The Union Minister for Science and Technology recently launched SERB-POWER (Promoting Opportunities for Women in Exploratory Research), a scheme with two main components: fellowship and research grants. This initiative is under the supervision of the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), a statutory body of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India.
The Purpose of SERB-POWER
SERB-POWER has been designed specifically to address gender disparity in science and engineering research in various science and technology programs across Indian academic institutions and research and development labs. This scheme aims to serve as a national recognition benchmark, to empower women scientists, foster women-friendly environments, and promote female representation in leadership roles and decision-making bodies.
SERB-POWER Fellowship Details
The SERB-POWER Fellowship targets women researchers between 35-55 years of age. It plans to offer up to 25 fellowships per year, with no more than 75 active fellowships at any given time. In terms of financial support, the fellowship provides Rs. 15,000 per month in addition to regular income, a research grant of Rs. 10 lakh per annum, and an overhead of Rs. 90,000 per annum. The duration of the fellowship is three years with no possibility of extension and can be availed once in a career.
SERB-POWER Research Grants
SERB-POWER also proposes funding under two categories for up to 50 Power Grants. Level I provides up to 60 lakhs over three years for applicants from IITs, IISERs, IISc, NITs, Central Universities, and National Labs of Central Government Institutions. Level II offers up to 30 lakhs over three years for applicants from State Universities/Colleges and Private Academic Institutions. These grants will be regulated in accordance with the terms of reference that conform to SERB-Core Research Grant (CRG) guidelines.
Related Government Initiatives
In line with SERB-POWER, various other initiatives have been launched by the Government of India. The Vigyan Jyoti Scheme, initiated by DST, aspires to create opportunities for meritorious girls in high schools to pursue science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in higher education. The Gender Advancement for Transforming Institutions Scheme (GATI) aims to develop a comprehensive charter for assessing gender equality in STEM.
The Knowledge Involvement in Research Advancement through Nurturing Scheme (KIRAN), also launched by the DST, seeks to bring gender parity in S&T sector by incorporating more women in the R&D field. The Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Scheme, a joint initiative by multiple ministries, aims to ensure survival, protection, and empowerment of girl children.
National Science Day 2020 and SERB Women Excellence Award
The National Science Day 2020, celebrated on 28th February, revolved around the theme ‘Women In Science’. On this occasion, Dr Niti Kumar, a senior scientist from the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Central Drug Research Institute (CSIR-CDRI), Lucknow, was honored with the SERB Women Excellence Award-2020.
