National Solar Science Fellowship: A comprehensive guide to Solar Research Opportunities in India

Introduction to the National Solar Science Fellowship Program

In February 2011, the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) announced the National Solar Science Fellowship Program. With an emphasis on science, technology, and product development in partnership with a few prominent Indian institutions, the program is intended for Indian scientists who want to work at the cutting edge of solar energy science, engineering, and technology. In order to address the complex issues of solar energy utilization for various end uses, including power generation, the National Solar Science Fellowship Program aims to give top-tier scientists and engineers in the field of solar energy research a platform to use and expand the resources available at the designated schools/institutions in the nation and abroad. There will only be five (5) Fellowships available in total and the Fellowship will initially last two years, but depending on how well the Fellow’s work is going, it may be extended for an additional three years on an annual basis.

Aim and Importance of the Fellowship

The National Solar Science Fellow Programme aims to offer a platform for top-tier scientists and engineers specializing in solar energy research. The program seeks to leverage and enhance the resources available at leading institutions both nationally and internationally. Its primary objective is to tackle complex challenges associated with solar energy utilization across various applications, including power generation.

Host Institutions for the Fellowship

Only those institutions that rank in the top 100 according to the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), have teachers with the necessary experience in pertinent RE fields, and these institutions offer the infrastructure needed for RE research and instruction. The Fellowship Management Committee, which was established to carry out the program, may occasionally modify the selection criteria for universities. The MNRE will sign an MOU with these institutions. The Fellowship Management Committee, which the Ministry established for this purpose, will also choose the research topics to be conducted in the designated thrust areas of the Ministry under this fellowship program.

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Eligibility Criteria for the Fellowship

1. The candidate must be Indian or of Indian descent, hold a doctorate in science or engineering with a focus on renewable energy sciences, have at least ten years of experience in the field of renewable energy research, and have an exceptional record, including time spent conducting Ph.D. research.
2. Those with an M.Tech or M.S. degree who have published well and have lab or industry expertise will also be given special consideration if the Fellowship Management Committee determines that their submissions are worthwhile.
3. All applicants for the National Renewable Energy Science Fellowship must submit a thorough proposal for the Fellowship Management Committee to review.
4. The candidate should possess the necessary academic training and research and development experience in the fields of renewable energy and other associated fields that are either directly or indirectly related to the sciences, engineering, and technology of renewable energy.
5. While there is no age restriction for the programme, preference will be given to applicants aged between 35 and 40 years.
6. The Fellowship Management Committee will have the right to suitably amend the eligibility criteria.

Selection Procedure

1. Talented scientists with a track record of success in any area of renewable energy science or engineering are encouraged to apply through open. The applications must be submitted using the format specified by Annexure III-A (https://hrd.mnre.gov.in/)
2. With an emphasis on the possible influence of the proposed research project on resolving issues in renewable energy technology and systems, the candidate will include an R&D proposal with his or her application in the R&D thrust areas determined by the MNRE Fellowship Management Committee.
3. According to the guidelines and the established procedure, the Fellowship Management Committee, which is led by an eminent scientist and has other eminent scientists as members, will evaluate the applications and the research project before choosing up to five (5) National Renewable Energy Science Fellows.

Benefits and Grants for Fellows

1. Each selected Fellow will receive a total annual grant of up to 34.4 lakhs comprising of Fellowship@ Rs. 1.2 lakh (including tax) per month+ research grant upto Rs. 15 lakh / annum and contingency grant of Rs. 5 lakh / annum.
2. The emolument and contingencies will be provided to the candidate directly through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) method and the research grant will be released to the host institution. The host institution will also be responsible for submission of utilisation certificate and audited Statement of Expenditure.
3. The Fellow may also raise additional resources from other sources such as the host Institution, grant providers, grant-in-aid Institutions etc. for the purpose of carrying out his/her research.

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Obligations and Expectations from Selected Fellows

1. On selection, the Fellow will be attached to one of the selected schools/institutions. This would however, be finalized in consultation with the fellow and the Institute.
2. Selected Fellows shall commit to work at the host institution for the full tenure of the fellowship and shall submit a bond to the host institution.
3. The Fellowship Management Committee requires the Fellow to submit quarterly progress reports and a final technical report. The Fellowship Management Committee may periodically request updates from the Fellow and offer inputs and guidance to the Fellows’ project to ensure that it remains pertinent to the Government of India agenda and is successfully completed on time.
4. An annual conference of the Fellows will be held, where the Fellows will be expected to present their findings to the Fellowship Management Committee and other invitees and share knowledge and learning and discuss areas for further collaboration and practical application of their research.
5. An annual conference of the Fellows will be conducted, during which the Fellows are expected to present their findings to the Fellowship Management Committee and other invited guests. They will also exchange knowledge and learning, as well as discuss potential areas for future collaboration and practical application of their research.

Expected outcome of programme

1. A pool of highly motivated and high-quality scientists would be accessible to conduct need-based research in the rapidly developing field of renewable energy.
2. The quality of renewable energy technology will be significantly enhanced by the implementation of innovative solutions and technologies that are the result of the research conducted under the program.
3. The personnel and infrastructural facilities at various institutions in the country would be improved and fortified.
4. The promotion and enhancement of interaction among scientists employed in various institutions throughout the nation. This approach would facilitate the resolution of intricate renewable energy issues through a multidisciplinary and inter professional approach.