Applications are open for VISHWAS Fellowship at PRL for young PhD researchers in basic science.
The Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) has invited applications for the Vikram Sarabhai Postdoctoral Fellowship, known as VISHWAS, for young researchers pursuing basic science with social relevance. The fellowship has been introduced to honor the vision of Prof. Vikram Sarabhai and will support disruptive and cutting-edge research related to ongoing scientific fields at PRL.Under the programme, selected fellows will get a monthly scholarship of Rs 1 lakh along with HRA and other facilities under PRL and Department of Space rules. PRL has announced three fellowship positions. The fellowship will be awarded initially for two years, with annual review for renewal. Candidates may also get one year extension after approval and justification.Eligibility Criteria and Selection ProcessIndian nationals pursuing a PhD within four years of their degree can apply for the fellowship. Applicants must be below 35 years of age on the last date of application and must have maintained a first-class academic record throughout their studies. Researchers already working as PDFs in PRL are not eligible.Shortlisting will be based on academic credentials, research proposals and recommendations received from three referees who are not part of the PRL faculty. Shortlisted candidates may be invited for online or in-person interview after receiving all required documents and recommendations.Application process and documents required.Applicants must complete the online registration process, activate their account through an email link and submit personal, educational, employment and publication details through the application portal. Referee information must also be submitted online, after which recommendation requests will be automatically generated.Candidates are required to upload their PhD thesis abstract, publication details and a research proposal prepared in consultation with a proposed PRL supervisor. The proposal should include the motivation, objectives, methodology, expected results and timeline for the first year of the proposed research work.Research proposal requirements and timelinesA research proposal should outline the introduction, background, methodology, experience relevant to the proposed work, and expected results. Applicants must also provide publication details from peer-reviewed journals and work-in-progress under review. Candidates employed in Government Departments, Public Sector Undertakings or Autonomous Institutions will be required to produce No Object Certificate during the interview process at PRL Headquarters.
