Tata Innovation Fellowship (TIF) 2025 Translating Science to Impact
- What is the Tata Innovation Fellowship?
- Objectives of the Fellowship
- Eligibility Criteria & Financial Support
- How to Apply
- Selection Process
- Importance of the Fellowship
- FAQs
What is the Tata Innovation Fellowship?
The Tata Innovation Fellowship (TIF) is a highly competitive and prestigious program launched in 2007 by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India. The objective of the fellowship program is to recognise and support exceptional Indian scientists who are engaged in innovative intellectual pursuits in various disciplines such as life sciences, biotechnology, healthcare, agriculture, veterinary sciences, and environmental sciences, with a particular focus on translational research and commercialisation. The primary goal of the fellowship is to empower mid-career researchers to translate their scientific discoveries into practical benefits for society.
Objectives of the Fellowship
- To recognise outstanding researchers having major impacts in the biological sciences and biotechnology fields.
- To stimulate interdisciplinary research that is innovation-led and problem-oriented.
- To encourage translational research and commercialisation of discoveries that move science to real-world applications.
Eligibility Criteria & Financial Support
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be an Indian citizen residing in India.
- Age limit: Age must be under 55 years at the time of application.
Educational qualifications:
- PhD in Life Sciences, Agriculture, or Veterinary Science, OR
- Master’s degree in Medical Sciences, Engineering Account or Biotechnology (with an excellent research background).
- Experience: Minimum of 10 years of professional experience in an appropriate field.
- Must be in a regular, permanent R&D position at a recognised institution.
- Should have at least 5 years of work experience in India.
- Only one fellowship can be held at a time.
Financial Support
- Fellowship value: ₹25,000 (monthly fellow stipend, in addition to standard salary).
Contingency grant: ₹10,00,000 per annum,
- to cover: Research consumables and equipment
- Hiring manpower
- Domestic & international travel
- Other project-related costs
- Duration: 3 years initially, extendable by up to 2 years depending on performance review.
How to Apply
- Applications are completed online at the DBT eProMIS Portal
- Usual application time frame: announced yearly (e.g., Feb 14 – Mar 17, 2025).
- Applicants must receive endorsed approval from their host institution before they can submit.
- The proposals will be reviewed by a skilled selection committee.
Documents Required
- Revised CV/Resume listing research contributions.
- PhD/Master’s degree certificate (as appropriate).
- Proof of age and citizenship in India.
- Letter of endorsement from the institution.
- Full research proposal with application and innovation emphasis.
- List of publications and patents (if they exist).
Selection Process
- Preliminary Screening – Verify eligibility and completeness of application.
- Expert Committee Evaluation – Applications are assessed based on the criteria of:
- Research accomplishments
- Innovation and originality
- Translational potential
- Institutional support
- Final Selection – Candidates on the final shortlist are awarded the fellowship
- Annual Progress Reports – Required if awarded a fellowship for purposes of renewal or potential extension.
Importance of the Tata Innovation Fellowship
The Tata Innovation Fellowship is important because it enables mid-career scientists with their large-scale, long-term, innovative projects. It also helps to bridge the gap between research and application of long-term findings in the world around them, particularly in the important areas of healthcare, agriculture, and environmental sciences, while promoting a strong innovative mindset within India’s research institutions.
TIF FAQs
Q: Who can apply?
Ans. Any Indian citizen under 55 years of age, who has attained a PhD/Master’s degree in relevant fields, has a minimum professional work experience of 10 years, and 5 years in India.
Q: What is the monthly fellowship amount?
Ans. ₹25,000/month supplemental to institutional salary.
Q: What is the contingency grant?
Ans. ₹10,00,000 per year for consumables, equipment, manpower, and travel.
Q: What is the duration of the fellowship?
Ans. 3 years, initially, which may be extended up to 2 more years.
Q: Can I apply if I am already holding and receiving a fellowship?
Ans. No. The fellowship is stand-alone and cannot be combined with other fellowships.
Conclusion
The Tata Innovation Fellowship is a one-of-a-kind opportunity for Indian researchers to transition their innovations from the lab to the real world. They will receive a significant amount of financial support, as well as recognition, that will equip scientists to develop transformational impact in critical areas like healthcare, agriculture, and the environment.
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