DHAKA: The Department of Science and Technology (DST) of Government of India has launched India Science and Research Fellowship (ISRF) Programme for researchers from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal and Sri Lanka to work in Indian universities and research Institutions.

The programme would provide opportunity for up to 10 Bangladesh scientists to undertake research in Indian R&D institutions up to 6 months, says a press release by High Commission of India.

The programme has been launched as a part of India’s initiatives to engage with neighboring countries to develop Science & Technology partnerships, it added.

The release says, “The Fellowship programme provides opportunities for mid-career scientists/researchers of these countries with minimum academic qualification of Ph.D/M.Tech/M.Sc and 4-6 years research/teaching experience to undertake research in Indian R& D institutions.”

The offer includes travel allowance (return air fare), sustenance allowance, contingency grants and medical facilities (as available in host institutes), it added.

Bangladesh Academy of Sciences, Dhaka (BAS) is the implementing agency for this fellowship programme in Bangladesh along with Centre for International Co-operation in Science (CICS), Chennai, India.

The release also said, “A Memorandum of Understanding (enclosed) was signed by Dr. Arabinda Mitra, Advisor & Head, International Bilateral Cooperation representing DST, India and Prof. Mesbahuddin Ahmad, President, representing BAS, on October 16, 2014, in New Delhi towards implementation of the Fellowship scheme for Bangladesh researchers from 2015 onwards.”

BDST: 1550 HRS, NOV 04, 2014