Indian-Origin: The government unveiled the VAIBHAV fellowship, awarding it to 22 scientists of Indian origin for collaborative research in leading Indian institutes. Focus areas include artificial intelligence and quantum technologies.
Notably, top scientists Arogyaswami J Paulraj and Prof. Jitendra Malik were offered collaborative projects in electrical engineering and computer science at IIT-Bombay and IIT-Kanpur.
Indian-Origin Researchers
Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh, along with NITI Aayog member V K Saraswat, Principal Scientific Advisor A K Sood, and DST Secretary Abhay Karandikar, made the announcement.
The VAIBHAV fellows, representing institutes from Australia, Canada, Finland, Japan, Singapore, Sweden, Switzerland, the UK, and the US, will collaborate with Indian institutions like IISc, IUCAA, and IITs for three years on jointly identified projects.
Initiated at the VAIBHAV Summit in October 2020 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the fellowship aims to foster collaboration between the Indian diaspora scientists and Indian higher educational institutions, universities, and public-funded scientific institutions.
Karandikar emphasized the potential for diaspora scientists to enrich Indian research, bringing diverse knowledge and experiences. The collaborative effort is envisioned to provide a fresh perspective on research, development, and innovation.
The engagement between the Indian diaspora and local researchers is expected to mutually benefit and broaden the horizons of scientific exploration in the country over the next three years.
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