Union Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan inaugurated the SERB-POWER (Promoting Opportunities for Women in Exploratory Research) initiative, aimed at reducing gender disparity in science and engineering research funding. The scheme, launched on an e-platform, is designed exclusively for women scientists to foster their participation in various S&T programs across Indian academic institutions and R&D laboratories.
Changes in the Scheme
The SERB-POWER Scheme comprises two key components: SERB-POWER Fellowship and SERB-POWER Research Grants. The fellowship targets women researchers aged between 35 to 55 years, offering support such as a monthly stipend of Rs. 15,000, research grants of Rs. 10 lakh per annum, and overhead expenses. On the other hand, the research grants empower women researchers with funding ranging from up to 60 lakhs for Level I applicants from premier institutions to up to 30 lakhs for Level II applicants from state universities and private academic institutions.
About the Scheme
SERB-POWER aims to address the gender disparity prevalent in science and engineering research funding by providing structured support to women scientists engaged in R&D activities. By ensuring equal access and opportunities, the scheme endeavors to foster a more inclusive research ecosystem and promote women’s leadership in decision-making bodies within academic and research institutions.
Benefits of the Scheme
The initiative seeks to empower women scientists by offering financial support and research grants, thereby enabling them to pursue exploratory research in diverse fields of science and technology. Additionally, SERB-POWER Fellowship and Grants serve as a benchmark of recognition, acknowledging the contributions of women researchers in the national R&D landscape.
Data Insights
According to the latest research statistics from DST, India has 16.6% women researchers directly engaged in R&D activities. The SERB-POWER initiative aims to address the lower participation of women in research activities by providing targeted support and opportunities to competitive women researchers across the country.
Dr. Harsh Vardhan highlighted the government’s commitment to encouraging women scientists through various initiatives under the Knowledge Involvement in Research Advancement through Nurturing (KIRAN) Scheme, Women Scientist Scheme (WOS), and other programs aimed at promoting women’s entrepreneurship in the S&T domain.
The launch event, attended by key dignitaries including Professor Ashutosh Sharma and Professor Sandeep Verma, reaffirmed the government’s resolve to bridge the gender gap in research and foster a conducive environment for women scientists to thrive.
The SERB-POWER initiative represents a significant step towards achieving gender parity in the field of science and engineering research, aligning with the government’s vision of promoting inclusivity and diversity in the research ecosystem.
Data mentioned above is taken from Ministry of Science and Technology as on Feb 2021
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