by the Ministry of Science and Technology in India to Indian-origin scientists. The fellowship enables scientists to collaborate on research projects with leading Indian institutes.
2. Distinguished VAIBHAV Fellows: Top scientists who have been invited to contribute their expertise in specific fields to research projects at esteemed institutions in India.
3. Indian Diaspora: The term refers to people of Indian origin who live outside India.
4. IIT: Acronym for the Indian Institutes of Technology, which are autonomous public technical and research universities in India known for their excellence in engineering and technology education.
5. IISc: Acronym for the Indian Institute of Science, a public research university located in Bengaluru, India, known for its focus on scientific research and higher education.
6. IUCAA: Acronym for the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics, a premier institute for research and education in astronomy and astrophysics located in Pune, India.
7. DST: Acronym for the Department of Science and Technology in India, which is responsible for formulating and implementing policies related to science, technology, and innovation.
8. Quantum Technologies: The field of science and technology that focuses on the use and manipulation of quantum phenomena for practical applications. It includes areas such as quantum computing, quantum communication, and quantum sensing.
9. Global Alliances: Collaborations and partnerships between individuals, institutions, or countries from different parts of the world to work together on research projects, share knowledge, and promote international cooperation.
10. Artificial Intelligence (AI): The branch of computer science that deals with the creation and development of intelligent machines that can perform tasks that would typically require human intelligence.
11. Machine Learning: A subset of artificial intelligence that involves the design and development of algorithms and models that enable computers to learn and make predictions or decisions without being explicitly programmed.
12. Semiconductors: Materials that have properties between those of conductors and insulators. They are widely used in the electronics industry to make transistors, integrated circuits, and other electronic devices.
13. Electronics: The branch of physics and engineering that deals with the generation, control, and transmission of electrical signals. It includes the design and development of electronic circuits and devices.
14. Data Sciences: The interdisciplinary field that involves the extraction, analysis, interpretation, and management of large and complex datasets to gain insights and make informed decisions.
15. Communication Technologies: Technologies that enable the transmission and exchange of information, such as telecommunication networks, wireless technologies, and internet-based communication systems.
16. Immigration: The process of moving from one country to another to establish permanent residence or to work or study temporarily.
17. Research and Development: The process of investigating, exploring, and creating new knowledge, techniques, products, or services with the aim of improving existing technologies or developing new ones.
18. Innovation: The process of introducing new ideas, technologies, products, or processes that bring about significant improvements, advancements, or changes in various fields, including science, technology, and industry.
19. Collaborative Research: Research conducted by individuals or teams from different institutions or countries working together to address research questions, share resources, and leverage their expertise and knowledge.
20. Scientific Fabric: The collective body of scientific knowledge, expertise, and research capabilities present in a country or a specific institution or community.
21. Global Scientific Community: The international network of scientists, researchers, institutions, and organizations that collaborate and contribute to scientific knowledge, advancements, and innovations across different disciplines.
22. Progress: The continuous improvement, growth, or development in various aspects, such as scientific knowledge, technological advancements, societal well-being, or economic prosperity.
23. Endeavors: Efforts, initiatives, or activities undertaken to achieve defined goals or objectives, such as scientific research, technological innovation, or societal progress.
And there you have it, folks! The VAIBHAV Fellowship is an extraordinary initiative that brings together Indian-origin scientists from around the world to collaborate with top Indian institutes. With expertise spanning across diverse fields, these brilliant minds are set to revolutionize research and innovation in India. If you want to learn more about this game-changing fellowship and other exciting news in the world of immigration, head on over to visaverge.com. Happy exploring!
This Article in a Nutshell:
India’s Ministry of Science and Technology has introduced the VAIBHAV Fellowship, awarding 22 Indian-origin scientists the opportunity to collaborate on research projects with top Indian institutions. Celebrating international cooperation, the fellowship brings together scientists from countries such as the UK, US, and Australia to work alongside institutes like IIT-Bombay and IISc.
